We’ve launched another new suite of model policy templates to support chambers professionals and heads of chambers with best practice in employment.
The new policy templates include a model employment contract and a range of templates covering matters relating to parental leave, flexible working, and expenses. Each template is downloadable in Word format with highlighted sections to tailor the policy to your set and circumstances.
The new model policy templates are:
Model employment contract – this is a simple contract of employment of indefinite duration. It’s suitable for use by a limited company employer for salaried employees who work regular hours and contains all the information required to be in a single document to meet the requirements of section 1 of the Employment Rights Act 1996. It may be used for part-time employees with the adaptations indicated within the text
Appraisals – this updated policy and guidelines explain how chambers will make sure employees are given feedback and appropriate support to succeed in their roles and develop in their careers
Parental leave for employees – this template policy explains the right to take up to 18 weeks’ unpaid leave to care for, or spend time with, any child employees are responsible for. It applied to chambers’ employees only, not barristers or pupils. Our other guide to parental leave covers best practice in relation to barristers and pupils.
Maternity leave – this template explains the rights and responsibilities of employees (not barristers or pupils) who are pregnant or have recently given birth and the arrangements for pregnancy-related sickness, health and safety, and maternity leave
Paternity leave – this template sets out employees’ entitlement to paternity leave and the arrangements if they take it. It doesn’t apply to barristers or pupils.
Adoption – this template explains the arrangements for adoption leave and pay for employees (not barristers or pupils) who are adopting, fostering or having a child through a surrogate mother
Assisted conception – this template policy explains the support available to employees (not barristers or pupils) who are undergoing, or who are companions to individuals undergoing, assisted conception (also known as IVF) treatment
Time off for antenatal and adoption appointments – this template policy explains the right to take time off for employees and agency workers (not barristers or pupils)
Flexible working for employees – this template policy explains statutory rights to request a permanent change to a working pattern to help support a good work/life balance for employees (not barristers/pupils). Our flexible working guide for barristers covers good practice for tenants
Overtime – this policy sets out how overtime payments may be claimed by employees if and when a contract of employment confirms eligibility for overtime payments
Sickness absence – this policy explains procedures for reporting employee sickness absence and managing sickness absence fairly
Expenses – this policy sets out rules on the reimbursement of business expenses, including travel, accommodation and hospitality for employees
The model policies were devised by the Bar Council’s Chambers Management Panel who contracted an experienced employment lawyer, Colina Greenway, to draft the templates and ensure they follow the latest regulations and best practice. The new templates follow the publication of our first set of model employment policy templates in October 2024.
The documents form part of the Bar Council’s comprehensive list of policies and procedures for chambers covering behaviour management, client management and instructions, employee management, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, health and wellbeing, information security, governance, practice development, and pupillage and recruitment.