Chairing & Conducting Labour Law Hearings

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
Classroom	2 Days	Get a Quote
Live Virtual Training	2 Days	Get a Quote

Discounts Available

Save up to 10% by booking and paying 10 business days before the course.

Brochure:

Information may change without notice.

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.

Please note that this course needs a minimum of 6 delegates to schedule a course. You can choose to be added to the waiting list by clicking the button below, and we will contact you when we have enough delegates interested. Should we not get enough delegates, we will refund or credit your paid booking.

Add me to the waiting list

Should you need this course urgently, the following options are available:

Pay for 6 delegates (whether you have them or not) and we will schedule the course as soon as possible.
If you have fewer delegates and cannot pay for 6, we can negotiate a shortened course where some of the time will be spent in blended learning - watching videos and doing tutorials and exercises with some contact time with the trainer. We would want to discuss what your core needs are so that we cover those aspects. You need to have paid for 3 delegates at least.

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