Responding to staff resignations

Find out what you're required to do when handling a resignation from a member of staff, and download our template letter to help you put your response in writing.

Last reviewed on 29 August 2023
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 10227
Contents
  1. Follow your statutory requirements
  2. Download our template letter to respond and meet requirements
  3. Guidance for maintained schools transferring to academies 
  4. You can't force a staff member to withdraw their resignation

Follow your statutory requirements

When a member of staff resigns, you must:

  • Ask the employee to confirm their resignation in writing
  • Tell the employee what the notice period is
  • Agree with the employee when their last day at work will be
  • Confirm whether the employee should work all or part of their notice period

This is set out on the GOV.UK website.

Acas also recommends that you set out in writing anything that you expect from the staff member before they leave to avoid misunderstandings or disputes.

For example, you may ask them to create handover notes or train a colleague on how to do a task that they are responsible for.

Always ask for resignations to be given in writing, as verbal resignations could lead to claims of unfair dismissal. 

There's no requirement for an employer to reply to an employee's letter of resignation in writing, but it's good practice to