Free template, us, a policy writer or a subscription: an honest comparison
There are four common ways UK businesses get the policies tenders ask for. Each suits different situations, and the cheapest option is sometimes the right one. Here's how they compare.
| Feature | Free template (e.g. HSE example) | companypolicies.ai | Bespoke policy writer | Subscription HR / H&S service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | £0 | £19.99 per policy, £99 for a sector bundle, or £199 for all 39. One-off. | Quoted per policy, per day or by the hour; varies with complexity and the consultant | Monthly or annual fee; some providers require a minimum term |
| Tailored to your business | No: you fill in the gaps yourself | Built from your answers and company details; you review and adapt | Yes, written around your operations | Usually template-based, with adviser input |
| Branded with your logo | No | Yes, PDF and editable Word | Yes | Varies |
| Coverage of tender topics | Usually one topic per template (e.g. health and safety) | 39 policies commonly requested in UK tenders | Whatever you commission | Strong on HR and H&S; tender-specific topics vary |
| Speed | Immediate, plus your time to complete | Minutes, plus your review | Days to weeks | Depends on the provider's onboarding |
| Support included | None | Email support at support@companypolicies.ai for help tailoring your policies; fix-or-refund if a policy misses a tender's stated requirement | Revisions as agreed with the writer | Usually included while you subscribe |
| Keeping it up to date | Your job | Your job; optional 12 months of updates for £29 (one-off, no auto-renew) | Paid revisions | Usually included while you subscribe |
| Commitment | None | None | Per job | Minimum term and notice period; check cancellation terms |
Our prices are as shown on our pricing page on 2 October 2026. Prices vary widely between providers; always compare current prices and terms. For named providers' published prices, see policy providers compared.
A free template is fine when…
- You're a small, low-risk business needing one or two policies
- You're happy to complete, sign and date it yourself
- The buyer only asks for a basic health and safety policy (the HSE's free template is a good start)
Start with the HSE's free guidance on writing a health and safety policy.
companypolicies.ai suits you when…
- You need several tender policies quickly, in your company name and branding
- You want consistent, versioned documents in PDF and Word
- You're comfortable reviewing templates without a consultant
A bespoke policy writer suits you when…
- Your operations are high-risk, complex or regulated
- You want expert advice and someone to check how you actually work
- You're implementing ISO 9001, 14001 or 45001
Need help writing the bid itself? See our bid writing service.
A subscription service suits you when…
- You want ongoing HR or health and safety advice, not just documents
- You have regular employee relations or site safety questions
- You're comfortable with a minimum term
Check minimum terms, notice periods and auto-renewal before signing.
Questions
Is a free template good enough for a tender?
Sometimes, yes. For a small, low-risk business, the HSE's free health and safety policy template, properly completed, signed and dated, can satisfy a buyer. Free templates work less well when you need many policies at once, consistent branding, or topics such as modern slavery, social value or a PPN 006 Carbon Reduction Plan.
When should I pay for a bespoke policy writer?
When your work is high-risk or unusual, when you need someone to review how you actually operate, or when you're implementing a certified system such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 or ISO 45001. A good consultant gives advice that a template can't.
Are subscription HR and health and safety services worth it?
They can be if you want ongoing advice, for example on employee relations or regular site safety support. If you mainly need a set of policies for tenders, check the minimum term, notice period and renewal terms before you sign.
Is companypolicies.ai legal advice?
No. We provide professionally structured templates tailored to your answers. You review and approve them, and for complex situations you should take professional advice.
Can I try companypolicies.ai for free?
Yes. Get a free tailored Whistleblowing policy, and use the free tender policy checker to see which policies your bid needs.
Try before you decide
Get a free tailored Whistleblowing policy, check which policies your tender needs, or browse the library.
Published by the companypolicies.ai team, Spire Trade Advisors Ltd. Last reviewed 3 October 2026. Descriptions on this page are general and individual providers differ.