Voluntary redundancy: a step-by-step guide

Redundancies may be a necessary step to manage your staffing budget or structure. Understand the legal framework around offering and accepting voluntary redundancy, and use our step-by-step guide to manage the process correctly.

Updated
on 18 May 2026
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Contents
  1. What's voluntary redundancy?
  2. The process for offering voluntary redundancy
  3. Rules for selection criteria
  4. Voluntary redundancy payment rules
  5. Examples of voluntary redundancy scenarios

It's a challenging time for many schools and trusts. You may have to review your staffing budget or structure, and consider voluntary redundancy as an option. Voluntary redundancy is a sensitive process, but it can allow you to offer your staff greater choice over their future. 

It's also a good way to show that you've considered all the options if you eventually need to make compulsory redundancies.

What's voluntary redundancy?

Voluntary redundancy is when an employee voluntarily chooses to accept a redundancy package and leave their employment. This can happen:

  • By your school/trust asking for volunteers for redundancy
  • By individual staff members offering to be made redundant

The process for offering voluntary redundancy

1. Decide if it's right for your school/trust

However, you should also consider other options that may reduce costs without redundancies needing to be made.