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Appeal a grievance decision

How to appeal a grievance decision and what happens next.

If you feel your grievance has not been resolved, you can appeal to a senior manager who was not involved in the original decision.

How to appeal

Send your appeal in writing within 5 working days of receiving the outcome letter. Your appeal should include:

  • why you do not accept the original decision
  • what outcome or resolution you are seeking (must be reasonably achievable)

What happens next

The appeal letter will be acknowledged within 5 working days.

A meeting will be arranged as soon as possible.

In schools, this will be a meeting of the Appeals Committee of the Governing Body.

Appeal meetings

If appropriate, the manager who originally dealt with the grievance may attend to provide context, for example:

  • operational issues
  • team dynamics
  • implications of decisions

What happens during the appeal

The appeal should follow the same steps as the original grievance hearing. This may include:

  • witnesses giving evidence again
  • the employee presenting their case
  • reviewing all original documentation
  • appointing an investigation officer for complex cases

Guidance for investigation officers is in the disciplinary procedure guidance.

Appeals should be dealt with promptly while allowing the employee reasonable time to prepare their case.

After the appeal

The final decision will be confirmed in writing within 5 working days. There is no further right of appeal.