Official form guide
Form performance review discussion plan: Performance review discussion plan
The Performance Review Discussion Plan is a template provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman to help you prepare for, run, and record a performance review. Use it each time you conduct a performance review for an employee.
Need help with Form performance review discussion plan?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Form Overview
Fair Work Ombudsman Form performance review discussion plan - Performance review discussion plan
The Performance Review Discussion Plan is a template provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman to help you prepare for, run, and record a performance review. Use it each time you conduct a performance review for an employee.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Skipping the “During the discussion” section leaves the employee’s perspective undocumented.
- 2Leaving any section blank
- 3Not recording the employee’s own view of their performance
- 4Failing to set a date for the next review
- 5Not noting the support or training to be provided
Plain English
Think of this as a simple worksheet that guides you and your employee through a review conversation. It prompts you to note goals, what went well, what could improve, and what comes next, all in one place.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Complete the “Before the discussion” section before the review meeting and fill in the “During the discussion” section while the meeting is taking place.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
What this form is for
- When you need a structured way to prepare for a performance review meeting.
- To record both manager and employee views on goal achievement during the review.
- When you want to capture agreed goals and support for the next performance cycle.
- As a companion to the Fair Work Ombudsman's Setting up a performance system checklist and Performance agreement template.
- To create a written record that can be used to develop the employee’s performance agreement.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Setting up a performance system
Helps define clear goals and expectations before reviews
✓ Verify the checklist is completed first
Setting up a performance system checklist
Formalising next cycle goals
Produces a binding agreement for the upcoming period
✓ Ensure the discussion plan is finished before drafting the agreement
General HR policy documentation
The discussion plan is a review‑specific tool, not a policy document
✓ Confirm you are not using it as a substitute for workplace policies
Deadline or filing window
Finish the “Before the discussion” part before the scheduled review and complete the “During the discussion” part during the meeting; there is no external filing deadline.
Before you submit
- 1Complete the 'Before the discussion' section: list employee goals, manager assessment, strengths and improvement areas.
- 2Complete the 'During the discussion' section: record employee’s self‑assessment, feedback, concerns, and agreed next‑cycle goals.
- 3Document the support and training you will provide for the new goals.
- 4Note the date of the next performance‑review meeting and any follow‑up actions.
- 5Review the entire document for legibility and completeness.
- 6Save the completed plan as a PDF or printed copy for the employee’s file.
How to file this form
- 1Download the Performance Review Discussion Plan template from the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
- 2Fill in the 'Before the discussion' section prior to the review meeting.
- 3During the meeting, fill in the 'During the discussion' section with employee input.
- 4Save or print the completed plan.
- 5Store the plan in the employee’s personnel file or upload it to your HR system.
- 6If required, forward a copy to your internal HR manager for record‑keeping.
Known limitations
- 1The template is a guidance tool, not a legally binding contract.
- 2It does not replace the formal Performance Agreement template.
- 3It is intended only for performance‑review discussions, not for other HR matters.
- 4The form does not include signature lines; additional documentation may be needed for formal records.
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 Performance Review Discussion Plan template is currently available on the Fair Work Ombudsman website. No recent updates are confirmed in the official source.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm you have downloaded the latest PDF from www.fairwork.gov.au.
- Check that the section headings (Before the discussion, During the discussion) match the current version.
- Verify the Fair Work Infoline number (13 13 94) is still correct.
- Ensure any referenced online learning links (www.fairwork.gov.au/learning) are active.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title confirmed: Performance review discussion plan template (source p.1).
- SRCPurpose: help prepare for, stay focused during, and record performance reviews (source p.1).
- SRCRecommended companion documents: Setting up a performance system checklist and Performance agreement template (source p.1).
- SRCStep 1 (Before discussion) content: record goals, performance assessment, strengths, improvement areas (source p.1).
- SRCStep 2 (During discussion) content: record employee’s view, feedback, concerns, career goals, next‑cycle goals and support (source p.1).
- SRCContact info: Fair Work Infoline 13 13 94 and website www.fairwork.gov.au (source p.1).
- SRCOnline learning link: www.fairwork.gov.au/learning (source p.1).
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: any required signatures, electronic filing portal, or statutory filing deadline.
Common confusion points
Mixing up the 'Before the discussion' and 'During the discussion' sections.
Leaving the employee’s self‑assessment blank.
Forgetting to note the date of the next review meeting.
Assuming the discussion plan itself is a formal performance agreement.
Omitting the support or training that will be provided for new goals.
Using the template without first completing the Setting up a performance system checklist.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Australian Government Forms
BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.
Understand the agreement before you sign it.
Review risky clauses in plain English, fix the document, and keep it moving toward signature.