Core HR Policies Pack

There are a small number of HR policies that every employer should have, and a larger number that depend on the size, sector, and risk profile of the business. The core pack covers the policies with the highest legal burden: those required by law and those that address matters most likely to give rise to an employment dispute.

What the core HR policies are doing

Employers in England and Wales must have written disciplinary and grievance procedures. Beyond these legal minimums, having clear workplace policies in place protects your business from tribunal claims, demonstrates good employment practice, and gives your employees confidence that they will be treated fairly and consistently.

These policies do not need to be long or elaborate, but they do need to be consistent with current law and with how the business operates. A policy that promises something the business does not deliver is worse than no policy at all, because it creates a contractual or quasi-contractual expectation that can be relied on.

The pack includes disciplinary and grievance procedures, an equal opportunities policy, and key statutory policies including whistleblowing, anti-bribery, and a health and safety statement.

Example: a typical scope and fixed fee

For a UK employer that needs the core statutory and protective policies in place, the typical scope looks like this.

What's included

• Disciplinary policy and procedure
• Grievance policy and procedure
• Equal opportunities policy
• Key statutory policies (including whistleblowing, anti-bribery, and health and safety statement)
• All policies tailored to your business and ready to issue to employees

What's outside this scope

• A comprehensive staff handbook (see Staff Handbook)
• Advice on specific disciplinary or grievance situations
• Employment tribunal advice or representation
• Tax advice

Fixed fee: £550, no VAT.

How I will approach your matter

Once you have instructed me, I will tailor the policies to your business and working practices, and deliver them ready to issue to your employees. The point is to have policies the business follows. Over-elaborate policies that nobody reads create their own risks.

Common questions

Are these policies legally required?

Employers are required by law to have a written disciplinary and grievance procedure. Other policies, while not strictly mandatory, are strongly recommended and will be expected by any employment tribunal if a claim arises.