Managers guide to performance improvement plans (PIP)

Managers guide to performance improvement plans (PIP)

£12.90

If you have employee performance concerns, this model guide will help you to agree improvement plans for them to achieve and maintain the standards expected.

Document

Access 12 months (includes updates)
Coverage UK-specific accuracy
Length 1,353 words · 4 pages
Last updated 14/07/2026
Formats Word · PDF · text · email
Delivery Instant download

Download .doc

View .pdf

Copy [to paste]

Email

Managers guide to performance improvement plans (PIP)

The purpose of the Performance Improvement process is to establish or clarify any cause(s) of an employee's underperformance and to agree a plan to try to improve it.

Setting the scene

Where you have concerns about performance a meeting should be organised. The meeting should be against a backdrop where the manager has already been giving regular feedback to the jobholder about their performance, including regarding aspects of the jobholder's performance which are not satisfactory.

The meeting should take place in private, in an environment that is comfortable, non-threatening and away from interruptions or distractions. A representative from HR should be in attendance to take notes.

The manager should confirm that the jobholder has been offered to have a colleague or trade union rep with them in the meeting, and ask the jobholder to clarify

Premium content

This is a limited preview

To view in full, make a purchase

£12.90

For more value, this is also found in our Full library and Performance improvement templates toolkit

Use

Managers should ensure consistent and fair treatment for all and to assist any employee who is considered to be experiencing difficulties in performing satisfactorily the duties required of the post to which they were appointed.

Unfortunately occasionally an employee's performance does not always meet standards expected.

This guidance provides managers with a framework to improve an employees performance in the workplace, and includes the following steps:

  1. Setting the scene
  2. Jobholders view
  3. Managers view
  4. Resolution
  5. Summary of agreement
  6. Monitoring

Workflow

Check which resources should be implemeted before and/or after the Managers guide to performance improvement plans (PIP), to understand the workflow.

Previous
Letters
Concern about performance letter

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
Managers guide to performance improvement plans (PIP)
Next
Letters
First performance improvement plan (PIP) meeting notification letter

Use this template to arrange the first formal performance improvement plan meeting after previous informal discussions have not produced any progress.

Premium content

To continue reading, purchase this item or a parent toolkit, library or our full library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this in my small business?

Yes. This template has been designed for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses, charities and growing employers. It follows UK employment law best practice and can be adapted to suit your organisation.

Is it compliant with 2026 UK employment law?

Yes, all of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.

Can I customise it for my organisation?

Yes, we highlight the areas of the document that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.

Do I get instant access to it?

Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.

What if I need more help, not just this template?

If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include the Managers guide to performance improvement plans (PIP), along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.

Why should I use this Managers guide to performance improvement plans (PIP), and not AI to generate it?

AI-generated templates can be useful as a starting point, but they may not reflect current UK employment legislation, your organisation's specific circumstances, or the wider HR process. This professionally drafted template has been prepared using current UK employment law and HR best practice, helping reduce the need for significant amendments.

The Managers guide to performance improvement plans (PIP) is also included in these bundles:

Performance improvement toolkit Performance improvement toolkit 15 templates
£34.90

Management library Management library 467 templates
£79.90

Full library Full library 775 templates
£99.90

Get started today

HR confidence starts here

Whether you employ 5 people or 50, hrdocbox gives you the structure, documents and expertise needed to manage employees professionally and legally.

Download your FREE UK employment contract template

Professionally written and fully compliant with UK employment law

Download FREE contract
Free UK employment contract template