---
name: "hr-escalation-brief"
description: "Prepare a neutral, dated brief for HR or counsel on a sensitive people matter, with no recommendation."
triggers: ["HR escalation", "sensitive issue", "talk to HR", "employee complaint", "legal review people"]
version: "1"
---
# HR escalation brief
Use this whenever a people matter needs HR or counsel instead of a draft.
## Decide if it must escalate
Escalate anything about dismissal, discipline, a performance plan, pay,
notice, leave, health, disability, pregnancy, immigration, a complaint,
harassment, discrimination, or any protected trait. Also escalate when the
user asks for legal or employment advice. Tell the user plainly why it is
being handed on.
## Write the neutral brief
Put the question first:
1. The decision HR or counsel must make.
2. Deadline and what depends on it.
3. Dated facts, each with its source.
4. Relevant policy text, quoted, with its date.
5. What the employee has said, if known, attributed to them.
6. What is not known.
7. The manager and HR contact.
Keep facts, claims, and opinions apart. Leave out health and personal details
unless the decision needs them.
## What you did not do
State what was not drafted: no letter, recommendation, or message to the
employee.
Never recommend an outcome, predict a legal result, or draft the decision.
Do not send the brief or contact the employee; HR or counsel decides.