External chairing of disciplinary hearings and appeals – fair, impartial, and aligned with your internal procedures.

CMP provides independent chairs for disciplinary and grievance hearings and appeals, helping organisations ensure procedural fairness, reduce risk, and maintain trust in high-stakes situations.

Our impartial experts bring calm authority, clear reasoning, and deep knowledge of employment law and organisational policies – supporting a process that’s robust, respectful, and legally sound.

Why appoint an external chair?

• Impartiality where it matters: We provide neutrality when internal decision-makers are too close to the case or where bias could be perceived.

• Procedural expertise: Our chairs ensure your hearing follows internal policies, ACAS guidance, and legal best practice – avoiding procedural missteps.

• Support for complex or high-risk cases: We’re experienced in chairing hearings involving senior staff, whistleblowing, discrimination, and public scrutiny.

• Added capacity: If your HR or senior leadership team lacks availability or confidence in managing the process, we step in quickly and professionally.

• Confidence for all parties: An independent chair signals fairness and transparency to everyone involved – helping preserve trust in the process and outcome.

Our disciplinary and appeal hearing services

We’re regularly commissioned to:

• Chair formal disciplinary hearings following a workplace investigation

• Chair grievance appeal hearings where independence is critical

• Review previous decisions and ensure appeal outcomes are evidence-based and fair

• Provide hearing panels or additional support roles (e.g. notetakers or HR advisors)

• Advise on appropriate sanctions or next steps based on findings and policy

We support clients in sectors including healthcare, higher education, local government, charities, and regulated industries.

What to expect

1. Case briefing: We review relevant policies, investigation reports, and any previous decisions.

2. Planning: We assess complexity and risks, agree the format (in person or virtual), and prepare for a smooth hearing.

3. Chairing the hearing: Our chair leads a respectful, balanced process that allows all voices to be heard.

4. Decision-making and outcome: We issue a written outcome, with clear rationale and alignment to your internal procedures.

5. Optional support: Post-outcome advice or training can be provided on lessons learned, patterns, or procedural improvements.

Quality, confidentiality, and compliance

• Over 30 years of experience in workplace resolution

• ISO27001 certified for secure and confidential case handling

• All practitioners vetted, trained, and supported by CMP’s quality team

• Consistently trusted by large employers and institutions UK-wide

Need an experienced external chair for a disciplinary hearing or appeal?
We’re here to support your process with fairness, clarity, and professionalism.