Official form guide
Form performance review discussion plan: Performance review discussion plan
The Performance Review Discussion Plan is a template issued by the Fair Work Ombudsman to help employers structure performance review conversations with employees. Use it when you need to document the agenda and outcomes of a formal performance review.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Ombudsman Form performance review discussion plan - Performance review discussion plan
The Performance Review Discussion Plan is a template issued by the Fair Work Ombudsman to help employers structure performance review conversations with employees. Use it when you need to document the agenda and outcomes of a formal performance review.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting both parties’ signatures.
- 2Leaving key discussion points blank
- 3Missing signatures
- 4Using an outdated template version
- 5Storing the plan in the wrong employee file
Plain English
Think of this as a checklist for a performance talk. It guides you to note what will be discussed, the goals set, and any follow‑up actions. It keeps the review clear for both manager and employee.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Complete the plan before the performance review meeting and retain it for the duration of the employee’s record, typically within the annual review cycle.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- When you are conducting a formal annual performance review.
- When an employee requests a documented review discussion.
- When you need evidence of a fair performance process for a dispute.
- When setting new performance goals after a probation period.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Probation completion
To confirm successful probation
✓ Verify employee has completed the probation period
Disciplinary action
For formal warnings or sanctions
✓ Ensure a performance review has been documented first
Redundancy planning
When role is being made redundant
✓ Confirm all performance issues have been addressed
Deadline or filing window
Complete the plan before the scheduled review meeting and retain it for at least seven years as part of the employee’s records.
Before you submit
- 1Template is the latest version from the Fair Work Ombudsman site.
- 2All required fields are filled out.
- 3Performance criteria are specific and measurable.
- 4Agreed actions have clear deadlines.
- 5Both manager and employee have signed.
- 6Copy saved in the employee’s HR file.
- 7Electronic version is backed up securely.
How to file this form
- 1Download the current template.
- 2Enter employer, employee and review details.
- 3Complete the discussion agenda and action items.
- 4Obtain signatures from manager and employee.
- 5Save a digital copy in the HR system.
- 6Print and file a hard copy in the employee’s personnel folder.
- 7Log the completion date in your performance review tracker.
Known limitations
- 1Not a legal contract; it records discussion only.
- 2Does not replace a formal written warning if needed.
- 3Only applicable to employees covered by the Fair Work Act.
- 4No online submission required; audit requests may be made.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
1 items
Full name (and representative, if any), postal address, email, and phone number of the person or organisation lodging the application.
Respondent
1 items
The exact legal name and ABN of the employer or other party the application is made against.
The Matter
2 items
Identify the kind of matter — for example, unfair dismissal, general protections, or an agreement application.
A clear description of what happened, relevant dates, and the outcome you are seeking.
Dates
1 items
Relevant dates such as the date of dismissal or the date the issue arose — these determine whether you are within time.
Supporting
1 items
Any documents that support your application, such as letters, contracts, or notices.
Declaration
1 items
Sign and date the form. Applications may also require a fee or an application for a fee waiver.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The template was last updated in 2023. No announced changes for 2024, but check the Fair Work Ombudsman site for any new version.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the document header for the latest revision date.
- Confirm the signature fields match the current template.
- Verify any new performance criteria sections have been added.
- Ensure the file format (PDF or Word) matches the latest release.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm name and agency inferred from provided data.
- SRCTemplate availability on Fair Work Ombudsman websitenot confirmed in official source.
- SRCRetention period of seven yearsnot confirmed in official source.
- SRCSignature requirementsnot confirmed in official source.
- SRCVersion date 2023not confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
Mixing up this plan with a disciplinary warning form.
Leaving the ‘next review date’ field blank.
Using an older template that lacks new signature lines.
Assuming the form needs to be sent to Fair Work – it is kept internally.
Unclear whether electronic signatures are acceptable.
Not knowing how long to retain the document.
Source transparency
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