Grievance Policy

Our Policies

Grievance Policy

Black Pearl Maritime Security Management Limited is committed to treating all of its personnel fairly and with respect. We recognise that, from time to time, employees and contracted operatives may have concerns about their work, working conditions or relationships with colleagues and managers. This Grievance Policy provides a fair, transparent and confidential process through which such concerns can be raised and resolved promptly. It reflects the principles of the Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures and applies to personnel both ashore and on deployment.

Scope

A grievance is a concern, problem or complaint that an individual raises about their own employment — for example matters relating to terms and conditions, pay, allocation of deployments, the working environment aboard a vessel, or the conduct of a colleague or manager, including allegations of bullying, harassment or discrimination. Concerns about wider wrongdoing such as unlawful use of force or illegal weapons handling fall under our separate Whistleblowing Policy, although the two processes may operate together where appropriate.

Informal Resolution

Many concerns can be resolved quickly and informally by raising them directly with a line manager or Team Leader. We encourage this as a first step wherever the individual feels able to do so. Where a concern arises during a deployment, it can be raised with the Team Leader at the time and, if it cannot be resolved at sea, taken forward formally on return to port.

Formal Procedure

If a matter cannot be resolved informally, the individual may submit a formal grievance in writing to management, setting out the nature of the concern and any desired outcome. The procedure then follows clear, fair stages.

• The grievance is acknowledged and a manager independent of the matter is appointed to handle it.
• A grievance meeting is arranged without unreasonable delay, at which the individual may be accompanied by a colleague or trade union representative.
• A fair and impartial investigation is carried out, and a written decision with reasons is provided.
• The individual has the right to appeal to a more senior manager, whose decision is final.

Confidentiality and Protection

Grievances are handled confidentially, with information shared only with those who need it to investigate and resolve the matter. Any personal data processed during a grievance is handled in line with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. No individual will suffer detriment or retaliation for raising a genuine grievance in good faith, and we will take action against anyone who victimises a person for doing so.

This Grievance Policy is communicated to all personnel and reviewed at least annually to ensure it remains fair, accessible and effective.