Younger “manager” first dismissal

Hey everyone,

I’m 19 years old and am currently an acting manager going on to the full acting manager at some point.

I’m being faced with a very difficult and conflicting situation at the moment a colleague who I can definitely call a friend has been very stupid and has essentially stolen from the company and I have now got to deal with this whole situation.

I’ve phoned our HR team asking for advice to do this in the the most professional way possible but I still am struggling to do this as I’ve worked from the bottom all the way to the top with this co worker.

I have to do an investigations meeting with them first and then will most likely result in a dismissal, I’m trying to fight for a final written warning as I believe in giving people chances.

Any advice would be amazing!