Policy: Staff grievance resolution

Purpose

To outline the principles which underpin the resolution of grievances raised by ANU staff.

Overview

University principles for resolution of grievances raised by staff.

Scope

The policy applies to all staff across the University.

Policy statement

Principles

It is the intention of this policy to address staff grievances and resolve them effectively (including those of discrimination, harassment, bullying or other serious complaints) through a common process of explicit discussion and review. The grievance policy and procedures are neither intended to be an end in themselves, nor a prejudicial process nor a punishment.
It is expected that before needing to initiate formal grievance procedures, the staff members will generally try to resolve concerns directly with the persons concerned and at a local level wherever possible. Staff members are encouraged to raise issues with their supervisor or manager, especially if these are adversely affecting the university work environment.
ANU acknowledges that staff may have the option to seek advice or review from external agencies in relation to issues, especially where there may be allegations of sexual harassment or bullying. In many cases, however, it is anticipated that grievances may be resolved as a result of parties having more information and becoming more sensitive to other perspectives, discussing concerns, taking a conciliatory approach or in some cases where one or more people apologise to one another.
Issues of healthy, even robust academic debate and other workplace dynamics will not necessarily give rise to grievances. Although it is acknowledged that in some cases staff members may need to “agree to disagree”, “grievances” are often characterized by decisions or actions where a reaction is so intense that a disagreement arises which damages the working relationship or work environment.
Where it is otherwise inappropriate (such as seniority or relative power imbalance between parties) or staff members are unable to successfully resolve concern directly or locally, then this policy anticipates a review process outlines in the staff grievance resolution procedure which will guide parties through a structured approach to resolution. It is expected, however, that many grievances will be resolved in the first instance after candid but constructive conversation, in many cases where the supervisor takes action to cultivate a positive work environment.
It is expected that all staff will participate in good faith in resolving grievances so that ANU establishes and maintains a respectful workplace that contributes to it maintaining its position as Australia’s leading University and one of the best in the world.
Where a staff member used a grievance process defined within the staff grievance resolution procedure, it is expected that the grievance process would normally be fully exhausted before any dispute is raised under the Dispute avoidance and settlement provisions of the Enterprise Agreement.
To facilitate grievance resolution at the informal and early stages, ANU provides information and training to assist staff, especially supervisor, in managing grievances effectively.

Information	Printable version (PDF)
Title	Staff grievance resolution
Document Type	Policy
Document Number	ANUP_000466
Version	8
Purpose	To outline the principles which underpin the resolution of grievances raised by ANU staff.
Audience	Staff, Staff-Academic, Staff-Professional
Category	Administrative
Topic/ SubTopic	Staff - Grievances & Appeals

Effective Date	25 Jul 2016
Review Date	31 Dec 2017

Responsible Officer	Director, Human Resources
Approved By:	Vice-Chancellor
Contact Area	Human Resources Division
Authority	Racial Discrimination Act 1975 Sex Discrimination Act 1984 Disability Discrimination Act 1992 Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986