The time you invest in Staff Development might be vital evidence in a dispute.

• Keep a comprehensive record of Personal Development, Appraisals, and Staff Meetings to demonstrate that you are a good employer.
• More importantly, keep a record of staff feedback and personal discussions to show that staff were given the opportunity and a platform to speak freely about issues of concern.
• A Staff Appraisal with feedback is an important evidential record that the person appeared perfectly happy with the job and their environment at that time. If you record and act on the feedback in a diligent manner, that would further demonstrate that you follow a fair and reasonable process when appropriate.
• Most staff will have stated at their appraisal that they are happy with the appraisal. This is vital evidence assuming this was a free expression without undue pressure or intimidation.