This will appear throughout the grievance procedure
📅
When does this procedure take effect?
The date the procedure becomes effective
👥
Who does this procedure apply to?
Define the scope of coverage
💡 Typically covers all employees. You can include or exclude probationary staff.
⏰
What's the timeframe for informal resolution?
How quickly should employees raise informal concerns?
📅
5 Working Days
📆
10 Working Days
🗓️
15 Working Days
✏️
Custom Timeframe
💡 ACAS recommends attempting informal resolution first. 10 working days is typical.
👤
Who should employees contact informally?
First point of contact for informal grievances
👔
Line Manager
🏢
HR Department
📋
Designated Person
✏️
Custom Contact
📬
Who should receive formal grievances?
Where formal written grievances are submitted
🏢
HR Department
👔
Line Manager
👤
Named Person/Role
📝
How should grievances be submitted?
Method for submitting formal grievances
💡 Must be in writing. Can be email, letter, or formal grievance form.
🔍
What's the investigation timeframe?
Time allowed to investigate before holding a meeting
📅
5 Working Days
📆
10 Working Days
🗓️
15 Working Days
✏️
Custom Timeframe
🕵️
Who conducts investigations?
The role or person responsible for investigating grievances
🤝
How much notice for grievance meetings?
Advance notice employees receive before meetings
👥
What are the accompaniment rights?
Employees' right to be accompanied at meetings
💡 This is a statutory right under the Employment Relations Act 1999.
✅
When will decisions be communicated?
Timeframe for communicating grievance outcomes
📄
How will outcomes be communicated?
Method for communicating grievance decisions
⚖️
What's the appeal deadline?
How long employees have to submit an appeal
📅
5 Working Days
📆
10 Working Days
🗓️
15 Working Days
✏️
Custom Timeframe
👔
Who hears appeals?
Should be more senior than the original decision-maker
👔
Senior Manager
🏢
Director
👤
Named Person/Role
🔒
What is your confidentiality policy?
How grievance information will be handled
📁
How long are records retained?
Record retention period for grievance files
💡 Must comply with GDPR. 6 years covers potential tribunal time limits.
🛡️
What is your victimisation policy?
Protection for employees who raise grievances
💬
What support is available?
Support services for employees during the process
🏛️
What external options are available?
Information about external resolution options
💡 Employees retain the right to contact ACAS or lodge an Employment Tribunal claim (usually within 3 months minus 1 day).
✍️
Include employee acknowledgement section?
An optional sign-off confirming employees received the procedure
✅
Yes Include
📄
No Policy Only
💡 A grievance procedure is a company policy — it does not legally require signatures. However, an acknowledgement section provides useful evidence that employees have been given and understood the procedure.
👥
How many acknowledgement signature lines?
Number of employee sign-off blocks to include
👤
1 Employee
👥
2 Employees
👥
3 Employees
👥
5 Employees
💡 Most employers print one copy per employee with a single signature line. Use multiple lines if distributing a single shared copy.