Capability action plan: template and guidance

Be confident going into your meeting with an underperforming staff member. Read our walk-through of how the meeting will run and download our template capability action plan, so you can feel prepared as you begin this informal capability process.

Last reviewed on 16 January 2026
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 2097
Contents
  1. Give feedback and listen to the staff member's comments
  2. Set targets for improvement 
  3. Agree on the support needed to meet those targets 
  4. Make reasonable adjustments where needed
  5. Be clear on how you'll monitor progress
  6. Teaching staff
  7. Support staff
  8. Download our template action plan

Give feedback and listen to the staff member's comments

If you have concerns about a staff member's performance, you should begin informal capability procedures.

When you meet with them, begin by giving feedback about the nature and seriousness of the concerns. Then, give them the opportunity to comment and discuss the concerns with you. 

Be sure to keep detailed notes of what you discuss in this meeting (and in any follow-up meetings). Use our template action plan (in the final section of this article) to help you keep a record. 

Read our advice on approaching difficult conversations if you need support in running this meeting. 

Set targets for improvement 

This will help you:

  • Make it clear what exactly you want the staff member to work on
  • Measure their progress

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