Disciplinary Witness- what is expected of me

[misslideaway]

I have been asked to be a witness for my friend and boss during her disciplinary. What is expected of me other than to be there to support her? Can I help in any other way?

Thanks

[antiguru]

you're really there to offer moral support. my advice is don't speak unless your friend asks you to as this really winds the discipliner up. your friend might find it helpful if you take notes during the meeting for her to review later. also, if she looks like she's losing it, try to calm her or suggest she asks for an adjournment.

[catherine_s]

youre basically there to be a character witness, in order to determine if your friend is of good enough character to still be employed. the only thing you can do is be totally honest and dont out-right lie if asked a difficult question about your friend...just dont get flustered and if you dont want to lie but you dont want to betray your friend just say things like 'not that im aware of' etc. etc.

in my last work place, a workmate was pulled up for a disciplinary and his character witness blatantly lied for him. he ended up leaving the job anyway because everyone was mad that he got away with it, it made for a very unpleasant working environment. im sure your friend is not awful like my ex workmate was (!) but it just shows that there still can be consequences if your character witness bends the truth on your behalf. the best thing you can do, like antiguru said, is dont speak unless asked anything and try to be honest

[gammaray]

You're there only to "witness" that the disciplinary procedure is fair and not prejudicial. You will not be invited to offer opinions or comment on anything being said.