Suspended but asked what I did wrong

Geoff1963

A suspension ( on full pay ? ) is normally to take the suspect away from the workplace ; so that investigations can be made unhindered, and witnesses won't be intimidated.
If the OP was on Paternity Leave, there was no need for them to be removed in that way, and hence no need for the company to change his status.

However, if the OP was not on Paternity Leave ( or Paternity Leave is less than 100 % of pay ), the company is giving him several weeks of time off, on full pay, just after his partner has given birth. Maybe it's just me, but the smiley face suggests something a bit devious is going on, in the OP's favour.

A very stressed manager once asked me ( in jest ) to accuse them of something bad, because they needed a few days off and couldn't afford the holiday.

[Deleted User]

From the way the meeting went, I doubt the above is true, unfortunately.

Personally (I don't have a clue if this is the correct way to proceed) I would not say anything more until I knew what they were investigating. I'd also be looking at having a witness.

I would be very careful about what I said in any future meetings given that you have now described a situation you thought might be the cause and they've added the word 'knowingly' in later correspondence. It may be what they can do (although I'm not sure I'd agree, it sounds like entrapment to me) but I'd be very careful and non commital in future meetings.

I believe you can phone ACAS for advice. I'd suggest you do this. But try and explain to them fully what the situation is as you know it.

http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1339

ohreally

Op,I've never been involved in an investigation such as you describe. Management have always held a short meeting with the individual facing suspension briefly outlining the circumstances leading up to this point.

During the investigation hearing they may well embark on a fishing expedition casting their net wide, you need to be prepared for this. There can be a fine line between being co-operative and building their case for them.

Tread carefully.

madfiddler

Thing is @Geoff1963, I work from home whereas the office I have been mainly been working for is based in Birmingham, so there's no question of me intimidating anyone, not that I would anyway.

Thank for the Acas tips. I've been part of a Union for most of my working life, but generally because I play gigs in my spare time, as it turns out they are helping out with this too.

I'm just waiting now for a letter inviting me to a disciplinary hearing I guess. I'll be putting my reasoning across at that stage I presume, although it seems that's a little too late if the disciplinary hearing is to determine what to do with me based on their one sided investigation..... Maybe they'll surprise me and ask me more questions. There's so many issues from my side which I believe need to be taken into account.

A lovely way to hit 10 years with the company (with an unblemished record might I add).

elsien

If they call a disciplinary hearing then they need to let you know before hand what the allegations are so you can present your side of things effectively. Do you have a copy of your organisations disciplinary procedure - if not, you might want to get one.

madfiddler

Yep I do now. They didn't supply one when I was suspended, but I asked for one a couple of days later. They still didn't supply all of the relevant documentation, which I do have now after the Union asked.

I'm also still waiting for a requested copy of the notes taken at the investigation meeting, which was over a month ago now.

Geoff1963

I'm also still waiting for a requested copy of the notes taken at the investigation meeting, which was over a month ago now.

Are you still on suspension ? For over a month ? That sounds very odd.

jobbingmusician

Not in the voluntary sector, sadly..... I was suspended while an investigation was going on for 7 months, once! (Sad to say, although innocent I cracked - negotiated a good reference, got myself another job, and left.)

madfiddler

Yes Geoff, still suspended but spending my time wisely.

Jobbingmusician - this is music related as well, but not voluntary.

andygb

My advice to the OP, would be this.
Find out exactly why they have suspended you, and if there is another meeting, take someone with you.
It sounds like the original meeting was a bit of a "fishing trip" for them.
When I have been present at investigations/disciplinary meetings, any accusations/charges/reasons have been clearly outlined, usually before the meeting takes place.