Disciplinary Enquiry & Arbitration Master Class

Disciplinary Enquiry & Arbitration Master Class

A disciplinary hearing is only the beginning. The real test comes when your decisions are challenged at arbitration.

This comprehensive 2-day master class bridges the critical gap between internal disciplinary processes and external arbitration proceedings, giving delegates end-to-end expertise in workplace discipline and dispute resolution. Participants will learn how to conduct legally compliant disciplinary enquiries, gather and evaluate evidence effectively, maintain procedural and substantive fairness, and prepare cases that can withstand scrutiny before CCMA commissioners and arbitrators.

Unlike traditional disciplinary training, this programme focuses on the complete lifecycle of a misconduct matter—from the initial investigation and formulation of charges through to defending outcomes at arbitration. Delegates gain practical, real-world skills that reduce organisational risk, strengthen disciplinary outcomes, and improve success rates in labour disputes.

Day 1: Mastering Internal Disciplinary Processes

Develop the core competencies required to manage workplace discipline confidently and fairly.

Topics include:

• Labour Relations Act (LRA) framework and rules of natural justice

• Procedural and substantive fairness requirements

• Conducting preliminary investigations and gathering evidence

• Drafting accurate charges and avoiding common mistakes

• Chairing disciplinary enquiries effectively

• Evaluating evidence and determining guilt on a balance of probabilities

• Creating arbitration-ready documentation and records

• Managing virtual disciplinary hearings

Day 2: From Enquiry to Arbitration

Learn how commissioners assess disciplinary matters and how to present a compelling case at arbitration.

Topics include:

• Understanding the arbitrator's perspective

• CCMA procedures and rules from referral to award

• Preparing and presenting cases at arbitration

• Law of evidence: admissibility, relevance, credibility, and weight

• Defending procedural and substantive fairness

• Common arbitration pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Recent case law developments affecting discipline and arbitration

• Practical exercises including, mock disciplinary and arbitration preparation scenarios

Why Attend?

This programme provides practical tools and proven methodologies to help organisations:

• Reduce CCMA and Bargaining Council risk

• Improve disciplinary consistency and fairness

• Strengthen evidence gathering and case preparation

• Increase confidence when chairing hearings

• Successfully defend disciplinary decisions at arbitration

• Align disciplinary processes with current labour law requirements

Who Should Attend?

• HR Managers and Practitioners

• Employee Relations and Industrial Relations Professionals

• Line Managers and Supervisors

• Chairpersons and Initiators

• Labour Consultants

• Business Owners and Directors

• Union and Employer Organisation Representatives

Event Details

Duration: 2 Days

Format: Virtual (25-26 August 2026; 09:00 - 16:00)

Contact: info@globalbusiness.co.za for more info.

Presented by Global Business Solutions (GBS)—Your Partner in Strategic HR Compliance

All workshops are offered as customised in-house training that can be presented virtually or on-site.

*All courses and conferences are subject to minimum delegate numbers.

GBS is:

Qualifying Small Enterprise

Level 2 B-BBEE Contributor

53% Black Owned

More than 51% Black Women Owned