Disciplinary Procedures & Policies

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Helping you navigate difficult situations in the workplace

Disciplinary procedures can be complex and emotionally charged. For many businesses, especially for employers with smaller teams where everyone knows each other well, it can also become very stressful and can create tension which could negatively impact team morale and productivity. It’s crucial to ensure that all disciplinary procedures are conducted fairly and in accordance with relevant employment law. And this is where we come in!

vivoHR has over 20 years’ experience in this field, and our practical guidance and support, will give you, and your management team, the skills to be able to navigate disciplinary procedures with confidence and minimise disruption to your business.

We can help you …

Create a fair and consistent approach
Protect your business from legal risks
Maintain a positive and productive work environment

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Overcome the HR challenges with vivoHR

We’ll work with you to create a disciplinary policy and procedures that are fair, consistent, and compliant with all relevant legislation.

In addition, we can also help with ….

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Investigations and hearings

We can assist with conducting impartial investigations, producing an investigation report, preparing for hearings, and ensuring that all procedures are followed correctly. We can also conduct the hearing on your behalf and make recommendations to you on the appropriate outcomes.

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Advice and support to managers

We’ll provide guidance and support to managers throughout the disciplinary process, helping them to navigate these challenging situations with confidence.

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Minimise risk and avoid legal challenges

We’ll help you minimise the risk of legal challenges by ensuring that the procedure is conducted fairly and in accordance with best practice.

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Maintain a positive work environment

We’ll help you to maintain a positive and productive work environment, even during challenging times.

Our disciplinary and grievance package

vivoHR supports its clients with a comprehensive Disciplinary and Grievance Package which includes:

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A Disciplinary and Grievance Policy together with guidance notes

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Disciplinary and Grievance Process steps flow chart

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Template letters for each stage of the process – with guidance notes for completion

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Investigation report template

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Disciplinary meeting minute taking template

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Guidance notes for running meetings

Talk to our expert team to find out how we can help you to overcome your HR challenges.

Disciplinary FAQS

How long does a disciplinary last?

A disciplinary process lasts as long as necessary to ensure a fair investigation and hearing, typically a few weeks but can vary depending on the complexity of the case. Once a disciplinary decision is made, any warnings issued remain active for a set period, usually between 6 to 12 months. If no further issues arise within the specified period, the disciplinary warning will expire, but in some cases, it may remain on record for reference.

Can disciplinary meetings be recorded?

Employers are not legally required to allow recordings, and most disciplinary policies prohibit them unless agreed upon by all parties. Employees may request permission to record a meeting, but employers can refuse unless there’s a legitimate reason, such as disability accommodations. Secretly recording a disciplinary meeting could be considered misconduct and may not be admissible in a tribunal unless it highlights serious procedural failings. It is fairly common practice for the employer to record in order to produce meeting minutes but any such recordings must be kept confidential in accordance with appropriate data protection principles.

How long does a disciplinary stay on record?

A disciplinary warning typically stays on record for 6 to 12 months, depending on the employer’s policy and the severity of the misconduct. If no further issues occur within the warning period, the disciplinary is no longer live, but employers may still keep a record.

What’s the cost for pay-as-you-go hr support?

Pay-as-you-go support is £120 + VAT per hour. Great for one-off help without a subscription.

What’s the price for phone and email support?

Phone and email support starts from £100 + VAT – ideal for day-to-day questions or quick advice.

Do you offer monthly HR support packages, and what do they cost?

Yes – our monthly retainers start from £217 + VAT. These give you ongoing support with the flexibility of a monthly plan.

Watch our explainer videos

Major Employment Law Changes in 2026 - Employment Rights Act 2025

Whether you are managing absence, performance, disciplinary action, contracts, or workplace policies, it’s essential to ensure your approach reflects the latest legal requirements. Keeping your HR practices aligned with current legislation helps reduce risk, maintain compliance, and support fair treatment across your organisation.

The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces significant changes that now affect employers across the UK. All businesses should review their policies and procedures to ensure they remain compliant and up to date.

Let’s Get Started

Whether you need help with a specific HR issue or want to improve your overall approach, we’re here to help. By choosing vivoHR, you’re partnering with a team that’s as dedicated to your business success as you are.

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   adrian hall 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would highly recommend speaking with Vivo HR. We chose them three years ago based on a trusted partner's recommendation, and it has proved to be a good decision. As an SME, maintaining best practice and compliance with rapid changes in HR is tough, but their pragmatic, straightforward, and transparent advice makes it much easier. They provide excellent, reliable support in a very challenging business environment.
  
 
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   Fiona Thorpe 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We've used vivoHR as our HR consultants for several years now, working with Sarah-Louise on a number of issues over that time.  Originally through personal recommendation, the service offered is very professional and comes with knowledge, experience and patience(!) I'm more than happy to highly recommend them.
  
 
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   Natasha Parkin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sam provided our managers at Clarke and Son Solicitors with Performance Management Training at the end of April. Her half day session was informative and engaging, balancing management theory with practical tasks to help upskill the team. Given the upcoming changes to employment legislation I felt our managers left the training fully equipped to manage performance across their teams with more confidence. Thanks Sam, it was a pleasure to have you help us.
  
 
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   louisecfc 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve had a great experience working with vivoHR.

They’ve been a real support in helping us stay up to date with employment regulations and making sure we remain compliant. They are also always there when we need a second opinion or just a quick sanity check.

What really stands out is how they explain everything. No jargon, no overcomplicating things - just clear, straightforward advice that is easy to understand and act on.

Running a business comes with enough to think about, so having that level of support and clarity makes a big difference.

Would happily recommend to any business owner who wants peace of mind around HR.
  
 
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   Emma Lawrence 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sam, Rachel and the team at VivoHR have provided us an excellent and professional service.
  
 
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   Rachel Harris 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I asked Sarah-Louise from VivoHR to speak about the new Employment Rights Act for an event with local business owners.
She was excellent. Her friendly and approachable style meant that, what can be a dry subject, became an engaging, useful summary of essential actions.  I will definitely ask her to speak again at more of our events. Her expertise in HR shone through. Thank you again Sarah-Louise for your time and support.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent talk by Sarah-Lpuise on the new Employment Rights Act. First rate. Thx David

Worried about HR compliance or feeling overwhelmed?

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