The Importance of a Structured Probationary Process in Light of Employment Law Changes

In today’s fast-paced corporate environment, even organisations with well-established HR teams sometimes find themselves in need of external expertise. Over the years, I’ve been referred to by lawyers and professionals who’ve come across my services online. These referrals have led me to step into high-stakes situations—whether it’s leading grievance appeals, disciplinary hearings, or other sensitive matters involving senior executives or directors.

The Value of Impartiality

One of the primary reasons companies seek my services, even with an internal HR department in place, is to ensure true impartiality. This is particularly critical in cases involving senior employees where internal relationships or potential biases could complicate decision-making. Having an independent expert manage these processes not only demonstrates fairness but also strengthens the company’s position should the matter escalate to legal proceedings.

Why an External HR Professional Makes a Difference

Even the most seasoned HR professionals can benefit from an external perspective, especially in cases that demand a high level of scrutiny.

Here are some key benefits:

 

  1. Objective Decision-Making: By removing potential internal influences, the process gains credibility.
  2. Expertise in Complex Cases: With years of experience managing high-level cases, I bring a depth of knowledge that complements and enhances the internal HR team’s capabilities.
  3. Risk Mitigation: An impartial approach reduces the likelihood of disputes escalating, saving the company time, money, and reputational damage.
  4. Legal Preparedness: Should a case proceed to tribunal, having an external expert involved from the outset demonstrates due diligence and reinforces the company’s defence.

Conclusion

For large organisations, the stakes in senior-level grievance and disciplinary cases are simply too high to leave anything to chance. Whether it’s to safeguard impartiality, bring in specialised expertise, or strengthen legal defensibility, the advantages of engaging an external professional are clear. My goal is to support companies in navigating these challenges with confidence, ensuring the best outcomes for all parties involved.

If you are looking for help with human resources for your business, then please get in touch and find out how we can help today.