File note form template

5 minute read • 1 December 2024
£ 9
(and you get 12 months access)

Our File Note Form Template records first offences or minor incidents, promoting fair and consistent documentation.

If an employee has displayed poor performance or attitude, or committed minor misconduct for the first time, use this model file note form template to record it.

Blue hrdocbox.co.uk logo

File note form

Private and Confidential

Employee:  
Job title:  
Department:  

Summary

Subject:

e.g. timekeeping

 

Background:

what actions/misconduct/poor performance etc. led to this file note being recorded?

 
Summary of discussion:  

Agreed outcome:

Depending upon the issue, this section could include:

  • summary of improvements
  • required standards
  • targets/objectives (SMART)
  • timescales for improvement,
  • responsibilities for implementing actions,
  • details of any agreed reasonable adjustments
  • date of any subsequent review meeting/discussions etc.
 

 

File note issued by:  
Date issued:  

Protected before purchase.

Protected before purchase.

Version: [1.0]

Issue date: [date]

What is this for?

File notes are written records of an employee's disciplinary actions or performance issues maintained in their personnel file. They track incidents, counseling, and corrective measures, enabling employers to address poor behaviour or misconduct. File notes must be factual, objective, and compliant with relevant laws.

file note form template
  • Employment Rights Act 1996: Provides guidelines on recording and maintaining accurate employment records, including disciplinary incidents.

  • Equality Act 2010: Ensures that disciplinary actions are applied consistently and without discrimination based on protected characteristics.

  • Data Protection Act 2018: Sets requirements for handling and protecting employee data, including disciplinary records.

  • ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures: Offers best practices for handling disciplinary issues, which may include record-keeping.

Documentation sequence

Previous
Letters
Concern about performance letter template

Use this model letter to notify an employee that you have a concern over their performance, that may warrant disciplinary action should it happen again.

This
File note form template
Next
Letters
Verbal (informal) warning letter template

Our Verbal Warning Letter Template facilitates prompt informal resolution of performance issues, ensuring clear communication and promoting improvement.

Decision-making milestones

Step Description Responsibility Timing (Days from Decision)
1 Define Criteria: Establish clear criteria for using the File Note Form to record a first offence or minor incident, ensuring it does not discriminate based on protected characteristics. HR / Management Team N/A
2 Meet with Employee: Arrange a meeting with the employee to discuss the event and inform them about the File Note Form. HR / Supervisors Day 1
3 Incident Documentation: Complete the File Note Form to record the details of the event, including date, time, and description. Employees / Supervisors Day 1
4 Review and Verification: Review the File Note Form for accuracy and verify event details if needed. HR / Management Team Day 2
5 File and Monitor: Securely file the Form for future reference and monitor any necessary follow-up actions. HR / Management Team Ongoing

Protected before purchase.

Protected before purchase.

Recent purchases

I have just renewed our membership for another year for HRdocbox. It's an extremely useful resource with a wide variety of documents and knowledge...
★★★★★
- Rachel Masing, ETM Group

I have previously posted a review on their service, however thought I should add an update. I have just signed up with them again...
★★★★★
- Jamie Allan, Armstrong Craven

Excellent library of resources and templates which have made my job in my small business so much easier to manage HR for my employees...
★★★★★
- Emma Hunt

Great value and the site contains an extensive library of essential HR documents. I access the site probably once a week...
★★★★★
- Laura Alliss-Etty

HRDocBox is a great resource. It is incredibly good value, providing a large selection of HR guidance materials as well as...
★★★★★
- Emma Beauchamp