Managers guide to employee resignations
Our Guide to Managing an Employee Resignation offers step-by-step instructions for a smooth transition, ensuring professionalism and maintaining positive relationships.
- 2 pages / 591 words.
- Last updated 08/03/2025.
- Designed for United Kingdom use.
- Suitable for use in other territories; check local laws first.
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text, or send by email.
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Managers guide to employee resignations
Managing an employee's resignation is a sensitive and important process for both the employee and the organisation. Here is a guide to ensure a smooth and professional transition:
Acknowledge the Resignation
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Initial Acknowledgement: Start by acknowledging the employee's resignation in writing, expressing appreciation for their contributions. This sets a positive tone and shows respect for their decision.
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Immediate Reaction: Avoid reacting emotionally or impulsively. If the resignation was unexpected or delivered in the heat of the moment, give the employee time to reconsider their decision before formalising it.
Discuss Transition
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Schedule a Meeting: Arrange a face-to-face meeting to discuss the transition. This meeting should cover the following aspects:
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Responsibility Handover: Identify key responsibilities and projects that need to be transferred.
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Knowledge Transfer: Ensure critical knowledge and information are documented and shared with colleagues.
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Client and Contact Handover: Introduce and transition client relationships to other team members.
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Timeline and Support: Establish a clear timeline for the handover process and
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The guide to managing an employee resignation is a comprehensive resource providing managers with practical steps to handle the resignation process smoothly.
It covers essential aspects such as exit interviews, transition planning, and maintaining positive relationships.
This guide's purpose is to assist managers in navigating employee departures with professionalism, ensuring a constructive departure experience for both the departing employee and the team.
Compliance
Compliance
This Managers guide to employee resignations incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:
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Employment Rights Act 1996: Outlines the legal framework for employee resignations and notice periods.
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Equality Act 2010: Ensures fair treatment and prevents discrimination during the process of managing employee resignations.
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Data Protection Act 2018 (incorporating GDPR): Mandates the handling of personal data during the resignation process in compliance with data protection principles.
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Company Policies and Employment Contracts: Internal policies and contractual agreements may outline specific procedures for managing employee resignations.
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Common Law Principles: Legal principles, including those related to notice periods and contractual obligations, guide the process of managing employee resignations.
Flowchart
Flowchart
Check which resources should be implemeted before and/or after the Managers guide to employee resignations, to understand the workflow.
Resignation letter
Our resignation letter template can be used by an employee as a formal method of submitting notice that they intend to resign from their employment.
Resignation acceptance letter
If an employee resigns, issue this model resignation acceptance letter to provide specific end of contract information, such as the date of their last day of work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Managers guide to employee resignations is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
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Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas 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.
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Do I get instant access?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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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 this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.
