Appeal hearing invitation letter template

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Editable template
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UK-specific & legally compliant
12 months updates included
2026 Reviewed

Invite an employee to a formal appeal hearing with a clear letter explaining the meeting arrangements, the purpose of the hearing, preparation requirements and applicable accompaniment arrangements.

Use this template to:

  • Confirm receipt of an employee's appeal and arrange a hearing.
  • Set out the date, time, location and attendees.
  • Explain the purpose and scope of the appeal hearing.
  • Identify the documents and information that will be considered.
  • Explain the employee's right to be accompanied where applicable.
  • Allow the employee to raise accessibility needs or request reasonable adjustments.
Appeal hearing invitation letter template preview

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What's in this template?

  • Confirmation that the employee's appeal has been received.
  • Hearing date, time, location and attendees.
  • Purpose and scope of the appeal hearing.
  • Information about the documents and evidence to be considered.
  • Instructions for submitting further information before the hearing.
  • Accompaniment and reasonable adjustment arrangements.
  • Explanation of the next steps following the hearing.
Template

Download .doc

Copy [to paste]

Email

[Sender name]

[Sender address]

[date]

[Recipient name]

[Recipient address]

 

Dear [Recipient first name],

Invitation to Appeal Hearing

Private and Confidential

We are writing to confirm that we have received your appeal dated [Appeal Date] concerning [brief description of the original decision, for example a disciplinary outcome, dismissal, grievance outcome or redundancy decision].

We would like to invite you to attend an appeal hearing to discuss the grounds you have raised and review the original decision in accordance with the company's relevant procedure.

1. Hearing arrangements

Date [Hearing Date]
Time [Hearing Time]
Location / joining details [Meeting Room / Video Meeting Details]
Appeal chair [Name and Job Title]
Other attendees [HR Representative / Note-taker / Other Attendees, if applicable]

2. Purpose of the hearing

The purpose of the hearing is to consider the grounds

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£12.99
Specifications
Access 12 months, with updates
Length 2 pages • 689 words
Jurisdiction England, Wales, Scotland
Based on UK law, ACAS guidance
Last update 18/10/2026
Update reason Formatting and presentation update.
Next review 18/04/2027
Delivery & Format Instant digital delivery, .doc · .txt · email

What is an appeal hearing invitation letter?

Appeal hearing invitation letter template

An appeal hearing invitation letter formally confirms the arrangements for reviewing an employee's appeal against a previous workplace decision. It helps ensure that the employee understands what will be considered, who will attend and how to prepare. A clear invitation supports a fair and organised process and provides a written record of the arrangements.

When should you use this letter?

Use this letter after an employee submits an appeal under the organisation's relevant procedure. This may relate to a disciplinary sanction, dismissal, grievance outcome, redundancy decision or another formal employment decision. Tailor the wording to the specific appeal and avoid suggesting that the original decision will automatically be upheld or overturned.

Explain the purpose and scope of the hearing

The invitation should identify the decision being appealed and explain that the hearing will consider the employee's stated grounds of appeal. Where appropriate, it should refer to the issues that will be reviewed and any additional evidence required. Provide relevant documents in sufficient time for the employee to prepare and explain how any further information should be submitted.

Confirm practical arrangements and support

Include the date, time, location or joining details, the appeal chair and other attendees. Explain the applicable arrangements for accompaniment, including the statutory right where it applies. Invite the employee to identify any accessibility requirements, reasonable adjustments or other arrangements that would help them participate fully.

Maintain an impartial process

Where possible, the appeal should be considered by someone who has not previously been involved in the original decision. The employee should have a reasonable opportunity to explain their appeal, present relevant information and respond to questions. The invitation should not imply that the outcome has already been decided.

Using a consistent appeal hearing invitation helps employers manage formal appeals professionally and fairly. The template should be checked against the organisation's procedures and the legal requirements relevant to the particular type of appeal.

Best in class example

An employee submits an appeal against a final written warning, arguing that relevant evidence was not considered during the original disciplinary process. HR acknowledges the appeal and identifies a manager who was not involved in the original decision to chair the hearing.

HR sends an invitation confirming the date, time, location, attendees and purpose of the hearing. The letter identifies the appeal grounds and confirms which documents will be reviewed. The employee is given reasonable time to prepare and information about the right to be accompanied.

Before the hearing, the employee confirms their chosen companion and submits an additional document they would like considered. The appeal chair reviews the information and plans to give the employee an opportunity to explain the grounds of appeal, respond to questions and identify any further relevant evidence.

After the hearing, the appeal chair considers the evidence and reaches a decision. The employer confirms the outcome in writing, explaining the reasons and any resulting action in accordance with the relevant procedure.

The wider HR process

Related HR resources and workflow

Explore the HR resources that may be relevant before and / or after using the Appeal hearing invitation letter, helping you understand the wider process, maintain appropriate documentation and follow a consistent approach.

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Grievance decision appeal letter

Use this Grievance Decision Appeal Letter Template to challenge the outcome of a formal workplace grievance.

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Appeal hearing invitation letter
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Scripts
Appeal hearing script

Our Appeal Hearing Script template guides fair and consistent appeal discussions, ensuring a structured process for addressing concerns and reaching resolutions.

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Implementation guidance

Use these best practice actions, recommended timescales and process stages to understand when and how the Appeal hearing invitation letter should be used, helping ensure each step is handled consistently and appropriately documented.

