Official form guide
Form underperformance meeting plan: Underperformance meeting plan
The Underperformance Meeting Plan is a template from the Fair Work Ombudsman to help employers prepare for a formal meeting with an employee about underperformance. It is used before the meeting to organise details, reasons, and next steps, ensuring a fair and structured process.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Ombudsman Form underperformance meeting plan - Underperformance meeting plan
The Underperformance Meeting Plan is a template from the Fair Work Ombudsman to help employers prepare for a formal meeting with an employee about underperformance. It is used before the meeting to organise details, reasons, and next steps, ensuring a fair and structured process.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is not documenting the meeting properly—make sure you keep notes and follow up in writing.
- 2Not replacing all red placeholders with actual details, leaving gaps in the plan.
- 3Forgetting to delete the blue explanatory text, which can confuse the employee if shared.
- 4Not bringing supporting documents to the meeting, like performance records or examples.
- 5Skipping the task list, so follow-up actions like warnings or reviews are missed.
Plain English
This is a simple form to help you get ready for a chat with an employee about their work not meeting expectations. You fill in the blanks with your own details, like when and where you'll meet, what the problem is, and what you'll do next. It keeps you organised and makes sure you cover everything fairly.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Use this form before a formal underperformance meeting, after informal steps have failed to resolve the issue. There's no deadline—it's a planning tool, not a submission.
- 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
- Use this template to prepare for a formal meeting about an employee's underperformance.
- It helps you record meeting details, the reason for the meeting, and the background of the issue.
- It guides you in documenting next steps and a follow-up plan to address the underperformance.
- It ensures you cover all key points during the meeting and maintain a fair process.
- It can be used alongside the 'Managing underperformance – the formal steps checklist'.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
You need a step-by-step process for managing underperformance
It outlines the full process and complements this plan
✓ Check FWO website for current checklist
Managing underperformance – formal steps checklist
You need to issue a formal warning
This plan is for the meeting, not the warning itself
✓ Check FWO website for warning templates
You need to create a performance improvement plan
This plan may help you draft one, but a separate template might exist
✓ Check FWO website for specific templates
Performance improvement plan template
You need to document a disciplinary meeting for other conduct issues
This template is specifically for underperformance, not general misconduct
✓ Check FWO website for relevant resources
Disciplinary meeting plan template
Deadline or filing window
There is no deadline for this form—it's a planning tool, not a submission. Use it whenever you need to prepare for a formal underperformance meeting.
Before you submit
- 1Complete all sections with specific details about the employee and the underperformance.
- 2Remove all placeholder text and blue italic instructions.
- 3Ensure you have supporting documents ready (e.g., performance agreements, job descriptions, examples of underperformance).
- 4Review the plan with HR or a manager before the meeting.
- 5Confirm the meeting time, location, and attendees.
- 6Notify the employee of the meeting and their right to bring a support person.
- 7Prepare a summary of the underperformance issues with concrete examples.
- 8Prepare a list of previous steps taken to address the issue.
- 9Prepare proposed next steps and support measures.
- 10Arrange for a note-taker during the meeting.
How to file this form
- 11. Download the template from the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
- 22. Fill in the meeting details (date, time, location, attendees).
- 33. Document the reason for the meeting with specific examples.
- 44. Outline the background and any previous actions taken.
- 55. Define next steps and a follow-up plan, including a task list with due dates.
- 66. Review and finalize the plan, then keep a copy for your records and provide a copy to the employee if appropriate.
Known limitations
- 1This template is general in nature and may not cover all situations.
- 2It is not a substitute for professional legal or workplace relations advice.
- 3It does not guarantee compliance with the Fair Work Act or other laws.
- 4It may need to be adapted to your specific industry, award, or enterprise agreement.
- 5It does not replace the need to follow your organisation's internal policies and procedures.
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.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->This template is provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman and is current as of the source document. Always check the FWO website for the latest version.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check that the template includes the latest Fair Work Act amendments.
- Verify that the Fair Work Infoline number (13 13 94) and website are current.
- Ensure the template reflects any changes in workplace relations legislation.
- Review the template for any updated guidance on conducting performance meetings.
- Confirm that this is the latest version from the FWO website.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCTemplate is from the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO).
- SRCFair Work Infoline: 13 13 94.
- SRCWebsite: www.fairwork.gov.au.
- SRCLearning courses: www.fairwork.gov.au/learning.
- SRCThe template includes steps for before, during, and after the meeting.
- SRCIt includes sections for details, reason, background, next steps, and task list.
- SRCIt references the 'Managing underperformancethe formal steps checklist'.
- SRCIt advises to seek professional advice if unsure about how it applies.
Common confusion points
Don't read from the summary like a script during the meeting – use it as a guide.
Make sure you invite the employee to respond and give them the opportunity to explain their performance.
Keep an open mind and actively listen to the employee's perspective.
Use specific examples and facts, not generalities, when describing underperformance.
Ensure you have supporting documents ready to demonstrate the underperformance.
Don't skip the background information – it shows you have taken previous steps.
Be clear about next steps and the consequences if performance does not improve.
Avoid making the meeting one-sided – ask open questions and encourage dialogue.
Source transparency
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