Staff grievance policy and procedures: model and examples

Download our model staff grievance policy and adapt it to your context. See examples of grievance procedures from other schools and trusts.

Last reviewed on 9 April 2026See updates
Ref: 41562
Statutory/mandatory for:
Maintained schools
Academies
Free schools
Independent schools
Sixth-form colleges
Pupil referral units
Non-maintained special schools
Contents
  1. Download our model policy
  2. Use our checklist to write your own policy
  3. See examples of policies from schools

Download our model policy

Our model policy is designed for you to adapt to suit your school's context. It also includes a form employees can use to raise a grievance.

This model was developed in consultation with NAHT. It has been approved by Forbes Solicitors and reviewed by FusionHR. The Key is a minority investor in FusionHR.

You should consult with the unions represented at your school before putting any new policy in place that refers to the employment of staff.

Model policy: staff grievance procedures (schools) DOCX, 204.1 KB
Download

You can choose how to present your grievance procedures

All schools are required to have procedures for addressing staff discipline, conduct and grievances.

Some schools have 1 or 2 documents setting out these procedures in various combinations, and some have separate documents for each.

To keep things simple, we have separate articles for staff disciplinary procedures and a staff