Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) Template
Free Performance Improvement Plan template for UK employers. Structure underperformance discussions and set clear improvement targets.
Use this template to manage underperformance with clear expectations and support.
Performance Improvement Plan
Confidential
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Employee Name | |
| Position | |
| Department | |
| Manager | |
| PIP Start Date | |
| Review Date | |
| PIP End Date |
Section 1: Purpose of this Plan
This Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) has been created to:
- Clearly identify areas where your performance is not currently meeting expected standards
- Provide specific, measurable targets for improvement
- Outline the support and resources available to help you improve
- Set clear timescales for improvement
- Explain the process and consequences
This is not disciplinary action. This is a supportive process designed to help you succeed in your role.
Section 2: Performance Concerns
Areas requiring improvement:
Issue 1: [Specific performance area]
Current situation:
[Describe the specific performance issue clearly. Include facts, examples, dates where possible.]
Expected standard:
[Describe what good performance looks like in this area. Be specific and measurable.]
Gap:
[Explain clearly the difference between current and expected performance.]
Issue 2: [Specific performance area]
Current situation:
[Describe the issue]
Expected standard:
[What is expected]
Gap:
[The difference]
Issue 3: [Specific performance area]
Current situation:
[Describe the issue]
Expected standard:
[What is expected]
Gap:
[The difference]
Section 3: Improvement Objectives
Clear, measurable objectives to achieve during this PIP period.
Objective 1
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | [Specific, measurable goal] |
| Success criteria | [How we will measure achievement] |
| Deadline | [Date/milestone] |
| Support provided | [Resources, training, guidance] |
Objective 2
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | [Specific, measurable goal] |
| Success criteria | [How we will measure achievement] |
| Deadline | [Date/milestone] |
| Support provided | [Resources, training, guidance] |
Objective 3
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | [Specific, measurable goal] |
| Success criteria | [How we will measure achievement] |
| Deadline | [Date/milestone] |
| Support provided | [Resources, training, guidance] |
Section 4: Support and Resources
To help you achieve these objectives, we will provide:
Training
- [Specific training courses/sessions]
- [Skills development opportunities]
- [Date/timeline for training]
Supervision and Coaching
- Weekly 1-2-1 meetings with [Manager] every [day] at [time]
- Opportunity to shadow [colleague/team member] for [specific tasks]
- Regular feedback on progress
Resources
- [Tools, systems, equipment]
- [Documentation, guides, templates]
- [Access to support functions]
Other Support
- [Additional time for certain tasks during improvement period]
- [Reduced workload in specific areas]
- [Other adjustments]
Section 5: Monitoring and Review
Weekly Check-ins
- Frequency: Every [day] at [time]
- Duration: [X] minutes
- Purpose: Review progress, provide feedback, address concerns
Formal Reviews
| Review Date | Purpose | Who Attends |
|---|---|---|
| [Date - Week 2] | Mid-point check | Employee, Manager |
| [Date - Week 4] | Progress review | Employee, Manager |
| [Date - Week 6] | Final review | Employee, Manager, HR |
Documentation
Progress will be documented including:
- What went well
- What needs more work
- Evidence of improvement
- Any obstacles or concerns
You will receive a copy of all review notes.
Section 6: Expectations
What we expect from you:
- Attend all scheduled meetings and training
- Actively work towards the improvement objectives
- Seek help when needed
- Communicate any difficulties or concerns promptly
- Demonstrate commitment to improvement
- Accept and act on feedback constructively
What you can expect from us:
- Clear, specific feedback
- Regular support and guidance
- Fair treatment throughout
- Adequate time and resources to improve
- Recognition of progress made
- Open communication
Section 7: Possible Outcomes
At the end of this PIP period, there are several possible outcomes:
Performance meets standards
If you achieve the objectives and sustain improved performance, the PIP will end successfully. You will return to normal performance management with continued support.
Performance improved but not yet at standard
If significant progress has been made but standards are not yet fully met, we may extend the PIP for a further defined period with adjusted objectives.
