Difficulties may arise at various points in the employment relationship, and disciplinary and grievance procedures are there to ensure that these challenges are dealt with fairly and consistently. For this reason, employers need procedures that support both the employer’s and employee's perspective. Employers should follow both their own procedures and the Acas Code of Practice: Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures.

This factsheet examines the two main areas where a disciplinary system may be used: capability/performance and conduct. It offers comprehensive advice for handling disciplinary interviews and looks at handling grievances informally and formally.

Member tool: CIPD Buddy BETA
Experiment with AI to find answers on this topic with our prototype. Login to explore CIPD Buddy

This factsheet was last updated by Rachel Suff: Senior Policy and Practice Adviser, CIPD

Rachel informs CIPD policy thinking on health and wellbeing as well as employment relations. She has over 25 years’ experience in the employment and HR arena.

  • Data

    Data hub

    Explore the evidence behind workforce trends

  • Factsheet

    Pay fairness and pay reporting

    Find out what's meant by fair pay, what pay information UK employers must disclose by law and the opportunities pay narratives bring.

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    Personal relationships in the workplace

    This factsheet looks at the policies and procedures employers can put in place around relationships in the workplace, to mitigate risks to the business and their employees

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    Bonuses and incentives

    Understand the basics of bonuses and incentives, the trends in their application, and how to design and operate schemes effectively and ethically

    For Members
  • Factsheets