Performance Review Document Template for England and Wales

A Performance Review Document captures and records the formal assessment of an employee's work, achievements, and development over a specific period. In UK workplaces, these documents form essential evidence of fair treatment and help protect both employers and staff under employment law.

Beyond tracking goals and progress, these reviews serve as vital records for promotion decisions, salary discussions, and potential grievance proceedings. Good performance reviews align with ACAS guidelines and help organizations demonstrate compliance with the Equality Act 2010 by documenting fair, objective assessments of all staff members.

Use Performance Review Documents at regular intervals—typically every 6 or 12 months—to formally document employee achievements and areas for improvement. They're especially important before making decisions about promotions, pay rises, or addressing performance concerns that might lead to disciplinary action.

These reviews become crucial when managing redundancy selections, defending unfair dismissal claims, or demonstrating fair treatment under UK employment law. Create them during probation periods, after major projects, when setting new objectives, or whenever significant changes occur in an employee's role or responsibilities.

• Employee Work Evaluation Form: Basic manager-led assessment covering core performance metrics and objectives
• Self Evaluation Form: Employee-completed reflection on achievements and development needs
• Employee Evaluation Report: Detailed performance analysis with specific examples and evidence
• Employee Annual Evaluation: Comprehensive yearly review linking performance to business objectives
• Staff Performance Appraisal: Structured assessment focusing on competencies and career development

• Line Managers: Complete the main Performance Review Document, provide evidence, and conduct face-to-face reviews with team members
• Employees: Participate in reviews, complete self-assessments, and agree on objectives for future periods
• HR Professionals: Design templates, oversee the review process, and maintain records for legal compliance
• Senior Management: Use review data for strategic decisions about promotions, training needs, and workforce planning
• Legal Teams: Ensure review documentation meets employment law requirements and supports fair treatment policies

• Previous Reviews: Gather past performance records and agreed objectives from earlier reviews
• Key Metrics: Collect concrete examples of achievements, challenges, and performance data
• Company Standards: Review your organization's performance criteria and scoring guidelines
• Development Plans: Note completed training and identify future skill needs
• Documentation: Compile evidence of significant incidents, achievements, or concerns
• Template Selection: Use our platform's Performance Review Document generator to ensure all required elements are included
• Compliance Check: Verify alignment with company policies and UK employment law requirements

• Employee Details: Full name, position, department, and employment start date
• Review Period: Clear dates covering the assessment timeframe
• Performance Criteria: Specific, measurable objectives and competencies being evaluated
• Evidence Section: Space for concrete examples supporting the assessment
• Rating System: Clear explanation of scoring methodology used
• Development Plan: Future objectives and training needs
• Signatures: Space for employee, manager, and HR representative signatures with dates
• GDPR Statement: How personal data will be stored and processed
• Appeals Process: Information on how to challenge the review outcomes

A Performance Review Document differs significantly from a Performance Improvement Plan. While both deal with employee performance, they serve distinct purposes and have different legal implications.

• Purpose and Timing: Performance Reviews are routine assessments occurring at regular intervals, while Improvement Plans specifically address underperformance and set urgent corrective actions
• Legal Weight: Reviews document general progress and development, whereas Improvement Plans often form part of formal disciplinary processes and potential dismissal evidence
• Duration: Reviews typically cover 6-12 months of work, while Improvement Plans focus on shorter, specific timeframes (usually 30-90 days) with clear deadlines
• Content Focus: Reviews evaluate overall performance across all areas, but Improvement Plans target specific performance issues with detailed remedial steps