Details
Take the lead in one of the most critical aspects of workplace management -ensuring fair and legally compliant disciplinary processes. This 2-day Chairing and Conducting Workplace Hearings course equips you with the confidence and competence to run hearings that stand up to scrutiny, protect your organisation, and uphold employee rights. Through hands-on simulations, practical tools, and expert legal insight, you'll learn to chair hearings, evaluate evidence, and deliver sound, defensible outcomes. Whether you're a manager, HR professional, or IR specialist, this course is your opportunity to sharpen your leadership in labour law and contribute to a fair, compliant, and professional workplace.
The author of the course, Michael Opperman, is also the author of two books called “A Practical Guide to Disciplinary Hearings” & “Investigating Misconduct and Incapacity.” Juta Law publishes both books.
- Understand the legal framework for workplace hearings (LRA, Schedule 8, Section 188A).
- Distinguish between types of dismissals and incapacity cases.
- Fulfil the role of an impartial and effective chairperson.
- Follow correct hearing procedures from start to finish.
- Assess and analyse different types of evidence.
- Reach fair, legally sound findings and apply appropriate sanctions.
- Draft and communicate clear outcome decisions.
- Ensure consistency and procedural fairness in all hearings.
- Apply best practices to avoid CCMA disputes.
Delivery Methods
| Delivery Method | Duration | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Days | Get a Quote | ||
| 2 Days | Get a Quote |
Discounts Available
Save up to 10% by booking and paying 10 business days before the course.
Brochure:
Audience
Line Managers and Senior Supervisors
- Who are required to chair or participate in disciplinary processes
- Especially in medium to large organisations with formal HR procedures
HR Practitioners and IR Officers
- Responsible for advising on or facilitating disciplinary and incapacity hearings
- Wanting to deepen their legal knowledge and chairing skill set
Middle and Senior Management
- In companies where disciplinary processes are handled in-house
- Particularly if operating across unionised or high-risk environments
Employee Relations Specialists
- Needing to manage consistency and legal risk across multiple hearings
Labour Consultants and In-House Legal Advisors
- Looking for structured refresher training or practical upskilling
Pre-Requisites
Basic Knowledge of Labour Law
- Familiarity with the Labour Relations Act (LRA), especially concepts like misconduct, incapacity, and fair dismissal.
- Understanding of procedural and substantive fairness.
Supervisory or Managerial Experience
- Should have experience in managing teams or dealing with employee conduct/performance issues.
- Prior Exposure to Disciplinary Processes
- Attendees should ideally have attended or observed a disciplinary hearing (as chairperson, initiator, or observer).
Good Communication and Documentation Skills
- Ability to ask clear questions, remain impartial, and take structured notes during processes.
Recommended (but not mandatory):
- Completion of a course on Initiating Hearings&
Course Outline / Curriculum
Section 1 – Types of Dismissals & The LRA
Section 2 – Role of The Chairperson.
Section 3 – Pre-Dismissal Arbitration
Section 4 – Suspension
Section 5 – Misconduct Hearings
Section 6 – Incapacity Poor Work Performance Hearings
Section 7 – Incapacity For Ill Health Hearing
Section 8 – Grievance Meetings
Section 9 – Chairpersons Checklist
Section 10 – Analyzing Evidence
Section 11 – Reaching A Verdict
Section 12 – Mitigation & Aggravation
Section 13 – Consistency
Section 14 – Formulating Sanction
Section 15 – The Finding
Section 16 – Section 188A
Section 17 – Internal Appeals
Section 18 – Case Studies
Schedule Dates and Booking
There are currently no scheduled dates.