Hi,

I was just hoping for some suggestions on the best way to deal with this situation.

I am HR Manager for a Group of Companies, it is a new role and a new department.  One of our employees has just telephoned to ask if I will represent them in a Disciplinary Hearing regarding an absence/timekeeping issue.

In my previous HR roles, I would usually be supporting the Manager but I am not in this instance as I have told all Managers to let me know of any issues, but to continue as they have done previously until they hear from me, so I can concentrate on setting the department up during my first few months.

I have told the employee that I think it would be a conflict of interests but I'll think about it and speak to the Disciplining Officer and get back to him.  His response was that he just wanted someone there who would be impartial, fair and consistent and who better than the HR Manager.

Does anyone have any thoughts to help me make a decision?

That is exactly what I said to him.  I also offered to give his representative some guidance on their responsibilities if he was able to find a suitable representative.

Thanks anyway