advice regarding disciplinary hearing

catsandstuff

*name changed*

Hi,

Today I was suspended on full pay until my disciplinary hearing following an investigation into the disclosure of commercially sensitive information over social media.

The allegation constitutes gross misconduct and is the reason why I have been suspended.

I admitted from the start that it was myself who posted the information and my reasoning was primarily due to wanting to help the person asking the question but as responses to my post came in I ended up revealing a bit too much about a company. (Not my own, one of our customers who is a large corporation). The company saw the posts and an investigation began.

The posts weren't too bad, i.e. not slagging them off or anything but clearly I said too much otherwise I wouldn't be in this position. I grovelled in the investigation and provided my reasoning and explained the impact this would have and that there was no risk of this happening again, simply got caught up in it all etc etc.

The person conducting the investigation explained to me that following the investigation they did not want me to make any rash decisions, i.e. resigning and to see the disciplinary hearing through as gross misconduct does not necessarily result in dismissal.

I absolutely love my job and I've worked hard to get where I am. Obviously social media is still a bit of weird grey area and I'm not sure of how the hearing is likely to go. I've got it into my head that because I've done something wrong that is considered gross misconduct, surely the only possible outcome is dismissal? Then I think, well I've not lied or defrauded or punched anyone so maybe they'll give me another chance?

My head is in bits! :eek:

Any words of support?

NewShadow

catsandstuff wrote: »

Any words of support?

*e-hug*

I'm sure someone will be along that can advise on processes and reassure you regards what to expect, but i just wanted to say, I work in Comms, do events, work on the techie side, and on forums.

I know how easy it is to get talking (or typing) and be trying to help someone, and maybe get either a little too casual or a little too helpful.

I've never been in your position, but i've got colleagues that have and I've skirted close (thankfully re-reading things before sending or having a lucky second set of eyes pick something up). Note though - my colleagues are still colleagues so there is hope.

Good luck.

*more hugs*

TBagpuss

dismissal isn't the only outcome, even if hey find that it is gross misconduct. It sounds as though you were very open and honest about what happened, and from the sound of it, are not likely to make the same mistake again.

The fact they told you that it doesn't necessarily result in dismissal may be a good dign.

Did they tell you how soon they are likely to give their decision?

wiogs

Dismissal is not the only outcome. I have taken part in various disciplinaries over the years and although some people have been dismissed for gross misconduct not all have.

There are lots of things to consider.

Social networking is not a "weird grey area" at all. Just don't discuss work.

enjoyyourshoes

Hi

contact your Union if you belong to one or if not ACAS (they could provide advice)

If neither you can bring a work colleague to support you, is there anyone within your Org that can assist?

catsandstuff

Thanks

The posts weren't on typical social media and they've had to do some digging to work out that it was me to start off with so I think they're grateful that I've admitted it straight away instead of denying all knowledge.

That being said, reading into some social media news cases, people seem to lose their jobs over all sorts of posts so I'm worried they'll in a way make an example out of me.

I keep going back over the posts and feel so annoyed at myself, most of the stuff is publicly available and links posted also referred the person to websites that included the same things I was saying. People started to ask me all sorts of questions and I became defensive about my position which in turn made the customer look bad. What an idiot

catsandstuff

enjoyyourshoes wrote: »

Hi

contact your Union if you belong to one or if not ACAS (they could provide advice)

If neither you can bring a work colleague to support you, is there anyone within your Org that can assist?

We aren't unionised like in my old job and I stupidly didn't sign up this time. I would take a colleague in but I'm too embarrassed about the whole thing. They all think i'm either working from home or on holiday at the moment

wiogs

Lesson learned, however the fact that you have admitted everything and realise the stupidity, from the company point of view, of what you have done is good.


Is there a company handbook that you can refer to policy on and is the policy clear and your breach of it obvious?

ohreally

Why is the employer going for gross misconduct rather then misconduct, are there aggravating circumstances or has the employers client went ape?

catsandstuff

ohreally wrote: »

Why is the employer going for gross misconduct rather then misconduct, are there aggravating circumstances or has the employers client went ape?

Erm, I just understood they had gone for gross misconduct as the particular references to disclosure of information, things that may cause harm etc fall under what my employer considers to be gross misconduct. That, and a shed load of other stuff.

wiogs

catsandstuff wrote: »

Erm, I just understood they had gone for gross misconduct as the particular references to disclosure of information, things that may cause harm etc fall under what my employer considers to be gross misconduct. That, and a shed load of other stuff.

Which means what? Are there other accusations here as well?