Step Description Responsibility Timing (Days from Issue)
1 Acknowledge the appeal, review the relevant procedure and identify the grounds that need to be considered. HR / Responsible Manager As soon as practicable after receipt
2 Appoint an impartial appeal chair with appropriate authority, and identify any HR representative, note-taker or other attendees required. HR / Senior Manager Before arranging the hearing
3 Agree the hearing arrangements, prepare the invitation and identify the relevant documents and evidence the employee should receive. HR / Appeal Chair Promptly after the appeal is received
4 Send the invitation with reasonable notice, explain accompaniment arrangements and invite the employee to identify any additional evidence or adjustments required. HR / Appeal Chair Before the hearing, allowing reasonable preparation time
5 Hold the hearing, consider the appeal impartially, carry out further enquiries if needed and communicate the outcome in writing. Appeal Chair / HR As soon as practicable after the hearing
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Common mistakes

Understand the common mistakes to avoid when using this HR template, helping you reduce risk, prevent unnecessary costs and ensure the process is handled correctly.

  • Giving insufficient notice: Scheduling the hearing without allowing reasonable time for the employee to prepare and arrange a companion.
  • Failing to explain the purpose: Sending a generic meeting invitation that does not identify the decision being appealed or the grounds to be considered.
  • Using an inappropriate appeal chair: Appointing someone who made the original decision without considering whether a more impartial alternative is available.
  • Omitting relevant documents: Failing to provide or identify material the employee needs to understand and respond to the issues under review.
  • Overlooking accompaniment or adjustments: Failing to explain the applicable right to be accompanied or consider accessibility and reasonable adjustment needs.
  • Predetermining the outcome: Wording the invitation as though the original decision will automatically be upheld rather than genuinely reviewed.
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HR considerations

UK employment law and best practice

This template is designed to support the process, but the document should be used alongside the relevant HR procedure and applied to the circumstances of the individual case.

Employers should arrange appeal hearings promptly and give the employee written confirmation of the date, time and place, together with information about the right to be accompanied where applicable. The invitation should provide reasonable notice and sufficient information to help the employee prepare. https://www.acas.org.uk/appealing-a-disciplinary-or-grievance-outcome/getting-ready-for-an-appeal-hearing

Impartiality

Where possible, the appeal should be handled by a manager who has not previously been involved in the original decision and who has the authority to decide the appeal. If this is not possible, the employer should make the process as impartial as it reasonably can. https://www.acas.org.uk/appealing-a-disciplinary-or-grievance-outcome/how-to-appeal

Right to be accompanied

Employees and workers have a statutory right to be accompanied at disciplinary and grievance appeal hearings by an eligible companion, provided the statutory conditions are met. The invitation should explain how to arrange accompaniment and give the employee an opportunity to notify the employer of their chosen companion. https://www.acas.org.uk/appealing-a-disciplinary-or-grievance-outcome/getting-ready-for-an-appeal-hearing

Redundancy appeals

For redundancy appeals, it is good practice to invite the employee to a meeting as soon as possible after receiving their appeal. Where possible, arrange for a senior manager who was not involved in the original redundancy decision to hear it. https://www.acas.org.uk/manage-staff-redundancies/offer-an-appeals-process

Documents and preparation

Identify the issues being considered and provide relevant documents in reasonable time for the employee to prepare. If new evidence or significant issues arise, consider whether further investigation or an adjournment is needed before the appeal decision is reached. https://www.acas.org.uk/appealing-a-disciplinary-or-grievance-outcome/getting-ready-for-an-appeal-hearing

Reasonable adjustments and confidentiality

Consider whether the employee needs reasonable adjustments or other arrangements to participate effectively. Handle appeal documents and personal information confidentially, sharing information only where appropriate for the process and lawful purposes.

You may also need these resources

FAQs

When should an appeal hearing invitation be sent?

Send the invitation as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving the appeal. Allow sufficient time for the employee to prepare, review relevant information and arrange a companion where applicable.

Who should chair the appeal hearing?

Where possible, appoint a manager who was not involved in the original decision and who has authority to decide the appeal. If that is not practicable, take reasonable steps to ensure the process remains impartial.

Does an employee have the right to be accompanied?

There is a statutory right to be accompanied at disciplinary and grievance appeal hearings by an eligible companion. Check the nature of the appeal and the applicable procedure, and explain the arrangements in the invitation.

Should the invitation include the evidence?

It should identify the information to be considered and provide relevant documents in sufficient time for the employee to prepare. The precise documents will depend on the appeal grounds and the applicable procedure.

What if the employee cannot attend on the proposed date?

Consider the reason, the employee's availability and the applicable procedure. Where the statutory accompaniment rules apply and the chosen companion is unavailable, specific postponement rights may apply. Agree a reasonable alternative date where appropriate.

Why use HRDocBox rather than asking AI?

HRDocBox provides structured, customisable HR templates designed for UK workplace processes. AI can help tailor wording, but the invitation should be checked against current ACAS guidance, the relevant company procedure and the circumstances of the appeal.

How this content is developed and reviewed

The Appeal hearing invitation letter template is developed using a practical HR methodology that considers current UK employment legislation, ACAS guidance, CIPD good practice and the real-world HR process it supports. Templates and supporting information are regularly reviewed and updated, with additional reviews triggered by significant changes to legislation, guidance or established HR practice, helping ensure each document remains practical, relevant and suitable for UK employers.

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 employee communication HR processes and founded hrdocbox to provide businesses with practical, professionally developed HR resources grounded in UK employment law and best practice.

HRDocBox has been creating practical UK HR documents since 2009.

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"Darryl provides support and advice with excellent judgement, and has a strong understanding of people, policies and UK employment legislation."

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