Disciplinary Procedure - Free Legal Template
Updated 17 October 2025
This document outlines a company's disciplinary procedure, detailing the steps taken when employee performance or conduct falls below standards. It covers informal and formal stages, including warnings and potential dismissal, and ensures employees have the right to an investigation, a meeting, and an appeal. The policy aims to address issues fairly and consistently.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE
Policy Statement
[company name] is committed to fostering a supportive and productive work environment. However, when performance or conduct does not meet our standards, we believe in addressing these issues fairly and consistently. This Disciplinary Procedure outlines the steps we will follow in such situations.
Scope
This procedure applies to all employees of [company name].
Definitions
Misconduct: Inappropriate behavior or actions in violation of company policies.
Gross Misconduct: Serious misconduct that can lead to immediate dismissal.
Disciplinary Procedure
Informal Stage: Minor issues will be dealt with informally through discussions between the employee and their supervisor.
Formal Stage: For more serious or repeated misconduct, the following formal process will be followed:
a. First Warning: If performance does not improve or misconduct continues after the informal stage, a formal written warning will be issued detailing the nature of the misconduct, the improvement required, and the timeframe for improvement. The consequences of further misconduct will also be stated.
b. Final Warning: If the issue is not resolved, or if a more serious offense occurs, a final written warning will be issued. This warning will include the possibility of dismissal if improvements are not made.
c. Dismissal: If performance or conduct does not improve after the final warning, the employee may be dismissed. In cases of gross misconduct, dismissal may be immediate.
Investigation
Before taking any formal disciplinary action, an investigation will be carried out to gather all relevant facts. The employee will be informed of the allegations against them and given the opportunity to respond.
Disciplinary Meetings
Before any disciplinary action is taken, the employee will be invited to a meeting to discuss the issue. The employee has the right to be accompanied by a colleague or union representative.
Appeals
Employees have the right to appeal any disciplinary action. The appeal should be submitted in writing to [designated officer] within 7 days of the disciplinary action.
Confidentiality
All disciplinary matters will be kept confidential and only shared with those involved in the process.
Modifications
This policy does not form part of the formal contract of employment and can be amended at any time by the company.
About this template
What is this template?
Disciplinary Procedure - Free Legal Template is a free, ready-to-use Employment template you can open, customize, and download on GitLaw. It gives you a professionally structured starting point, so you never have to draft from a blank page. The wording is plain and modern, organized into clear sections that are easy to read, edit, and adapt to your own situation before you share or sign it.
When should you use it?
Reach for this Employment template whenever you need a reliable agreement quickly and want to be sure the essentials are covered. It suits individuals, freelancers, startups, and established businesses alike. Instead of paying for a document drafted from scratch, you can start here, tailor the details to your arrangement, and have a polished draft ready in minutes. Always review the final wording against the laws that apply where you live or do business.
What's typically included?
A well-drafted Employment usually sets out the parties involved, the scope of the agreement, and each side's rights and responsibilities. Expect sections covering key terms and definitions, how long the agreement lasts, how it can be ended, and what happens if something goes wrong. This template brings those building blocks together in a sensible order, so you can focus on the specifics rather than worrying about what to include. Open it to read the full document, then sign up to edit, negotiate, and e-sign it directly in GitLaw.