Frequently Asked Questions - Proof of Service

Proof of Service

What is Proof of Service?

Proof of Service is a method of verifying that a document has been transmitted to an individual, union, or an individual's representative.

When is Proof of Service used?

A Proof of Service may be required under certain provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or the Personnel Policies for Staff Members (PPSM). Managers and supervisors should review the appropriate article or policy when taking an action. In addition, a Proof of Service is required for management responses to employee grievances.

When and how is Proof of Service by Personal Delivery used?

When delivery is to be made by personal presentation, the person who will actually deliver the document(s) should complete the Proof of Service form and hand the document to the addressee. Some points to remember:

  • The individual who signs the Proof of Service must actually hand the document to the addressee.
  • The signator on the Proof of Service cannot be a party to the subject matter of the document. In other words, the supervisor signing the discipline letter cannot sign the Proof of Service.
  • The signator to the Proof of Service should not be a bargaining unit employee or a subordinate of the individual to whom the document is addressed. When Personal Delivery is used, a supervisor should have another supervisor handle the delivery.
  • A copy of the Proof of Service form(s) should be attached to copies of the transmitted documents that will be retained in the department. If responding to an employee grievance, a copy of the response and Proof of Service form(s) should be sent to the Labor Relations Specialist assigned to the case.

When and how is Proof of Service by Mail Delivery used?

When delivery is by United States Mail, the person who is going to mail the document fills out the Proof of Service form and mails it with the document. Some points to remember:

  • The envelope should be addressed to the employee's last known address.
  • The signator on the Proof of Service cannot be a party to the subject matter of the document. In other words, the supervisor signing the discipline letter cannot sign the Proof of Service. Also, the signator to the Proof of Service should not be a bargaining unit employee or a subordinate of the individual to whom the document is addressed.
  • The person signing the form should place the document(s) in the envelope, including a copy of the Proof of Service, seal it, and affix sufficient US Postage to insure First Class delivery.
  • The person signing the Proof of Service form should deposit the envelope in a United States Postal Service (USPS) deposit box before the last scheduled pickup on the date the Proof of Service is signed.
  • A copy of the Proof of Service form(s) should be attached to copies of the transmitted document that will be retained in the department. If responding to an employee grievance, a copy of the response and Proof of Service form(s) should be sent to the Labor Relations Specialist assigned to the case.

What should be entered in the sections that require completion?

  • Work Address - Signator of Proof of Service form should identify his/her campus address (include city, state, and zip code).
  • Date of Delivery - The date the document is handed to the employee.
  • Date of Mailing - The date the document is placed in the USPS Mail box.
  • Subject of Document - Identify document (Example: Intent to Dismiss).
  • Name of Recipient - The name of the individual to whom the document is being personally delivered via Proof of Service.
  • Location of Recipient - Identify the work location of the recipient if delivered at work (Example: Physics, 366 LeConte Hall, University of California at Berkeley).
  • Name, street address, city, state, and zip code - Identify the name of the individual to whom the document is being mailed and the individual's mailing address.
  • Name/Signature - The name of the individual who will be handling the Proof of Service.