There are different patterns depending on whether you're writing about:
- disciplinary hearings
- appeal hearings
- grievance meetings
Disciplinaries
Disciplinaries usually involve:
- 1 or more investigatory meetings (with the 'accused' and possible witnesses)
- a final hearing with the accused – followed by a decision
- an appeal hearing (if needed)
When to use this pattern
Use this pattern on first mention of 'hearing' in content as some people might not know what it means.
The pattern
[intro specific to topic where 'hearing' is first mentioned]. [This / A hearing ] is a meeting where [the employer / your employer / you] consider[s] / hear[s] all the evidence before making a decision.
Example
After carrying out an investigation, your employer should invite you to a disciplinary 'hearing'. This is a meeting where your employer considers all the evidence before making a decision.
Grievances
Grievances usually involve:
- an initial meeting with the employee (this is sometimes called a hearing)
- 1 or more investigatory meetings
- a decision in writing – not involving any further meeting or hearing
- an appeal hearing (if needed)
When to use this pattern
Use this pattern on first mention of grievance meeting.
The pattern
[intro specific to topic where a grievance meeting is first mentioned]. A grievance meeting is sometimes called a 'hearing'.
Example
When an employee raises a formal grievance, the employer should hold a meeting with them. A grievance meeting is sometimes called a 'hearing'.
Appeals
An appeal hearing involves considering the points made in the appeal to make a final decision.
When to use this pattern
Use this pattern on first mention of 'hearing' in content as some people might not know what it means.
The pattern
[intro specific to topic where 'hearing' is first mentioned]. [This / A hearing ] is a meeting where [the employer / your employer / you] consider[s] the points made in the appeal before making a final decision.
Example
After you've raised an appeal, your employer should invite you to an appeal 'hearing'. This is a meeting where your employer considers the points made in the appeal before making a final decision.
Things to remember
On first mention, put 'hearing' in inverted commas, because it's a legal term.