The Assisting Member
9. Where a member requests assistance in the preparation of a grievance, the CO is required to detail an officer or NCM to assist that member. Ideally, the officer or NCM so detailed should be an individual selected by the Grievor. However, if this is not practical, the CO may appoint someone else. The Grievor is not obliged to accept or use the substitute offered by the CO.
10. The role of the Assisting Member is limited to ensuring that the Grievor is familiar with the grievance rules and procedures and to helping the Grievor to articulate clearly, completely and concisely, the grievance and the redress sought. While the Assisting Member may assist in all aspects of information and evidence gathering in support of the grievance at each level, it is the Grievors' responsibility to make their own case. The Assisting Member is not the Grievor's advocate, lawyer or representative and is not permitted to speak formally on behalf of, or in any way officially represent the Grievor while the grievance remains within the grievance process.