Preparing for Disciplinary Hearings

Digital Professional Edition · First Edition 2026

Quick Reference Guide · Searchable professional PDF · 2025 Code of Good Practice: Dismissal

Practical preparation. Sound decisions.

Disciplinary cases are seldom lost because an employer did not believe misconduct had occurred. They are lost because the facts were not properly established, the evidence was poorly prepared, the allegations were unclear, the employee’s response was not fairly considered, or the eventual decision could not be justified.

Preparing for Disciplinary Hearings is a practical professional handbook designed to help employers approach discipline methodically—from the first report of an incident through investigation, evidence gathering, formulation of allegations and preparation for the disciplinary hearing.

It is written for the people who actually have to do the work.

From incident to hearing — step by step

The book takes the reader through the disciplinary process in a practical sequence, including:

• the purpose and legal framework of workplace discipline;
• identifying misconduct and the applicable workplace standard;
• reporting and responding to workplace incidents;
• planning and conducting an investigation;
• collecting and preserving documentary, electronic, physical and witness evidence;
• interviewing witnesses and obtaining the employee’s response;
• evaluating evidence on the balance of probabilities;
• identifying the correct source of discipline;
• formulating clear and fair allegations;
• preparing charge sheets and notices;
• considering consistency and appropriate sanction;
• understanding the roles of the manager, investigator, initiator, HR and chairperson;
• building and organising an evidence bundle;
• preparing witnesses;
• developing case theory and a proof map;
• preparing for and presenting the disciplinary hearing; and
• using practical templates and checklists to support a fair and defensible process.

Built for practical use

This is not simply a textbook explaining labour-law principles.

The Digital Professional Edition includes:

• 22 detailed chapters covering the disciplinary process from incident to hearing.
• 38 practical scenarios demonstrating how disciplinary principles arise in real workplace situations.
• 5 reusable templates designed to assist with investigation and disciplinary preparation.
• 4 comprehensive checklist sets for practical use by managers and HR practitioners.
• Quick Reference Guide for use when preparing and managing disciplinary matters.
• Searchable digital format allowing practitioners to find relevant subjects quickly rather than working through 607 pages manually.

Updated for the current dismissal framework

The First Edition incorporates the 2025 Code of Good Practice: Dismissal and distinguishes current requirements from historical Schedule 8 formulations.

The emphasis throughout is on practical fairness rather than unnecessarily converting workplace discipline into court proceedings.

Who is this book for?

This publication has been written particularly for:

• business owners and employers;
• HR managers and practitioners;
• line managers responsible for discipline;
• workplace investigators;
• disciplinary initiators;
• employer representatives;
• consultants; and
• practitioners who regularly prepare or participate in disciplinary proceedings.

No formal legal training is required to use the book.

Digital Professional Edition

R1,295

Single-user professional licence

Your purchase includes:

• the complete 607-page publication, plus the included two-page digital licence;
• immediate electronic delivery;
• searchable text;
• clickable navigation;
• all five templates;
• all four checklist sets;
• the Quick Reference Guide; and
• permission to adapt and use the included practical templates and checklists in workplace matters in which you are professionally involved.

Sales will open once the final edition is ready.

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Organisational licences

Need the book for your HR team?

The R1,295 Digital Professional Edition is licensed to one named professional user.

For employers wanting to make the publication available to several managers or HR practitioners:

Individual Professional — R1,295

One named user.

Small Employer / HR Team — R2,495

Up to five named internal users.

Company Professional — R4,495

Up to twenty named internal users.

Enterprise — quotation

Larger organisations — contact us for an enterprise licence.

Every licensed user receives access for internal professional use. Organisation licences do not permit resale or external redistribution.

Enquire about team licensing

Printed Professional Edition — Coming Soon

Prefer a physical book?

A professionally printed edition of Preparing for Disciplinary Hearings is in preparation.

Notify me when the printed edition is available

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a general labour-law textbook?

No. It is specifically designed as a practical guide to preparing for and managing workplace disciplinary processes, from the initial incident and investigation through preparation for the disciplinary hearing.

Is the book current?

The First Edition is published in 2026 and incorporates the current dismissal framework, including the 2025 Code of Good Practice: Dismissal.

Do I need legal training to use it?

No. The book is written for employers, managers, HR practitioners, investigators and initiators. Legal principles are explained in the context of the practical decisions workplace practitioners have to make.

What format will I receive?

The Digital Professional Edition is supplied as a professionally formatted, searchable PDF with internal navigation.

Can I print it?

A single-user purchaser may print one working copy for their own professional use.

Can I use the templates and checklists?

Yes. The purchaser may reproduce, complete and adapt the included templates, checklists and practical forms for workplace matters in which the purchaser is professionally involved.

Can I send the PDF to my managers or colleagues?

Not under a single-user licence. Multi-user organisational licences are available for employers that want several people to use the publication.

Can our company put the PDF on its shared drive?

Not under the single-user licence. An appropriate organisational licence is required for multi-user access.

Is this legal advice?

No. The publication is a professional educational and reference resource. Particular workplace matters may require advice based on their specific facts and applicable legal and contractual framework.

Is a printed version available?

A printed professional edition is being prepared. Customers can register to be notified when it becomes available.

Better preparation produces better disciplinary decisions.

Investigate properly. Understand the evidence. Formulate the allegations fairly. Prepare the case methodically. Give the employee a genuine opportunity to respond. Reach a decision that can be explained and defended.

Preparing for Disciplinary Hearings gives managers and HR practitioners a structured practical framework for doing exactly that.

Digital Professional Edition — R1,295

Publication in preparation. Purchases and downloads are not yet available.