Performance has not improved
If performance has not improved sufficiently despite the support provided, we may move to formal capability proceedings which could ultimately lead to dismissal.
Other circumstances
If health, personal circumstances, or other factors emerge during the PIP that affect your performance, we will discuss appropriate adjustments or alternative approaches.
Section 8: Right to be Accompanied
You have the right to be accompanied at all formal review meetings by:
- A work colleague, or
- A trade union representative
If you wish to be accompanied, please inform [Manager/HR] before the meeting.
Section 9: Appeals and Concerns
If you have concerns about this PIP or believe it is unfair, you should raise this with [HR/Senior Manager] as soon as possible.
If you believe any aspect of this process is being handled unfairly, you may raise a formal grievance using the Company's grievance procedure.
Section 10: Agreement
Manager Statement:
I confirm that:
- The performance issues have been clearly explained
- Realistic and achievable objectives have been set
- Adequate support and resources will be provided
- The employee understands the process and potential outcomes
Manager signature: _________________ Date: _________
Employee Statement:
I confirm that:
- The performance issues have been explained to me
- I understand the objectives I need to achieve
- I understand the support available to me
- I understand the timescales and review process
- I understand the potential outcomes
- I have been offered the right to be accompanied
- [Optional] I wish to add the following comments:
[Space for employee comments]
Employee signature: _________________ Date: _________
Appendices
Appendix A: Relevant Job Description/Person Specification
[Attach or reference]
Appendix B: Previous Performance Reviews
[Attach relevant previous reviews or feedback]
Appendix C: Training Materials/Resources
[List or attach resources provided]
Review Meeting Record Template
Use this template to record each review meeting during the PIP.
Review Meeting - [Date]
Attendees: [Names]
Progress Summary:
| Objective | Progress Made | Evidence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Objective 1 | On track / Needs work / Achieved | ||
| Objective 2 | On track / Needs work / Achieved | ||
| Objective 3 | On track / Needs work / Achieved |
What's working well:
[Notes]
Challenges encountered:
[Notes]
Additional support needed:
[Notes]
Actions for next period:
| Action | Who | By When |
|---|---|---|
Employee comments:
[Space for employee input]
Next review: [Date]
Signatures:
Manager: _________________ Date: _________
Employee: _________________ Date: _________
Key Points for Managers
Before implementing a PIP
- Have informal conversations first
- Document previous feedback given
- Consult HR about approach
- Ensure you have evidence of underperformance
- Check it's a capability (not conduct) issue
- Consider whether other factors (health, discrimination) apply
During the PIP
- Be supportive, not punitive
- Provide regular, specific feedback
- Document everything
- Be consistent and fair
- Recognise progress made
- Stay objective and evidence-based
Common mistakes to avoid
- Making the PIP too vague or unmeasurable
- Not providing adequate support
- Using PIP as a disciplinary tool
- Setting unrealistic timescales
- Failing to document progress
- Not following the process consistently
Related templates
Disciplinary Policy Template
Free disciplinary policy template for UK employers. ACAS-compliant disciplinary procedure covering investigations, hearings, and appeals.
Performance Review Template
Free performance review template for UK employers. Annual appraisal form with objectives, ratings, and development planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When should I use a Performance Improvement Plan?
- Use a PIP when an employee's performance is below acceptable standards after informal feedback hasn't worked. It's typically part of your capability procedure, setting clear expectations and support before formal action. A PIP provides structure and evidence of attempts to help the employee improve.
- How long should a PIP last?
- Typically 4-12 weeks depending on the issues and role complexity. It must be reasonable - long enough for genuine improvement but not indefinitely. Simple tasks might need 4-6 weeks, while complex role improvements might need 8-12 weeks.
- What happens if performance doesn't improve?
- If performance remains below standard after the PIP period and support provided, you may move to formal capability proceedings which could lead to dismissal. However, you must have given adequate time, support, and clear feedback throughout the PIP.