What are workplace policies and procedures?

A workplace policy defines the business’s expectations of employees’ performance and behaviour. Workplace policies also help to protect the business when employees are in breach, and the business needs to act.

A procedure outlines the steps involved in implementing the policy, and together they provide a clear guideline for the business’s employees.

Workplace Agreements

Workplace agreements play a critical role in regulating the commercial and working relationships that underpin modern businesses. Well‑drafted agreements not only protect your legal position, but also provide clarity, manage risk and assist in preventing disputes before they arise.

There are a plethora of employment‑related documents and deeds which Chamberlains HR can draft, review and advise on for your business. Our lawyers work closely with employers across a wide range of industries to ensure workplace agreements are legally compliant, commercially robust and aligned with operational objectives.

Deeds of Release and Settlement

A deed of release is a legally binding document commonly used when resolving workplace and employment‑related disputes. Deeds of release are particularly beneficial for employers as they typically include provisions which:

• Prohibit an employee or former employee from commencing or continuing legal proceedings
• Provide certainty and finality in dispute resolution
• Include non‑disparagement obligations restricting what can be said about the business or its representatives
• Address confidentiality, return of property and post‑separation obligations

We regularly advise on, draft and negotiate deeds of release and settlement deeds to ensure they are enforceable and appropriately protect our clients’ interests.

Other Workplace Agreements and Documents

In addition to deeds, Chamberlains HR advises on a wide range of workplace and work‑adjacent agreements, including:

• Independent contractor and consultant agreements, with careful consideration of sham contracting risks
• Confidentiality and non‑disclosure agreements (NDAs) to protect sensitive business information
• Restraint, non‑compete and non‑solicitation arrangements, including advice on enforceability
• Commission, incentive and bonus agreements
• Labour hire and outsourcing agreements
• Workplace policy acknowledgements and standalone compliance agreements
• Deeds of variation and other documents formalising changes to existing arrangements

Our Approach

We take a pragmatic, commercially focused approach to workplace agreements. Our advice is tailored to the realities of your business, with a strong emphasis on risk management, regulatory compliance and practical enforceability.

We assist employers with:

• Drafting bespoke agreements specific to their business model
• Reviewing existing documents to identify legal, compliance and operational risks
• Advising on enforceability and risk exposure before disputes arise
• Supporting negotiations and dispute resolution involving workplace agreements

Whether you are formalising a new arrangement, resolving a dispute, or seeking to strengthen your existing documentation, Chamberlains HR provides clear, strategic advice to protect your business and support long‑term certainty.