Disciplinary Policy Template UK
Disciplinary Policy Template (UK)
Approx. 6 pages · 15 sectionsBranded PDF + editable WordLast reviewed:
What is a disciplinary policy and who needs one?
A disciplinary policy sets out the standards expected of employees and the fair process for dealing with misconduct: investigation, written notice, a hearing with the right to be accompanied, warnings, dismissal for gross misconduct and appeals. It follows the Acas Code of Practice and supports fair work questions in tenders.
Covers investigation, disciplinary hearings, the right to be accompanied, sanctions, gross misconduct and appeals, in line with the Acas Code.
Why buyers ask for this
Employers must give employees written details of their disciplinary rules, and buyers commonly ask about fair employment practices. A policy following the Acas Code shows you handle conduct and performance issues fairly and consistently.
Who needs it
All employers with staff.
Where it comes up in a PQQ, SQ or PSQ
Under the Procurement Act 2023, supplier selection uses the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) plus each buyer's own conditions of participation and quality questions. Typical questions this policy supports:
- "Provide your HR policies, including disciplinary procedures"
- Fair work questions on how staff are treated and managed
- Questions on how misconduct by contract staff will be handled
- – Supports fair work and employment practice questions
What's inside
The full disciplinary policy runs to about 6 pages (including the branded cover and document control page) across 15 sections:
- Introduction
- Disciplinary sanctions
- Written warning
- Final written warning
- Dismissal
- Suspension from work
- Investigation meetings
- Invitation to a disciplinary meeting
- Rights to be accompanied at a disciplinary meeting
- Attending the disciplinary meeting
- After the disciplinary meeting
- Notification of the decision and disciplinary sanction
- Your right of appeal against disciplinary action
- The appeal meeting
- Data protection
Key points covered
- Investigation
- Disciplinary hearing
- Right to be accompanied
- Sanctions and warnings
- Gross misconduct
- Appeals
Every document carries your logo, company name, version number, approval signatory and next review date, in branded PDF plus editable Word.
UK legislation, standards and guidance it references
Excerpt preview
This policy is designed to ensure that all disciplinary matters are dealt with promptly, fairly and consistently and to encourage an improvement in individual conduct and/or performance. It outlines the procedures that the Company will follow should there be a need to take disciplinary action and your right to appeal. The Company reserves the right to discipline or dismiss you without following the Disciplinary…
Get your disciplinary policy in minutes
£19.99 per policy, or £199 for all 39 policies. One-off payment.
Tender deadline this week? Download in 10 minutes.
How to adapt it
- Read every section and remove anything that doesn’t reflect how your organisation actually works.
- Complete the bracketed [ADAPT] prompts with your own arrangements, people and data.
- Have the policy approved and signed by a director or equivalent, and communicate it to staff.
- Keep evidence that you follow it, and review it by the date shown.
Disciplinary Policy FAQs
What counts as gross misconduct?
Conduct serious enough to justify dismissal for a first offence, such as theft, violence or serious breaches of safety rules. The policy gives examples you can adapt to your business.
Is a disciplinary procedure a legal requirement?
Employers must tell employees about disciplinary rules in their written statement of particulars under the Employment Rights Act 1996, which can refer to a separate document such as this policy.
Can an employee be suspended during an investigation?
Suspension should be brief, on full pay, and only where necessary, for example to protect evidence or people. The policy states that suspension is not a disciplinary sanction.
How much does the Disciplinary Policy template cost?
£19.99 per policy, or £199 for all 39 policies. It is a one-off payment with no subscription, and you download branded PDF and editable Word files straight away.
General information, not legal advice. Requirements differ between buyers and change over time; always check the tender documents.