HR Policies

HR Policies for UK Employers

Explore the core HR policies UK employers typically need, organised in a practical order for business owners reviewing compliance, culture, and day-to-day people management support.

1. Core compliance and employee relations policies

·         Contract of Employment Policy – terms of employment, hours, probation, notice, and employment status.

·         Code of Conduct – standards of behaviour, professionalism, conflicts of interest, and expected conduct.

·         Disciplinary Policy – how misconduct and poor performance concerns are managed fairly and consistently.

·         Grievance Policy – how employees can raise concerns and how employers respond.

·         Performance Management Policy – expectations, review processes, support, and capability procedures.

2. Legal compliance and workplace risk policies

·         Health and Safety Policy – responsibilities, risk assessments, reporting, and safe working practices.

·         Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy – equal opportunities, anti-discrimination, and inclusive working practices.

·         Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy – reporting routes, investigation approach, and zero-tolerance expectations.

·         Whistleblowing Policy – how protected disclosures are raised and managed confidentially.

·         Data Protection and Privacy Policy – handling employee data, privacy rights, retention, and GDPR compliance.

·         Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy – standards for gifts, hospitality, and ethical business conduct.

·         Modern Slavery Policy – commitment to ethical supply chains and legal compliance where applicable.

·         Safeguarding Policy – protection measures for organisations working with children or vulnerable adults.

3. Attendance, working time and flexible working policies

·         Attendance and Absence Management Policy – sickness reporting, evidence requirements, trigger points, and return-to-work steps.

·         Sickness Reporting and Certification Policy – when and how employees report absence and provide certification.

·         Fit Note and Return-to-Work Policy – managing return arrangements and reasonable workplace support.

·         Working Time and Breaks Policy – rest breaks, maximum working hours, and compliance with working time rules.

·         Flexible Working Policy – how requests are made, reviewed, and implemented.

·         Remote and Hybrid Working Policy – expectations around availability, equipment, confidentiality, and homeworking standards.

4. Pay, benefits and leave policies

·         Pay and Reward Policy – pay arrangements, overtime, deductions, reviews, and reward principles.

·         Expenses and Reimbursement Policy – claimable expenses, approvals, and evidence requirements.

·         Annual Leave and Public Holidays Policy – entitlement, accrual, booking rules, and carry-over.

·         Family-Friendly Leave Policies – maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave, parental leave, and time off for dependants.

·         Bereavement and Compassionate Leave Policy – leave arrangements for bereavement and exceptional personal circumstances.

·         Jury Service Policy – employee responsibilities and employer arrangements during jury service.

·         Pension and Auto-Enrolment Policy – eligibility, contributions, enrolment, and opt-out provisions.

5. Technology, data and confidentiality policies

·         IT Acceptable Use Policy – appropriate use of systems, devices, monitoring, and misuse.

·         Cybersecurity Policy – password management, phishing awareness, access controls, and incident reporting.

·         Social Media Policy – responsible online conduct and protection of employer reputation.

·         Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Policy – handling sensitive business information and ownership of work outputs.

6. Workplace culture, wellbeing and employee support policies

·         Dignity at Work Policy – expectations for respect, inclusion, and professional behaviour.

·         Wellbeing and Mental Health Policy – available support, wellbeing responsibilities, and early intervention.

·         Stress Management Policy – identifying stress risks and supporting employees effectively.

·         Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Misuse Policy – workplace expectations, support routes, and risk management.

·         Occupational Health Referral Policy – when referrals are used and how medical advice supports workplace decisions.

7. Recruitment, onboarding and people development policies

These policies help employers recruit well, onboard consistently, and build capability as the business grows.

·         Recruitment and Selection Policy – fair hiring processes, checks, and decision-making standards.

·         Onboarding and Induction Policy – structured new starter processes and early employment support.

·         Training and Development Policy – access to learning, development expectations, and approval routes.

·         Mandatory Training Compliance Policy – essential training requirements and completion responsibilities.

·         Study Support Policy – support for external learning and professional qualifications.

·         Internal Mobility and Promotion Policy – fair progression and internal recruitment practices.

·         Succession Planning Policy – preparing for key role continuity and business resilience.

8. Organisational change and exit policies

·         Redundancy and Restructuring Policy – consultation, selection, and fair process during organisational change.

·         TUPE Policy – responsibilities when employees transfer under TUPE arrangements.

·         Exit and Offboarding Policy – resignation, notice, handover, access removal, and final employment steps.

·         Retirement Policy – retirement-related conversations and fair treatment in later-career planning.

·         Settlement Agreement Guidance – principles for handling protected conversations and settlement discussions where appropriate.