Case History

'The Practice [a GP Practice] had recently implemented amendments to processes within the surgery and during the consultation process one employee had exercised their right to be represented at the meeting. The individual chose their Trade Union representative to attend.

Although as a Practice Manager I understood the broad issues of employment legislation, I too wanted to exercise my right to have accompaniment at the meeting – to support me. GP's employ a Practice Manager to manage and deal with HR situations on their behalf. The PCT staff were very busy and unable to offer this support. The local IIP office tried to find internal and external support via ACAS, but again each department had their own reasoning for not being able to attend the meeting.

As a subscriber to iQ I therefore turned to the iQ customer team who first of all gave me support and assurance on how to approach the matter and how to use the iQ Employment Legal Advice Line to provide this help. All of which is included as part of the service provided under the annual subscription.

Having then established contact with the iQ Employment Legal Advice Line one lawyer on the team dealt with my issue. The problem was discussed at length, issues investigated thoroughly and as many problems are often two or threefold in employment situations, all solutions carefully considered. All paperwork (letters to employee, preparation for any meetings etc) was faxed over to the lawyer who checked the content and promptly called back to discuss any necessary changes.

The support the individual provided was excellent and she explained that whilst they could not physically represent me at any meetings, what they could and did do was provide guidance on how to conduct them and how they could support me. For example I could adjourn at any time to confer with the legal team on the telephone, or terminate and re-arrange if necessary.

They gave me the confidence not to be intimidated by the process as I was entitled to have representation, whether in physical or remote form.

As it turned out a Trade Union representative arrived and agreed that we had handled the whole situation correctly and fairly at every stage.

All of the above documentation, support and guidance was provided to us as part of our subscription to iQ at no additional cost to the practice. It's a one off charge for the whole year and covers not just employment but health & safety and other business planning issues.'

Practice Manager - Northampton GP Practice.