Handbook policies and templates
HR handbook policies and templates to set clear expectations, ensure compliance and support effective people management.
Designed to simplify HR management, these policies cover every aspect of employment practices while ensuring compliance with UK legislation.
Our handbook library includes customisable policies for recruitment, equal opportunities, disciplinary and grievance procedures, health and safety, maternity and paternity leave, and flexible working arrangements. Each policy is expertly crafted with clear instructions, making it easy to tailor them to your organisation's needs.
Letters
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Policies
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Purpose
HR policies are formal guidelines and procedures established by an organisation's human resources department to govern various aspects of the employment relationship between the employer and employees. These policies help ensure consistency, fairness, and compliance with legal requirements and industry standards.
HR policies are important for ensuring a consistent and fair approach to managing employees, and for communicating clear expectations and guidelines to both employees and managers. They can also help mitigate legal risks and ensure compliance with legal requirements and industry standards.
Legal Insights
UK Employment Policies: What’s Legally Required?
In the UK, certain workplace policies are legally required, while others are strongly recommended to ensure compliance and best practice.
Legally Required Policies
These must be in place by law:
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Health and Safety Policy
Required for: Employers with 5 or more employees.
Must include: General statement, responsibilities, and arrangements.
Legal basis: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. -
Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures
Required for: All employers.
Must follow: ACAS Code of Practice.
Legal basis: Employment Rights Act 1996 and ACAS Code. -
Written Statement of Employment Particulars
Must include: Terms such as disciplinary rules, grievance process, sick pay, etc.
Legal basis: Section 1 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.
Strongly Recommended (But Not Legally Required)
These policies are not mandatory but support legal compliance and good governance:
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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion – Helps comply with the Equality Act 2010.
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Anti-Bullying and Harassment – Prevents unlawful harassment and supports a safe workplace.
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Data Protection/Privacy – Aligns with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
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Sickness Absence – Clarifies sick pay and absence process.
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Parental Leave & Flexible Working – Outlines rights and request procedures.
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Whistleblowing – Supports reporting of wrongdoing under the Public Interest Disclosure Act.
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IT & Communications – Covers acceptable use and data security.
Optional but Useful Policies
Depending on your sector, size or structure, these may also be beneficial:
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Remote or Hybrid Working
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Performance Management or Appraisal
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Training and Development
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Wellbeing and Mental Health
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Environmental or Sustainability
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Alcohol and Drugs
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Social Media
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Expenses and Benefits
What's included
Our Absence and Attendance Policy Templates address absenteeism challenges, promoting a productive and accountable work environment.
Our Conduct Policy Templates address workplace behaviour, mitigating issues, and fostering a respectful culture among employees.
If you need policies to communicate your company rules and support regarding contracts and terms, these policy templates provide an effective legal framework.
Our Equal Opportunities Policy Templates foster a fair and inclusive work environment, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees.
Our Ethical Policy Templates promote ethical behavior, safeguarding company values, and mitigating potential risks.
Our Expenses Policy Templates streamline expense management, providing clear guidelines for employees to submit accurate and timely expense claims.
If you need policies to communicate your company rules and support regarding flexible and hybrid working, these policy templates provide an effective legal framework.
Our Health and Safety Policy Templates ensure a safe and compliant work environment, protecting employees and minimising potential risks.
If you need policies to communicate your family friendly rules and support, these policy templates provide an effective legal framework.
Our Pay and Benefits Policy Templates simplify compensation management, ensuring fair and competitive rewards for employees' hard work and dedication.
Our Recruitment and Selection Policy Templates streamline hiring, ensuring fair practices and attracting top talent for organisational growth.
If you need policies to communicate your company rules and support regarding security and information, these policy templates provide an effective legal framework.
Our Terminating Employment Policy templates provide comprehensive guidelines for handling termination situations with professionalism, legality, and empathy.
Our Training and Development Policy Templates streamline employee growth, ensuring a skilled workforce and boosting organisational success.
If you need policies to communicate your company rules and support regarding wellbeing initiatives, these policy templates provide an effective legal framework.
