First review of HSE employee disciplinary procedure in over 18 years

The first review of the HSE employee disciplinary procedure in over 18 years will be completed by the end of 2025, this newspaper has learned.

The review was discussed at the April meeting of the HSE performance committee.

According to meeting minutes, the HSE Chief People Officer Ms Anne Marie Hoey addressed committee members on the issue. She noted that a review was underway and that “internal consultation” on a revised disciplinary procedure for employees was ongoing.

The disciplinary procedure for employees of the HSE was last reviewed in January 2007. A HSE spokesperson told the Medical Independent it was “therefore timely” that a review was taking place.

The process will consider whether any amendments are required arising from legislation, including developments in employment case law. The review will also take into account the experience of operating the current disciplinary procedure, organisational changes in the HSE since 2007, and “best human resources practice”.

The procedure covers all HSE employees except for consultants. Disciplinary matters for HSE consultants are addressed separately within their contracts of employment, according to the spokesperson.

Separately, the same meeting of the performance committee discussed the forthcoming process for developing the 2026 HSE National Service Plan (NSP).

The committee noted that a “comprehensive after-action review” was being undertaken folowing the planning cycle for the 2025 NSP. The findings of this review would impact the approach taken in preparation for the 2026 NSP.