What is the role of an independent chair?

At Frettens, we understand that chairing formal workplace processes can be a daunting and high-risk responsibility for internal managers.

One of the most valuable services we provide is our independent HR Chairing Service – offering legally robust and fair approaches to critical processes you may encounter.

But what exactly is an Independent Chair, and how can they benefit your business?

In his latest article, Nathan Andrews, Head of HR Services at Frettens, answers all your questions and more?

What is the role of an independent chair?

An external chair is an independent advisor who oversees formal workplace hearings, such as disciplinary, grievance and appeal hearings.

The role of the chair requires expertise, impartiality, consistency and a deep understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.

Why Choose an Independent Chair?

Many organisations recognise the challenges of chairing formal hearings internally. Line managers and senior leaders often lack the specific training, experience, or confidence to handle complex employee relations matters effectively.

Additionally, concerns about bias, conflicts of interest, or procedural errors can undermine the fairness of an internal process.

A poorly handled hearing can lead to claims of Unfair Dismissal which can be costly and time consuming. To read my colleague Chris Dobbs article on unfair dismissal click here.

Click here to find out more about how to mitigate Unfair Dismissal claims.

What does a professional, independent Chairing service cover?

An external chair will help support an organisation through a range of formal processes, including:

Disciplinary Hearings

Ensuring a fair and structured approach to handling and addressing allegations of misconduct or poor performance, with decisions made in line with UK employment law requirements.

Find out more about how to conduct disciplinary hearings in my colleague Chris Dobbs article here.

Grievance Hearings

Handling employee complaints objectively, ensuring a thorough and unbiased review of concerns raised.

Appeal Hearings

Providing an impartial review of previous decisions to ensure due process has been followed and that any appeal is considered fairly.

What to Expect from an external Chairing Service?

An external chair should take a comprehensive and professional approach:

• Pre-Hearing Preparation – Reviewing relevant documents, understanding the case, and preparing key questions to ensure a thorough and fair process.
• Chairing the Hearing – Managing proceedings professionally, allowing all parties a fair opportunity to present their case, and maintaining control of the meeting.
• Recommendations & Outcome Reporting – Providing a well-reasoned report with clear recommendations for the client on what the outcome should be. If decision-making authority has been explicitly delegated to us, we will make the final decision concerning the outcome; otherwise, the client retains decision-making authority.

How do Chairing Services support you?

A key advantage of our Chairing Service, here at Frettens, is that should a matter require legal input, we can involve our Employment Law Specialists.

Having this integration between our HR Advisory Team and our Employment Team ensure a comprehensive and joined-up approach.

This collaboration provides our clients with confidence that every aspect of the process is managed professionally, legally, and effectively, reducing risk and enhancing fairness.

Why choose Frettens Solicitors for Chairing Services?

At Frettens our Chairing Service ensures:

• Independence & Impartiality – We provide an unbiased external chair to ensure procedural fairness and compliance.
• Legal Expertise – As specialists in employment law and HR best practice, we ensure hearings align with current legal standards and ACAS guidance.
• Consistency & Fairness – A structured and professional approach to ensure consistency across all formal hearings.
• Risk Mitigation – A well-conducted hearing reduces the risk of future claims and disputes, safeguarding your organisation.

Specialist Chairing Services

As Head of HR Services at Frettens Solicitors, I lead a team that specialises in supporting businesses with complex HR matters.

Our experience in chairing formal hearings ensures that our clients benefit from a professional, legally sound, and efficient process that reduces risk and promotes fairness in decision-making.

If your organisation is facing a challenging disciplinary, grievance, or appeal process and would benefit from an experienced external chair, we are here to help.

To get in touch, please call us on 01202 499255, or fill out the form, for a free initial chat.