Union Representation at formal meetings 

 Union Representatives should state the capacity in which they are attending formal meetings i.e. representative, trainee, observer etc. at the start of the meeting.  

 If a Union Representative is identified as ‘at risk’ under the Redundancy Ordinance Policy and Procedure, it is usual for two officers/representatives to attend consultation meetings.  

Conflict of interest  

Union Representatives should not attend formal meetings in a Union capacity where there is a conflict of interest: Examples include: 

• During individual consultation meetings under the Redundancy Ordinance it would be a conflict of interest to be represented by a Union representative that is also at risk of redundancy in that department. 

It is reasonable, during the processes covered by the Redundancy Ordinance, for a Union representative to engage in all other activities and formal processes in their own department (whether at risk of redundancy or not) as their local knowledge is invaluable to creating a meaningful engagement. 

Equally there is no conflict of interest by the Union representative simply being in the same department. This applies to all other University procedures and other formal meetings with the University. 

• During disciplinary investigations, the Union representative who is representing the individual under investigation should not otherwise be involved in the process such as having been interviewed or involved in the allegations in any way. This would also apply in cases progressed under the Grievance Ordinance.   

  

Any other scenarios of potential conflict of interest should be referred to the Director of HR and Chair of the Union Branch to consider and agree whether a conflict of interest applies. Meetings should be postponed until the completion of this referral. ACAS should be called upon if no agreement can be reached.