Implementing outcomes

An important part of handling a complaint is to deliver agreed outcomes.  Outcomes can include:

• conciliating
• counselling
• apologising
• re-crediting leave
• training
• warnings
• disciplining the person being complained about – demotion, transfer, suspension, probation or dismissal
• disciplining the person complaining if their complaint was malicious or vexatious.

Outcomes will depend on the:

• severity and frequency of the discrimination or harassment
• weight of evidence
• wishes of the person complaining
• expectations that the person being complained about should have known their behaviour was against your policy or the law
• existence of any prior incidents.

When a complaint can't be resolved

If there is not enough evidence to prove whether discrimination or harassment has happened, or it is denied, you can still implement an outcome: 

• remind the staff involved of expected conduct standards
• consider general awareness training for all staff
• monitor the situation.