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Details
1-Day Practical Workshop for Line Managers, Supervisors and HR Officers
Every successful disciplinary hearing starts with a well-prepared case. This focused, practical workshop equips managers and HR practitioners with the skills and confidence to investigate misconduct, draft solid charges, and present a defensible case on behalf of the employer. Aligned with South African labour law, the course demystifies the role of the initiator, teaches evidence-gathering techniques, and shows how to handle witnesses and documentation professionally. Whether you're new to hearings or want to sharpen your approach, this course gives you the legal grounding and practical tools to protect your organisation and ensure a fair process for all.
Protect your company. Strengthen your case. Present with confidence.
The author of the course Michael Opperman, is also the author of two books called “A Practical Guide to Disciplinary Hearings” & “Investigating Misconduct and Incapacity.” Juta Law publishes both books.
Note -that if you need to understand how to Chair a disciplinary hearing, please refer to this course.
- Understand the legal foundation for disciplinary hearings under the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and Schedule 8.
- Recognise the role and responsibilities of the initiator in a disciplinary process.
- Conduct a fair and thorough misconduct investigation, including interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence.
- Draft clear and legally sound charges that align with the misconduct committed.
- Prepare and organise the company's case, including timelines, documentation, and evidence presentation.
- Effectively present the employer’s case during a hearing, including questioning witnesses and responding to cross-examination.
- Differentiate between misconduct, incapacity (poor performance or ill health), and other types of workplace issues.
- Understand grievance processes and how they interact with or differ from disciplinary action.
- Avoid common procedural and evidentiary pitfalls that lead to CCMA challenges.
- Participate confidently in a hearing setting, supporting procedural fairness while protecting the employer's interests.
Delivery Methods
| Delivery Method | Duration | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom | 1 Day | Get a Quote | |
| Live Virtual Training | 1 Day | Get a Quote |
Discounts Available
Save up to 10% by booking and paying 10 business days before the course.
Brochure:
Audience
- Line Managers and Supervisors
- Responsible for addressing misconduct and enforcing workplace discipline.
- HR Officers and HR Business Partners
- Involved in drafting charges, managing investigations, and supporting hearings.
- Industrial Relations (IR) Practitioners
- Those who represent the employer in hearings need strong case presentation skills.
- Team Leaders and Operational Managers
- Who must understand their role in initiating disciplinary processes.
- Unionised Environment Representatives (from the management side)
- Who often act as company initiators during hearings.
- Aspiring HR professionals or Junior Managers
- Looking to develop foundational legal and procedural knowledge in the labour discipline.
Pre-Requisites
Basic understanding of South African labour law, particularly:
- The Labour Relations Act (LRA) and
- Schedule 8 Code of Good Practice on Dismissal.
Experience in a supervisory or HR role, preferably with involvement in managing employee conduct or performance.
Familiarity with internal disciplinary policies and procedures. (Especially helpful if participants will apply the training immediately.)
Recommended (Not Mandatory):
Prior attendance at a basic labour relations course or disciplinary policy orientation.
Observation of at least one formal disciplinary hearing (as an observer or note-taker).
Course Outline / Curriculum
Section 1 - The Basics of Labour Law
Section 2 – Role & Duties of The Initiator.
Section 3 - Misconduct Investigation
Section 4 - Misconduct Hearings
Section 5 - Poor Work Hearings
Section 6 - Incapacity for ill Health & Injury
Section 7 - Grievances
Section 8 - Witness Interaction & Evidence
Section 9 - Case Studies
Schedule Dates and Booking
There are currently no scheduled dates.
Please note that this course needs a minimum of 6 delegates to schedule a course. You can choose to be added to the waiting list by clicking the button below, and we will contact you when we have enough delegates interested. Should we not get enough delegates, we will refund or credit your paid booking.
Should you need this course urgently, the following options are available:
- Pay for 6 delegates (whether you have them or not) and we will schedule the course as soon as possible.
- If you have fewer delegates and cannot pay for 6, we can negotiate a shortened course where some of the time will be spent in blended learning - watching videos and doing tutorials and exercises with some contact time with the trainer. We would want to discuss what your core needs are so that we cover those aspects. You need to have paid for 3 delegates at least.