Official form guide
Form Performance agreement template: Performance agreement template
The Performance agreement template is a Fair Work Ombudsman‑provided worksheet that helps employers set and record performance expectations with an employee. Use it when you start a new performance cycle or need to formalise goals and development plans.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Ombudsman Form Performance agreement template - Performance agreement template
The Performance agreement template is a Fair Work Ombudsman‑provided worksheet that helps employers set and record performance expectations with an employee. Use it when you start a new performance cycle or need to formalise goals and development plans.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Leaving the red placeholder text in the final signed agreement.
- 2Failing to delete instructional text before signing
- 3Goals not specific, measurable or realistic
- 4Missing either the employer or employee signature
- 5No scheduled interim review date
Plain English
Think of this as a simple checklist you fill out with your staff. It captures what the job involves, the targets you both agree on, and any training needed, then both sign it.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Complete it at the start of a performance period (usually 6‑12 months) and again at scheduled reviews – at least once every 12 months, with interim checks if needed.
- 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 starting a new performance cycle for an employee.
- When you want to record agreed performance goals and development plans.
- When you need a written record to support regular feedback and reviews.
- When you want a simple, employer‑driven document rather than a formal disciplinary form.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Performance issue that may lead to disciplinary action
Different process required (formal warning or performance management letter)
✓ Confirm if a performance agreement is appropriate before proceeding
Annual salary review only
Salary review uses separate remuneration documentation
✓ Ensure you are not mixing salary and performance templates
Employee resignation or exit
Exit interview and separation checklist are used
✓ Check that a performance agreement is not needed at termination
Deadline or filing window
Schedule a final review at the end of the agreement period (typically 6‑12 months) and an interim review if you set one; at minimum, review annually.
Before you submit
- 1All red placeholders have been filled in.
- 2No blue italic guidance text remains in the final document.
- 3Performance goals include measurable outcomes (quality, quantity or timeliness).
- 4Learning and development actions are clearly described.
- 5Planned interim and final review dates are entered.
- 6Both employer and employee have signed and dated the agreement.
- 7A copy of the signed agreement is stored in the employee’s personnel file.
How to file this form
- 1Print the completed template (or save as PDF).
- 2Ensure both parties have signed and dated the document.
- 3Provide a copy to the employee for their records.
- 4File the original signed copy in the employee’s HR file.
- 5Record the planned review dates in your calendar or HR system.
- 6If using a digital HR platform, upload the signed PDF to the employee’s profile.
Known limitations
- 1The template is a general guide, not a legally binding contract.
- 2It does not replace formal disciplinary or termination processes.
- 3It is not required to be lodged with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
- 4The document relies on both parties completing and signing it correctly.
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->The Performance agreement template is provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman as a general worksheet. Not confirmed in official source whether there have been recent updates.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Replace all red < > placeholders with employee‑specific details.
- Delete all blue italic explanatory text after completing each section.
- Set the agreement start and end dates and the planned review dates.
- Write performance goals that are specific, measurable and realistic.
- Add a learning and development plan with clear actions and timelines.
- Obtain employer and employee signatures with printed names and dates.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCTemplate is colour coded with red placeholders and blue italic guidanceverified from page 1.
- SRCFour step process (Plan, Discuss, Monitor, Review) describedverified from pages 1‑2.
- SRCFields for employee name, position, dates, review datesverified from page 3.
- SRCPerformance goals section requires task, description, and measurable outcomesverified from page 4.
- SRCLearning and Development plan section includes areas for development and actionsverified from page 5.
- SRCManager’s feedback section to be completed after mid‑year and final reviewsverified from page 7.
Common confusion points
Leaving red placeholder text (<employee name>) in the final version.
Forgetting to delete the blue italic instructions before signing.
Writing goals that are vague rather than specific and measurable.
Omitting the interim review date or assuming it is optional.
Not having both employer and employee signatures.
Failing to store the signed agreement in the employee’s file.
Confusing this template with a formal performance‑management warning letter.
Skipping the learning and development plan section.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Australian Government Forms
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