Workplace Anti-Bullying & Harassment Policy Template

Why your business needs an anti-bullying and harassment policy

A safe, respectful workplace isn’t just good practice, it’s a legal must and smart business. A clear bullying and harassment policy not only protects your people, but also protects your business from costly disputes and reputational damage.

Bullying and harassment aren’t always obvious. They can range from subtle exclusion to outright intimidation. Failing to address these issues can lead to plummeting morale, stalled productivity and a loss of valuable team members.

As an employer, you have a responsibility to prevent workplace bullying and harassment and to act decisively if it occurs. A well-documented policy helps you do just that, while signalling to your team that your workplace is inclusive, fair and respectful.

A general anti-bullying and harassment policy will help you meet your duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to provide a safe place of work for all employees. It is also recommended to have a separate policy dealing with bullying, harassment and discrimination on the basis of the characteristics protected under the Equality Act 2010 (eg sexual harassment, etc).

What’s inside the policy template?

This editable bullying and harassment at work policy template covers:

• Clear definitions of what constitutes bullying and harassment and what does not
• Clear behavioural expectations
• Responsibilities of staff, managers and HR
• Reporting steps for informal and formal complaints
• Investigation procedures
• Confidentiality commitments
• Possible outcomes, disciplinary steps and appeal rights

Fully customisable to your style and structure, our workplace harassment and bullying policy template is easy to implement and legally informed.

Who is this template for?

This bullying and harassment policy template has been designed with versatility in mind. Whether you’re part of a growing startup or a more established organisation. It can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

HR Managers

Ensure consistency and legal compliance across every department. With clear definitions, standardised processes and reporting frameworks, the template helps you reduce grey areas and support line managers in handling complaints fairly. It also integrates easily into your broader suite of HR policies, making it ideal for audits, onboarding and internal training.

Business Owners

No legal background? No problem. This policy simplifies your responsibilities, laying out your legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act in plain language. Whether you employ five people or fifty, it helps you implement a robust policy that protects your team and your business from risk.

People Leaders

Not every manager is an HR expert, but all leaders play a role in creating a respectful culture. This policy makes it easier to understand what constitutes unacceptable behaviour, what to do if concerns are raised and how to escalate issues appropriately. It removes ambiguity, boosts confidence and supports better leadership.

The template is built to scale. Whether you’re an SME developing your first HR toolkit or a larger organisation refining your anti-harassment policy, this document gives you the foundation you need to create a safe and inclusive workplace.

How to use the template

Step-by-step guidance:

1. Download the template.
2. Customise to reflect your business and culture.
3. Share the template with staff by adding it to handbooks and internal communications channels.
4. Embed into your onboarding and training programmes.

Reviewed by HR experts

Our anti-bullying and harassment policy template has been carefully reviewed by CIPD‑qualified HR professionals to ensure it reflects both legal requirements and workplace best practice.

It provides practical, easy-to-follow guidance for handling sensitive issues with professionalism and care. From reporting procedures to investigation protocols, every section has been designed to help employers manage incidents fairly, consistently and with confidence.

You’ll find the policy is:

• Legally informed and up to date with UK regulations
• Written in clear, accessible language
• Suitable for a wide range of industries and team sizes
• Designed to support implementation at all levels of your business