Performance, conduct and discipline

Managing employee performance and conduct is an important, and often challenging, management function. If done effectively, not only does it assist managers to get the best out of their employees, it also reduces the employer's risk in the event of an unfair dismissal claim.

In order to manage performance and conduct effectively, an employer should have appropriate performance review and disciplinary frameworks in place and apply them consistently. Line managers should also receive comprehensive training on how to deal with these issues.

This topic considers the legal and practical issues involved in dealing with:

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managing performance
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performance review meetings
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appraisals
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managing conduct
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disciplinary processes and procedures
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the application and requirements of the Acas Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, and the consequences of failure to comply with it

Managing performance

An appropriate performance framework will include the following key elements:

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clear communication of expected performance standards to employees
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investigation of the reasons that an employee is not meeting expected standards (starting with a frank, detailed conversation with the employee about situation)
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the possibility of disciplinary

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