What is the difference between a disciplinary hearing and a disciplinary meeting?

• Both terms are often used interchangeably and the difference between them is simply a matter of workplace policy.
• If you work in a small workplace you may be issued a notice to attend a disciplinary meeting. In that meeting the following people will be present:
  • your employer;
  • you;
  • your support person or union representative if any; and
  • a person to take minutes of the meeting.
• If you work in a medium or large workplace you may be issued a notice to attend a disciplinary hearing. An independent committee may investigate the matter and conduct the disciplinary hearing. These formally conducted meetings run in a similar way to a court hearing.
  • At a disciplinary hearing the following people will usually be present:
    • chairperson;
    • employer or their representatives;
    • employee, their representatives and support person;
    • a person to take minutes of the meeting; and
    • any person who is a witness.
• In some industries disciplinary hearings and disciplinary actions may be regulated by a third party. That third party (such as a tribunal or board) usually has the power to impose severe penalties.
  • For example in NSW only the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal has the power to remove or suspend a doctor from the medical profession.