Company Handbooks Policies, Procedures & Staff Guidance

Essential policies: disciplinary procedure, grievance procedure, absence management, equality and diversity, anti-harassment, data protection/GDPR, health and safety, whistleblowing, social media/IT use. Recommended additions: maternity/paternity, flexible working, dress code, expenses, alcohol and drugs, company vehicles, training and development.

Not as a single document. However, the ACAS Code of Practice expects written disciplinary and grievance procedures. The ERA 1996 requires certain information in the written statement. The Equality Act expects written policies on discrimination. In practice, a handbook is the most efficient way to meet all these requirements.

Long enough to cover all necessary policies, short enough that people read it. For a small business, 30-50 pages is typical. For larger organisations, 60-100 pages. RADCaT writes concise, practical handbooks that cover everything needed without unnecessary padding.

Annually at minimum. Also whenever there are legislative changes (employment law changes frequently), significant case law (tribunal decisions that change best practice), new company policies or operational changes.

Generally, handbooks should be non-contractual — giving you flexibility to update policies without individual contract variations. Specific provisions (like enhanced redundancy pay) can be contractual if desired. RADCaT advises on the correct approach for each policy.

Best practice is yes — a signed acknowledgement confirms the employee received the handbook and understood they should read it. This is important evidence if a policy is later breached. RADCaT provides acknowledgement forms.

Based on business size, number of policies needed and complexity. New handbooks, policy additions and annual review packages all available. Contact us for a quote.