Case Study
Managing Complex Employee Gross Misconduct Allegations, Absence and Multiple Grievances
At BIRCH-HR, we don’t just resolve issues, we protect people, reputations, and futures.
The Challenge
A client faced a serious situation when allegations of sexual harassment were made against an English teacher. The teacher strenuously refuted the claims and countered with discrimination allegations and mental health concerns. They were suspended following a risk assessment, and immediately approached Acas seeking a settlement, creating a complex legal and reputational risk for the Multi Academy.
Our Approach
Birch-HR provided specialist HR support throughout the case, ensuring the process was legally compliant, transparent, and defensible:
- Supported the internal investigator to guarantee all procedures aligned with employment law, the Acas Code of Practice, and organisational policy
- Supported and guided a disciplinary hearing, accommodating teacher absences and multiple grievances raised by the employee throughout the process
- Ensured reasonable adjustments were applied and the employee’s rights were considered
- Oversaw the dismissal and drafted the outcome letter in writing when the employee failed to attend, ensuring a compliant and fair process
- Led Acas conciliation to protect the Multi academy and minimise risk
What was the outcome and what were the key lessons?
- The employee did not appeal the dismissal nor the grievance outcomes
- The organisation was able to defend against potential claims effectively
- Claims were ultimately withdrawn by the claimant
- No compensation was agreed.
- The client benefited from expert, high quality technical HR support, ensuring compliance, mitigating risk, protecting school leaders, staff from harassment, whilst effectively managing Trustee and Organisational reputation
- The TRA (regulatory body) investigated the case and issued a prohibition order.
Enquire Today
We look forward to arranging a convenient time to establish how we can best support your current leadership with the delivery of both current and future HR priorities.