Overview
Based on research by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, this book examines the impact of employee relations investigations on employees, managers and organisational culture. It proposes a shift in mindset to prioritise both process and compassion, reducing harm and creating healthier work environments.
Full Product Details
Author: Andrew Cooper (Head of Programmes at the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, NHS Wales) ,
Adrian Neal (Head of the Employee Wellbeing Service at the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, NHS Wales)
Publisher: Bristol University Press
Imprint: Bristol University Press
ISBN: 9781529245097
ISBN 10: 1529245095
Pages: 188
Publication Date: 05 November 2025
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
General/trade
,
Professional & Vocational
,
General
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Awaiting stock
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Reviews
“A must-read for HR professionals, managers, and leaders at every level. With clarity and authority, it offers a compelling vision for rethinking and transforming how we manage disputes, especially the often-damaging way we approach disciplinary investigations. By shifting our mindset, we can not only cut the financial costs of disciplinaries but also, and more importantly, prevent the personal and collective harm it so often inflicts.” Kate Nowicki, former Director of Dispute Resolution, Acas “This book quickly becomes one that you can’t put down. It draws you into the stories of individuals who have been negatively affected by HR processes and makes you question your own practice. It is a call to anyone involved in disciplinary investigations to ensure that respect and dignity are at the heart of them.” James Devine, Korn Ferry Consulting and HR Most Influential Practitioner 2024 “I read this book during a long train journey and was completely absorbed. It sets out a key role for public health advocacy: to influence those responsible for setting disciplinary policy and process because of the impact they can have on the working population.” Tracy Daszkiewicz, Vice-President, Faculty of Public Health “A neglected topic brought to life with evidence and stories across disciplines and sectors. The questions asked provide food for thought for anyone working or studying in this area. For HR practitioners and for line managers, this book is a must.” Sarah Gilmore, Head of Management, Employment and Organization Section, Cardiff University “New legislation in Australia is leading international debate on the duty that employers have to prevent the harm that trauma exposure at work can cause. This book strengthens the case further to build safer workplaces through the application of risk management thinking to HR policies and processes.” Jason van Schie, Founder and CEO, FlourishDx “An important contribution to an under-assessed field. A workplace culture of reaching for disciplinary measures rather than dialogue, training and reconciliation will inevitably lead to poor outcomes for the employee and the organization.” Alex Aiken, former Head of Profession, UK Government Communication Service
“A must-read for HR professionals, managers, and leaders at every level. With clarity and authority, it offers a compelling vision for rethinking and transforming how we manage disputes, especially the often-damaging way we approach disciplinary investigations..” Kate Nowicki, former Director of Dispute Resolution, Acas “This book quickly becomes one that you can’t put down. It draws you into the stories of individuals who have been negatively affected by HR processes and makes you question your own practice. It is a call to anyone involved in disciplinary investigations to ensure that respect and dignity are at the heart of them.” James Devine, Korn Ferry Consulting and HR Most Influential Practitioner 2024 “An important read. It’s a subject that deserves proper forensic scrutiny.” Nick Wallis, author, ‘The Great Post Office Scandal’ “I read this book during a long train journey and was completely absorbed. It sets out a key role for public health advocacy: to influence those responsible for setting disciplinary policy and process because of the impact they can have on the working population.” Tracy Daszkiewicz, Vice-President, Faculty of Public Health “This is a fascinating read for anyone who wants to think seriously about disciplinary processes and changing the organisational culture in which they are applied. It is both clear and thoughtful on the fundamental challenges for individuals and organisations and provides engaging case studies to bring the theory to life.” Sarah Fraser Butlin, King’s Counsel, Selwyn College, Cambridge “I welcome this book for the way in which it brings together colleagues from HR and psychology to reflect on, and consider new approaches to the application of disciplinary policy and processes to support employee wellbeing.” Dr Roman Raczka, President, British Psychological Society “A neglected topic brought to life with evidence and stories across disciplines and sectors. The questions asked provide food for thought for anyone working or studying in this area. For HR practitioners and for line managers, this book is a must.” Sarah Gilmore, Head of Management, Employment and Organization Section, Cardiff University “New legislation in Australia is leading international debate on the duty that employers have to prevent the harm that trauma exposure at work can cause. This book strengthens the case further to build safer workplaces through the application of risk management thinking to HR policies and processes.” Jason van Schie, Founder and CEO, FlourishDx “An important contribution to an under-assessed field. A workplace culture of reaching for disciplinary measures rather than dialogue, training and reconciliation will inevitably lead to poor outcomes for the employee and the organization.” Alex Aiken, former Head of Profession, UK Government Communication Service “The authors' call to make processes more humane, thoughtful and productive is an important one. These practices can play a key part in creating healthier workforces and more effective service delivery. I think the book can generate helpful reflection for you and advance learning and improvement in your organization. I certainly recommend it.” Joe McCannon, former Vice President, Institute for Healthcare Improvement, US
Author Information
Andrew Cooper is the Head of Programmes for Employee Wellbeing in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in NHS Wales. He holds an honorary research role with the University of Plymouth and is leading a programme of research exploring the impact of the disciplinary process on individuals and organisations. With a background in healthcare improvement and innovation, he has held senior communications roles across the private, public and voluntary sectors and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Public Relations for his contribution to healthcare communications. Adrian Neal is the Head of Employee Wellbeing in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in NHS Wales and a Consultant Psychologist. Qualified in both clinical and business psychology, he leads a service providing psychological therapy for employees, consultation and support for teams and external organisations. He has worked across the public sector, including health, education, policing and government on employee experience and wellbeing initiatives. He has published widely and holds honorary roles with Cardiff and Plymouth universities and is a long-term member of the British Psychological Society’s Leadership and Management Faculty.
