Policies, procedures and HR issues

When was the last time you reviewed your employee handbook or your policies and procedures? Do you know which policies you are legally required to have if you are employing staff?

Business Link is a very useful source of information for organisations starting to think about having employees but it is also useful for those who want to review policies and procedures already in place.

Most employers produce policies that set out the rules and procedures their staff need to know. Policies - on health and safety for example - help employees to understand what the employer expects of them, and how they should carry out certain activities. They also advise employees of the rules that need to be followed and the rewards available to them.

Clear policies will help your business identify and prevent potential risks to your employees and ensure that you comply with the law. They will also help to create a culture where issues are dealt with fairly and consistently.

See also the section on safeguarding children.

Useful links

Business Link - Setting the rules

Business Link - Set up employment policies for your business - includes a table showing which key policies are a legal minimum requirement and those that should be considered for best practice.

Business Eye (Wales) Everyday workplace policies [pdf 157kb]

Is4Profit – Everyday workplace policies

Sheffield Out of School Network – Health and Safety checklist [pdf 21kb]

Southampton Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership – Policies and procedures
(Good examples of sample policies and procedures for early years and children’s settings.)

Go to next page: Safeguarding children including CRB

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