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Q: What is the role of the companion in disciplinary hearings?
A: The role of the companion is to hold the hand, metaphorically, of the accused and ensure that their rights are respected. To this end the companion is entitled to address the meeting, to confer with the employee openly or privately, to pose questions to the manager and to witnesses, but not to answer questions on behalf of the employee. The role is that of companion as distinct from representative. However if you have an agreement, say with a trade union, that a shop steward may represent the employee then you would need to allow the shop steward to answer questions. The verb used is most important!
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