Kim Bernhardt Information Gathering

Information gathering

Do you have a good understanding of the issues and how they'll play out

Particularly in the area of human rights legal principles.

There's some unique factors such as similar fact evidence

there's too many of them. I won't go down that road

There's a lot that would be helpful.

If you need to figure out why a person is seeing a particular comment as racism

or sexism or ableism, or homophobia, educate yourself.

Do you need updated medicals? Do you need expert evidence?

Both of these need to be obtained fairly early in the process.

Finally, one of the biggest areas for the initial stages

Is building the relationship with the person with the complaint.

It's one of the most important but it's one of the least worked upon factors

We're always running so much we just assume the person wants our help.

That they see it that way, but they don't.

They don't know you, they don't know to trust you

with one of the most traumatic events in their life.

Without trust and cooperation you will spend your time defending yourself, your actions

and your movtivations, rather than working together to reach a successful conclusion.

Make sure you listen and understand the member's position.

Take the time to develop a trusting relationship. It will really help

When you need them to listen to you, when you're advising

on whether to take a settlement or not, for example.

Show caring by ensuring that the member has the necessary supports.

What is their current financial situation?

Are they sitting out there without any sort of income that they could be getting

You shouldn't become their counsellor. You're their union contact person.

But make sure they have the emotional support that they need.

It will save you and it will help them be stronger to get through it.

The other role you have is managing expectations.

Make sure you let the member know what you're doing and what to expect.