A Disciplinary Appeal Letter is a formal written request submitted by an employee to challenge a disciplinary action taken against them by their employer. Whether you believe the disciplinary action was unjustified, based on incorrect evidence, or inconsistent with company procedures, this letter gives you a structured way to request a re-evaluation of the outcome.

It serves as a key part of a organisations internal grievance process and allows the employee to raise concerns about the fairness, proportionality, or accuracy of a decision made.

What is a Disciplinary Appeal Letter?

A Disciplinary Appeal Letter sets out your grounds for appeal and provides supporting context, evidence, or explanations for why the disciplinary action should be reconsidered. Typically, it is submitted following a formal disciplinary hearing and a decision such as a written warning, suspension, demotion, or even dismissal.

The appeal must usually be submitted within a specific time frame, often 5 or 10 working days, depending on the company’s internal disciplinary procedure.

Why submit a disciplinary appeal?

Submitting an appeal gives you the opportunity to:

• Challenge factual errors in the decision
• Provide new evidence not previously considered
• Argue that the sanction was disproportionate
• Raise concerns about procedural errors during the investigation or hearing
• Clarify any mitigating circumstances that were overlooked

An appeal does not guarantee the original decision will be overturned, but it ensures you are given a fair chance to be heard—and that your employer reviews the case objectively.

How to structure a Disciplinary Appeal Letter

A strong Disciplinary Appeal Letter should include:

1. The date of the original disciplinary hearing
2. The date the decision was made and who made it
3. A clear statement that you are appealing the decision
4. Detailed grounds for the appeal
5. A formal request for an appeal hearing
6. A request to be accompanied, e.g. by a trade union representative or a lawyer
7. A respectful, professional tone

Bind’s document generator guides you through these sections to create a tailored, professional appeal letter you can send to HR or your line manager.

Common grounds for appeal

You can appeal a disciplinary decision based on one or more of the following:

• The decision was too severe in relation to the misconduct or issue at hand
• New evidence has come to light that affects the case
• The facts were misunderstood or inaccurately reported
• The investigation was flawed, rushed, or lacked impartiality
• Company procedures were not followed, undermining fairness
• Mitigating circumstances (such as health or family issues) were not considered

Your appeal should be honest, fact-based, and free from inflammatory or emotional language. Focus on the facts and make clear what outcome you are seeking.

Disciplinary Appeal Letter – free template

Dear [Name],

Re: Appeal Against Disciplinary Decision

I am writing to formally appeal against the disciplinary decision made on [date], following the [e.g. disciplinary hearing] held on [date]. I was informed of the decision to issue me with [disciplinary action taken against you] due to my [specify].

I believe that this decision is disproportionate and does not take into account several important mitigating factors:

• […]
• […]
• […]

I am requesting that the [disciplinary action taken against you] be [specify what you want, e.g. reduced/removed]. In accordance with the company’s disciplinary procedure, I request [what you want. e.g. an appeal hearing].

Please advise me of the date, time, and location of the appeal hearing.

I look forward to resolving this matter promptly and fairly.

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Bind makes it easy to generate a professionally written Disciplinary Appeal Letter tailored to your circumstances. Create your appeal letter now with Bind and ensure your voice is heard.