The Grievance Procedure is the formal process through which one employee can bring a complaint about the way that they have been treated by another employee. It allows a teacher to take formal action against the behaviour of a more senior colleague, but its use is not exclusive to such situations.
Each school Governing Body has to adopt its own procedure, although most follow a common model.
The upholding of a teacher's grievance may lead to a range of management actions from conciliation to restoring some previous working practice, to the instigation of disciplinary proceedings.
A Grievance can be pursued in writing or through a hearing at which evidence can be presented and witnesses produced.
If a member is considering taking out a Grievance, or has had one taken out against them, it is important to seek the advice and support of the local NUT Office.
These arise when a number of members have the same grievance or an individual grievance raises a matter of principle. Such disputes must be pursued by the Union.