Reviewing the College Disciplinary Procedure. Mendip Papers.

This paper provides practical advice on reviewing and designing disciplinary procedures and is set in the context of incorporation of further education and sixth form colleges in England. Reasons are provided for having disciplinary rules, based on the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service's (ACAS) Code of Practice. Relevant English employment legislation is discussed as are the methods of determining whether an employer has acted reasonably in dismissing an employee and the key principles of disciplinary procedure. Nine elements concerning the structure and content of college disciplinary procedure are addressed including discussions on implementation issues, assignment of responsibilities involving discipline, various disciplinary offenses and sanctions, time limits, representation during disciplinary actions, the use of disciplinary panels, and considerations when handling special disciplinary cases. Appendices include a sample of the ACAS' disciplinary procedure; a sample of a college-based disciplinary procedure; an example of a disciplinary code from a major industrial company; and a procedure for disciplining, suspending, and dismissing college staff. (GLR)