Poor performance policy template
A clear Poor Performance Policy template that supports fair, consistent performance management and shows commitment to a supportive process.
- 3 pages / 814 words.
- Last updated 19/04/2025.
- Designed for United Kingdom use.
- Suitable for use in other territories; check local laws first.
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text, or send by email.
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Poor performance policy
1 Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear framework for managing situations where an employee’s performance falls below the expected standards. This policy ensures that poor performance is addressed fairly, consistently, and with a focus on improvement, while giving employees the opportunity to succeed in their role.
2 Scope
This policy applies to all employees of [Organisation Name] and covers instances where performance issues are identified due to lack of skills, knowledge, effort, or failure to meet key job requirements.
3 General Principles
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Employees will be treated fairly and with respect at all stages of the process.
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Performance concerns will be identified early and communicated clearly to the employee.
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Support will be provided to help employees improve their performance, including training, guidance, or reasonable adjustments.
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The policy ensures a consistent approach to managing performance issues across the organisation.
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Employees will have the opportunity to respond to concerns and be accompanied at formal meetings.
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The policy does not apply to performance issues arising from conduct or behavioural concerns, which are handled under the Disciplinary Policy.
3.1 Identifying Poor Performance
Poor performance may include, but is not limited to:
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This policy helps organisations manage poor performance in a fair, consistent, and supportive manner.
It offers managers a clear process for identifying and addressing performance issues early on.
Employees benefit from a structured approach that prioritises improvement, communication, and fairness.
Adopting this policy reflects a commitment to treating employees with respect and supporting them in reaching their full potential.
Send to appropriate internal recipients such as employees, workers, contractors etc. and request confirmation that is has been read and understood.
Issue during onboarding / after changes / planned refresher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Poor performance policy template is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. 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.
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Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas 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.
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Do I get instant access?
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.
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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 this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.
