First hire · Template 24 of 40

Employee Handbook (starter)

Use it when you have staff and need written policies.

  • About 3 pages
  • 8 drafting notes in the margin
  • 12 clauses
  • Word (.docx)
  • England and Wales

What is in it

  1. Introduction
  2. Equality, diversity and anti-harassment
  3. Disciplinary procedure
  4. Grievance procedure
  5. Absence and sickness
  6. Holiday and leave
  7. Working practices
  8. Data protection, IT and AI
  9. Whistleblowing
  10. Anti-bribery, gifts and conflicts
  11. Health and safety
  12. Leaving the Company

Plus a schedule of the commercial details and signature blocks where the document needs them.

Read the opening

The first part of the template, as it reads in Word. Blanks are shown as lines; the drafting notes sit in the margin of the file.

EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK

____________________ LTD (the “Company”) Version ____ Last reviewed ______________

1. Introduction

1.1 This Handbook sets out the Company’s main policies and procedures. It applies to all employees, and (where the policy says so) to workers, contractors, interns and volunteers (“you”). It does not form part of your contract of employment, and the Company may change it at any time. Where it conflicts with your contract, your contract prevails.

1.2 Questions about this Handbook should be addressed to ____________________ (name or role) (the “People Contact”).

2. Equality, diversity and anti-harassment

2.1 The Company is committed to equal opportunity and a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation. We do not tolerate any of it, whether in person, online, at social events or outside work, if it is connected with work. Protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

2.2 The Company will take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of its staff, including by third parties such as clients and suppliers. Our steps include: training for all staff, a clear reporting route, taking every report seriously and protecting people who report from retaliation.

2.3 If you experience or witness harassment or discrimination, tell the People Contact or another manager. You may use the grievance procedure or ask for an informal resolution. We shall investigate promptly and fairly and shall protect confidentiality as far as possible. Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith is a disciplinary offence.

3. Disciplinary procedure

How it works

  1. Pay by card. The download starts at once and the link keeps working.
  2. Open the Word file. Fill in the blanks, pick the options marked with boxes, read each note in the margin.
  3. Delete the notes and the notice box, then sign. Or send it to us for a fixed-fee check first.

Word template

£39 Instant download

One-off. No account needed. VAT not charged.

Or fill it in online (platform plan)
  • Drafted by a solicitor for England and Wales
  • Drafting notes explain every choice
  • Instant download, link works again later
  • £50 off a fixed-fee review once filled in (from £99)

Part of a pack

Hiring pack, £79

5 documents for taking on your first people.

See the pack

Need more than one?

Complete template library, £299

All 40 documents, with the index and guide.