Right to Search policy template
This model policy outlines an employer's right to conduct workplace searches.
It notifies employees of the possibility of workplace searches and outlines the specific areas subject to search.
- 3 pages / 1,035 words.
- Last updated 12/05/2025.
- 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.
Right to Search policy
1 Overview
1.1 [Company] must ensure that the security of ithe site is maintained; safety and security are of primary importance.
1.2 To help maintain the safety and security of the workforce, [Company] reserves the right under this policy to exercise a stop and search of its employees.
1.3 The purpose of this policy is to outline:
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why the organisation believes that it is necessary to enforce the right of stop and search;
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how employees will be chosen to be stopped and searched;
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the manner in which searches will be carried out; and
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where searches will take place.
2 Scope
2.1 This policy is applicable to all employees of [company name].
3 General principles
3.1 Right to stop and search
3.1.1 In accordance with this policy, the organisation reserves the right to:
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stop and search all employees;
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carry out a search of personal belongings and vehicles on the organisation's property; and
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carry out a search of all workplace areas, including lockers and any company vehicles.
3.1.2 Employees will be asked to consent to a search and will be required to complete a stop and search authorisation form.
3.2 Reasons for searches
3.2.1 [Company] reserves the right to undertake searches of employees within its premises. This is to protect both the organisation and its staff from illegal activities such as:
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any theft of the organisation's property or property belonging to another; and
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the possession or supply of illegal substances.
3.2.2 Employees are advised that a search on an employee does not indicate that he/she/they is/are under any suspicion of wrongdoing and searches will be carried out at random. However, the organisation also reserves the right to stop and search an employee when it reasonably suspects that he/she/they has/have committed an illegal act.
3.3 Level of searches
3.3.1 [Company] reserves the right to undertake searches, including:
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a
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This Right to Search policy template aims to offer you a versatile and customisable tool, serving as a solid foundation for your needs. Utilise it to ensure consistency, enhance accuracy, and save valuable time.
Adapt it to suit your unique requirements, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in your HR processes.
Send to appropriate internal recipients such as employees, workers, contractors etc. and request confirmation that is has been read and understood.
Issue during onboarding / after changes / planned refresher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Right to Search policy template 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.
