Grievance Procedures & Policies
Build a culture of respect. Take a proactive approach to grievances.
Grievance procedures can be an upsetting, complex and time-consuming process for both employees and employers, impacting both the employee, the team morale, and the business. For many employers, especially in smaller teams, handling these situations can feel overwhelming and stressful. It’s crucial to ensure all grievance procedures are conducted sensitively whilst also being fair, consistent, and in compliance with employment law.Â
vivoHR has over 20 years of experience in HR and we are specialists in this field. We can help you to manage grievances effectively and with confidence, minimising disruption to your business operations and maintaining a positive and productive workplace.
We can help you …
- Create a fair and consistent approach
- Protect your business from legal risks
- Maintain a positive and productive work environment
Expert grievance handling support with vivoHR
We’ll work with you to create a grievance policy and procedures that will reduce risk, ensure compliance and protect your business.
How we can help …
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.
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.
Maintain a positive work environment
We’ll help you to maintain a positive and productive work environment, even during challenging times.
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.
Our disciplinary and grievance package
vivoHR supports its clients with a comprehensive Disciplinary and Grievance Package which includes:
A Disciplinary and Grievance Policy together with guidance notes
Disciplinary and Grievance Process steps flow chart
Template letters for each stage of the process – with guidance notes for completion
Investigation report template
Disciplinary meeting minute taking template
Guidance notes for running meetings
Talk to our expert team to find out how we can help you to overcome your HR challenges.
Grievance FAQs
What is a grievance?
A grievance is any concern or complaint that a member of staff raises with you. A grievance will be personal to the employee raising it, and so may relate to anything or anyone in the business.
This could include issues such as:
- Â Bullying and harassment
- Discrimination
- Unfair treatment
- Breach of contract
- Health and safety concerns
Do grievances need to be in writing?
Ideally yes they do but employees who would struggle with this can be supported to raise their concerns verbally.  Once the employee has formally communicated their grievance, the employer should carry out a thorough investigation relating to the grievance. A meeting needs to be held to discuss the grievance and suggestions for its resolution. The employee raising the grievance has the right to be accompanied to the grievance meeting. The employee also has the right to appeal the outcome if they are not satisfied.
Is there a time limit for raising a grievance?
While there’s no strict legal deadline for dealing with a grievance, it’s generally best practice to address concerns promptly. Your company may have its own internal policy regarding time limits, but it’s important to remember that promptly addressing issues is crucial for maintaining a positive work environment. Also, delays can sometimes make it more difficult to investigate and resolve grievances effectively.
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
Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you create an effective employee handbook that will help steer your business onto the road to success.
Worried about HR compliance or feeling overwhelmed?
Request a FREE HR audit (worth £360)
Let us help. With our free, no-obligation audit we will assess your HR practices, identify any risks, and provide you with a clear report and plan of action.
In just two hours, we’ll:
- Highlight areas where you could be exposed to risk
- Ensure your processes meet employment laws and best practice
- Give you simple, practical next steps
No stress, no obligation. Just straightforward advice.