                         Peer Review Checklist

In addition to the five panelists who will hear the case and decide
the outcome, most organizations arrange for a personnel manager or
other "neutral party" to administer all of the mechanics of the system.
The following three checklists provide an Administrator's Guide for the
actions that need to be taken Before the Meeting, During the Meeting
and After the Meeting:

Before the Meeting

1.  Arrange for the selection of the panel.
2.  Have copies of relevant policies and procedures available.
3.  Research any previous cases similar to the one being considered
Make copies of the case histories available for review. (Maintain
confidentiality by removing names before copying.)
4.  Arrange the room where the meeting will take place:
  *  Arrange for messages for panel members to be collected at one
     location.  Check for messages between witnesses so as to provide
     an interruption-free hearing.
  *  Select a room that is close to personnel files and other
     information that may be needed.
  *  Use a table arranged so that everyone can see each other.
  *  Provide a place for witnesses to wait before they meet with the
     panel.
5.  Provide writing materials, a tent card for panelist names, water
and glasses.

During the Meeting

1.  Give each panelist a copy of the written grievance and management
responses.
2.  Discuss panelist roles and responsibilities before the actual
hearing begins.
3.  Review the issue which has been raised and the solution prosposed
by the employee.
4.  Ask the panel to make a list of the questions they want to ask the
grievant.  Have the group test the list for relevancy.
5.  Ask the panelists to identify which of these questions need to be
asked.
6.  Identify the panelist who will ask the opening question.
An appropriate opening question thanks the person for coming in and
requests that the person explain what he or she knows about the
situation.
7.  Facilitate panel deliberation and voting.
8.  Maintain the official records of the hearing.

After the Meeting

1.  Remind the panelists of the importance of maintaining
confidentiality.
2.  Draft the memo advising the employee of the panel's decision:
  *  Clearly state the panel's final decision
  *  Demonstrate that the panel took both the grievant and the
     the grievance seriously and conducted a thorough investigation
  *  State the panel's decision (but not the result of the voting).
3.  End the memo on a positive note.
4.  Review the written draft with panel members.  Make any important
changes requested by panelists.
5.  Have all panel members review the final copy and sign.
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