Performance Management

Addressing under-performance can be tricky, leading to legal complexities. You need to keep things fair, protect your business, and follow employment law and ACAS guidance. If it’s not handled properly, you risk grievances, discrimination claims, or unfair dismissal cases. We can deliver clear, confident support at every stage of the performance management process.

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Grey image placeholder with image icon centralised

Tailored capability and performance policies

We write and update practical, tailored policies that are practical, legally compliant and aligned with your operations.

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Setting objectives, appraisals and gathering evidence

We’ll help you with measurable objectives, fair appraisal frameworks, and evidential records to support lawful capability decisions.

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Managertraining and making adjustments

With effective manager training, we can help you conduct reviews professionally, provide constructive feedback, take accurate notes, and manage reasonable adjustments where needed.

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Supportive and structured performance improvement plans (PIPs)

We create performance plans with clear expectations, timelines, support measures and milestones to help employees improve while protecting your business.

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Managing sickness, mental health, and protected characteristics

Guidance through cases involving sickness, mental health, pregnancy or other protected characteristics, helping you manage risk of discrimination and treating people fairly.

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Representation at ACAS and Tribunal

If early resolution isn’t possible, we’ll represent you at ACAS Early Conciliation and defend your position at Tribunal if a claim is made.

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Questions we’re often asked

What is performance management?

It’s a structured way to deal with under-performance and help employees improve, while staying compliant with employment law.

When should I start a PIP?

When informal feedback hasn’t worked and there’s clear evidence of ongoing under-performance.

Do I need a written capability policy?

Yes. A written policy sets expectations, keeps things consistent and makes your decisions fair and easier to defend.

What are reasonable adjustments?

These are changes you make to help disabled employees carry out their role without disadvantage.

Can I dismiss someone for poor performance?

Yes, but only after a fair process that includes support, clear warnings, and reasonable adjustments where relevant.

What is ACAS Early Conciliation?

It’s a process where ACAS helps employers and employees try to settle disputes before they go to Tribunal.

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Euan Lawrence was fantastic; he was efficient, understanding, and very clear in his communication on points of law. He actively listened and gave brilliant professional advice. The administrative team that supported and worked with him was equally helpful and efficient.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Euan made himself available and kept me informed of timelines and progress. I was not rushed or interrupted.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
The key thing for me was the empathy and emotional intelligence that Euan Lawrence demonstrated. He was patient, actively listened, and explained points of law to me in a simple yet not condescending manner. I was referred to him by another colleague who had gone through the same process.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Excellent real-world and experienced knowledge, very clear communication, and transparent billing.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Euan Lawrence is expert in the field of employment law.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
I feel the approach from all the staff at Blacks has been first class. David Ward has carefully guided me through the process and often picks up the phone for a chat to offer advice on things to do and things to avoid.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
A very friendly and approachable law firm. All the way through, the whole team at Blacks has been extremely supportive, providing excellent advice and support.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
The team has a wide range of knowledge and skills. My case required senior partners to apprentice-level support. Everyone I met and had contact with was kind, professional, and personable. It felt amazing to have such an awesome team in my corner, showing support and wishing me luck with my case.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Paul Kelly is knowledgeable, action-focused, and has taken the time to learn about us and our sector. He is a great sounding board.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
I find the team to be really responsive and helpful, providing excellent advice and support at all times. Nothing has been too much trouble, and we have really valued their support.
Legal 500

Need an expert in

employment & HR

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For more information or a no obligation discussion, please call or email our team today.

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