Virtual Hearings

Meetings and formal hearings are often held virtually using applications like Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Webex. Using technology to hold virtual meetings is often more convenient, less expensive and more time-efficient for participants. 

If you are attending a virtual hearing, read the below guidance.

If you have been asked to attend a meeting, please contact us.

Useful links:

• Discipline
• Investigations
• Inquest and fatal accident inquiry

If you are a witness, please see our witness guide.

If you are involved in the investigation or a person of interest, please contact us.

If you are a witness, please see our witness guide.

If you are not receiving support from your previous employer, please contact us.

This will depend on your individual circumstances and the type of hearing. If you have any queries about the level of support you are to be offered, you can discuss this with your employer. However, if you have any concerns, please contact us.

This will depend on the type of hearing and we would suggest discussing this with your representative or employer. Often, if you want someone with you for support, this can be accommodated, but there are rules when you give evidence so it may not be possible for these incidences. Anyone with you would not be able to get involved in the hearing, much like they would not be able to if the hearing was going ahead in person.

If you have any health condition which means that you would need to eat during the hearing, then we would suggest informing your representative about this prior to the hearing. This way, your representative can inform the rest of the attendees at the hearing. We would also suggest having a glass of water nearby, particularly if you are going to be speaking.

Much like an in-person hearing, you should not use your mobile phone and we would also advise that your phone is on silent whilst the hearing is ongoing. Unless it is agreed with everyone attending the hearing, you should not record any part of it or take photographs. Notes, minutes and/or a transcript is usually taken to ensure an accurate record of the hearing is available.

This would depend on the type of hearing and also your individual circumstances. If you are concerned about being able to attend, then we would always advise that you get in touch with us or your representative to discuss this at the earliest opportunity.

This will depend on the type of hearing you are attending. However, you should have access to any documentation referred to at the hearing, where possible.

If this happens, please do not worry or panic. We are all working in a new way and anyone involved in virtual hearings will know that technology is not always reliable. Prior to the hearing beginning, we would suggest providing a phone number to either your representative or someone in the hearing, so that you can inform someone if you lose connection. You can then call them, or they can contact you to see if there is anything which can be done, such as taking a short adjournment to allow you time to reconnect to the hearing.

We would suggest dressing as you would if the hearing was going ahead in person. You will want to be comfortable but also smart, as you would if you were attending physically. Hearings are usually held in formal, professional environments and so there is an expectation that your clothing will be smart. We would suggest that you dress as if you were attending an interview.

You will need to confirm in advance of the hearing what software will be needed. If you do not have access to this, please let your employer or representative know as soon as possible.

If you are speaking, you will need to ensure your microphone is on and close enough to you so that the rest of the attendees can hear you clearly. When you are not speaking, we suggest that you mute your microphone, as this can limit any background noise.

You may be on video so please speak to your employer or point of contact in advance of the hearing. If you are on video, please see our section on what to wear.