Grievance policy template

Grievance policy template

£12.90

Our Grievance Policy template helps address and resolve employee complaints systematically and effectively, ensuring a fair process for all parties involved.

Template

Access 12 months (includes updates)
Coverage UK-specific accuracy
Length 749 words · 2 pages
Last updated 25/05/2026
Formats Word · text · email
Delivery Instant download

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Grievance policy

1   Overview

1.1   This policy outlines the procedure for raising and resolving grievances in the workplace.

2   Scope

2.1   This policy is applicable to all employees of [company name].

3   General principles

3.1   A grievance refers to any issue, complaint, or concern an employee may have regarding their treatment, working conditions, or work environment. The organisation is committed to resolving grievances fairly and promptly and encourages employees to raise concerns in a constructive manner.

3.2   The grievance process is designed to ensure that complaints are addressed with due seriousness and respect. Employees are encouraged to use this procedure when they feel their issues cannot be resolved informally.

3.1   Informal Resolution

3.1.1   If you are dissatisfied with your treatment or any aspect of your work, we encourage you to raise the issue informally with your line manager. In many cases, an open conversation can resolve the matter without the need for formal procedures. If you are uncomfortable discussing the matter with your line manager, you may approach the HR Manager for support.

3.1.2   While informal discussions are encouraged, if these do not lead to a satisfactory resolution, you may choose to raise the matter formally through the grievance procedure.

3.2   Formal Grievance Procedure

If your issue cannot be resolved informally, you may submit a formal grievance. A formal grievance involves writing to your line manager (or HR manager if the grievance concerns your line manager). You should clearly set

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For more value, this is also found in our Full library and Conduct policy templates

What is a Grievance policy ?

The Grievance Policy outlines the procedures for addressing employee concerns and disputes within the workplace. It provides a structured framework for employees to raise issues related to their employment, ensuring that grievances are handled fairly, consistently, and promptly.

By adhering to this policy, organisations can maintain a harmonious work environment, mitigate conflicts, and promote open communication. The policy ensures that all grievances are thoroughly investigated and resolved in a manner that upholds the rights of all parties involved, fostering trust and transparency within the organisation.

Compliance

UK Employment Law Considerations

This Grievance policy template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:

  • Employment Rights Act 1996: Provides the framework for employees to raise grievances and ensures they are treated fairly throughout the process.

  • Equality Act 2010: Ensures that grievance procedures are non-discriminatory and provide equal opportunities for all employees to have their concerns addressed.

  • Acas Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures: Offers detailed guidelines on how to handle grievances effectively and fairly, recommending a clear, structured process.

  • Data Protection Act 2018 (incorporating GDPR): Requires that any personal data collected during the grievance process is handled confidentially and in compliance with data protection principles.

  • Best Practice: Clear Communication and Documentation: Ensure grievance procedures are clearly communicated to all employees and that thorough documentation is maintained throughout the process to support transparency and accountability.

UK employment law guidance for Grievance policy template

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Grievance policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this in my small business?

Yes. This template has been designed for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses, charities and growing employers. It follows UK employment law best practice and can be adapted to suit your organisation.

Is it compliant with 2026 UK employment law?

Our templates are developed with UK employment legislation, Acas guidance and HR best practice in mind and are reviewed and updated as relevant requirements change. However, every employment situation is different, so the template should be adapted to the circumstances and checked against the employee's contract and your organisation's procedures before use.

Can I customise it for my organisation?

Yes, we highlight the areas of the document that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.

Do I get instant access to it?

Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable format (such as .doc or .xls) so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.

What if I need more help, not just this template?

If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include the Grievance policy template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.

Why should I use this Grievance policy template, and not AI to generate it?

AI can produce a document quickly, but effective HR documentation needs to be more than well-written words. It needs to reflect relevant UK employment law, HR best practice, practical considerations and the circumstances in which it will be used. These resources have been professionally developed around that wider HR context, drawing on extensive practical experience, rather than simply generating a generic document from a prompt.

About the author

Darryl Horn, Chartered HR Director

Darryl is a Chartered HR professional with over 25 years' experience in senior HR and employee relations roles. He has extensive practical experience of managing conduct and appeal processes and founded hrdocbox to provide businesses with practical, professionally developed HR resources grounded in UK employment law and best practice.

Executive recommendation

"Darryl has proven himself to be reliable, professional and conscientious. He provides support and advice with excellent judgement, and has a strong understanding of people, policies and UK employment legislation."

"Darryl is someone I trust; he is consistent, dependable, and committed to doing things properly. I have confidence in him and no hesitation in recommending him."

RB
Ruth Brock Chief Executive Officer The Hygiene Bank
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