Write down a workplace concern while you remember it

Write down what happened

Record the date, place and people involved. Describe what you saw or heard in your own words. If you cannot remember a detail, say so.

Made-up example: “At Tuesday’s team meeting, a colleague made a remark about me. Two other people were present.” Add the words you remember, but do not use quotation marks unless you remember the exact words.

Record when you wrote the note too. A note written later can still explain your memory, but it should not look as if it was written at the time.

Keep messages and other records

Save relevant emails, messages or letters with the event. Keep the original where possible and include enough of the conversation to show what was being discussed.

Write a separate note explaining why the document matters. Do not change the original message to make it fit your account.

Before sharing, check whose information appears in it. Take extra care with details about children, service users or other people who are not part of your enquiry.

Record what happened next

If you report the concern, note when, who you spoke to and what reply you received. Keep written responses with the original event.

Acas guidance explains ways to raise a workplace problem. A grievance is a formal workplace complaint. Check your employer’s procedure and get support if you need help choosing a next step.

Keeping a note does not itself submit a complaint or meet a deadline. Do not wait for your file to be perfect before seeking advice about a time limit.

Use the record when asking for help

Put the events in date order. Explain the main concern and point to the documents that support it. Mention any gaps or differences between accounts.

REKODHA’s Protection records help organise your account and supporting material. They do not decide whether an employer broke the law or whether an immigration protection route applies.

For workplace questions, use suitable employment support. For immigration advice, check a regulated professional using the GOV.UK link below.

A small step you can take today

Use this checklist to review your starting point.

These ticks are a reading aid and are not saved to your account.

How REKODHA can help