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Make your own acceptable use policy

An acceptable use policy tells your staff how they can use your computers, email and internet, and what you check. Start with our free template, or let us fill it in for you.

The free template

Our template is written in plain English for small businesses. It covers passwords, email, internet use, Wi-Fi, personal devices, monitoring and what to do if something goes wrong.

You fill in the blanks yourself. A "Before you start" page and short hints explain what each part means and which sections you can leave out.

Download the free template

Your own copy, ready to sign

Prefer us to do it? Answer a few questions and we'll make a finished copy for your business. It:

  • has your business name and logo on every page
  • has your details filled in throughout
  • leaves out the sections that don't apply to you, and renumbers the rest so it still reads properly
  • has the hints and the "Before you start" page taken out
  • comes as a PDF, ready to print, sign and hand to staff

It takes a few minutes, and you download it straight away.

Choose your option

Fields left empty stay as a blank line in the policy, for you to fill in by hand.

About your business

As you want it to appear on the policy, for example "Smith & Sons Ltd."

A PNG, JPG or SVG file. Leave it out and the logo space stays blank.

Name and role of the person responsible for it, for example "Jane Smith, Managing Director".

Start with 1.0. Change it each time you update the policy.

The month the policy starts, for example "November 2026".

Your IT set-up

Does an outside company look after your IT?

Choose No if you look after it yourselves. Mentions of an IT provider are then taken out.

Do you have Wi-Fi for visitors?

Choose No if visitors don't use your Wi-Fi. The guest Wi-Fi section is then taken out.

Do your computers show a notice when someone signs in?

For example, a message reminding staff of the policy. Choose No if not, or if you're not sure.

Does anyone connect to your computers remotely to help fix them?

For example, an IT provider taking control to fix a problem.

Can staff use their own phones or laptops on your network or for work email?

Choose No if only business devices are allowed.

Internet filtering and monitoring

In plain words, for example "scam websites, adult content and gambling". Leave it empty if you're not sure.

For example, "websites visited and when".

For example, "sign-ins, installed software and updates".

For example, "the Managing Director and our IT provider".

One word, as in "every ___": for example "month" or "week".

A number, for example 90.

Who staff should contact

A role is best, for example "the Managing Director", so the policy stays right when people change.

Who staff should tell straight away.

Who staff should ask.

Signing the policy

Will staff confirm they've read it online?

Choose No if they'll sign a paper copy.

This policy is a template, not legal advice. Check it suits your business before you use it. See our terms of sale.