20.—(1) The following provisions of this regulation apply to the procedure to be followed at a first stage appeal meeting.
(2) The meeting shall be conducted by the second line manager.
(3) A human resources professional or a police officer may attend the meeting to advise the second line manager on the proceedings.
(4) Any other person specified in the notice referred to in regulation 19(1) may attend the meeting if the officer concerned consents to such attendance.
(5) The second line manager shall—
(a)provide the officer concerned with an opportunity to make representations; and
(b)provide his police friend (if he has one) with an opportunity to address the meeting in accordance with regulation 8(3)(a).
(6) After considering any representations made in accordance with paragraph (5), the second line manager may—
(a)confirm or reverse the finding of unsatisfactory performance or attendance;
(b)confirm or vary the relevant terms of the written improvement notice appealed against.
(7) Where the second line manager has reversed the finding of unsatisfactory performance or attendance, he shall also revoke the written improvement notice.
(8) The second line manager may postpone or adjourn the meeting to a specified later time or date if it appears to him necessary or expedient to do so.
(9) As soon as reasonably practicable after the conclusion of the meeting, the officer concerned shall be given written notice of the second line manager’s decision and a written summary of the reasons for that decision, but in any event, the officer concerned shall be given written notice of the decision before the end of three working days beginning with the first working day after the conclusion of the meeting.
(10) Where the second line manager has—
(a)reversed the finding of unsatisfactory performance or attendance and revoked the written improvement notice; or
(b)varied any of the relevant terms of the written improvement notice,
the decision of the second line manager shall take effect by way of substitution for the finding, the written improvement notice issued or the relevant terms of the written improvement notice appealed against from the date of the first stage meeting.