Employer support · Across Ireland

Performance Management Support

Clear expectations. Constructive conversations. Considered decisions.

Practical support for employers managing underperformance, probation concerns and difficult workplace conversations. Understand the issue, plan an appropriate process and give people clarity about what happens next.

The initial conversation gathers details and helps assess suitability. Substantive advice and support are provided under an agreed appointment and fees.

Start with understanding

Address the concern.
Keep the process fair.

Performance concerns can place pressure on managers, colleagues and the person involved. Clear expectations and a structured conversation can help establish what is happening and what support or improvement may be needed.

We help employers consider the context, review the records and plan a proportionate approach. The aim is a manageable process with clear communication, rather than a predetermined outcome.

  • Identify the specific concernSeparate examples and role expectations from general frustration or assumptions.
  • Understand the contextConsider what has been communicated, the support available and the employee’s perspective.
  • Choose the appropriate approachDiscuss whether informal support, a performance plan, a review or another process is suitable.
  • Record the next stepsMake expectations, responsibilities and review arrangements understandable.

What we help with

Practical support for the situation you face.

Underperformance

Support with repeated concerns about standards, productivity or work quality, including how to describe the issue and plan a constructive response.

Probation Reviews

Reviewing concerns, relevant documentation and proposed next steps before decisions about probation are made.

Capability Concerns

Considering the circumstances where someone is struggling to meet role requirements and the questions that need to be addressed before action.

Difficult Conversations

Preparing managers to explain concerns clearly, listen to the response and communicate the proposed next steps respectfully.

Performance Improvement Plans

Help developing clear objectives, support arrangements and review points appropriate to the role and circumstances.

Documentation & Reviews

Support with meeting preparation, correspondence, notes and review records within the agreed scope of the appointment.

How we work with you

A clear route from enquiry to support.

The work is tailored to the concern and the stage reached. We agree the appointment and fees before providing substantive advice or preparing documents.

  1. Request a call

    Provide contact details, a short outline and any relevant meeting or review dates.

  2. Initial intake

    Maria gathers the initial information for Melissa to review. This is a suitability discussion rather than a detailed legal advice consultation.

  3. Agree the appointment

    Confirm suitability, potential conflicts, availability, the adviser, scope of work and fees.

  4. Review the background

    Consider role expectations, specific concerns, previous discussions, relevant policies and the records available.

  5. Plan and prepare

    Help identify an appropriate approach and prepare the agreed meeting materials, correspondence or performance plan.

  6. Review the next steps

    Support consideration of progress and further options where included in the appointment. Decisions remain with the appropriate employer decision-maker.

What the appointment can include

Useful advice.
Practical preparation.

You may need help with one conversation or a more involved process. We clarify the support required rather than assuming every enquiry needs the same package.

Any additional meetings, ongoing reviews or later formal stages should be expressly agreed. The appointment does not automatically include every subsequent step.

  • Assessment of the concernReview of relevant background, records and the proposed approach.
  • Process planningClarity about the purpose of meetings, communication and possible review arrangements.
  • Meeting and document supportAssistance with agreed correspondence, plans, notes or preparation.
  • Advice before key decisionsConsideration of options and relevant issues before the employer decides on further action.

Choosing the right service

Employer advice, with the role made clear.

In this service, we support the employer with advice and preparation. This is different from an appointment as an independent investigator or mediator.

If the issue involves a disputed complaint, workplace conflict or proposed dismissal, a different or additional service may need to be considered. Any change in role is assessed for suitability and potential conflicts.

Before your first conversation

A short outline helps us understand the enquiry.

The concern

Explain the broad performance issue, the role involved and what support you are seeking.

The stage reached

Mention any previous discussions, current performance plan or proposed action.

Relevant dates

Highlight any upcoming meetings, probation review dates or other time-sensitive matters.

Please keep the initial outline brief. Avoid sending personnel files, health information or detailed records about other people until an appropriate way to receive further material has been agreed.

Employer questions

Clarity about the support available.

Do we need a formal process before contacting you?

No. You can enquire before a formal process begins or when concerns have already been raised. We assess the stage reached and discuss the support that may be suitable.

Can you help prepare a performance improvement plan?

Yes. Assistance with objectives, support, review arrangements and documentation can form part of an agreed appointment. The plan should reflect the role and circumstances rather than simply reuse a generic template.

Can you help with probation concerns?

Yes. We can consider the relevant background, documentation and proposed next steps. Any advice about extension or termination depends on the particular circumstances and should be obtained before a decision is made.

What if health, disability or a workplace complaint is involved?

Mention the issue when enquiring, without sending sensitive records through the initial form. These circumstances may affect the appropriate advice and process and require individual consideration.

Will you conduct the meetings or make the decision?

The role we undertake is agreed for each appointment. Support may involve advice, planning and documentation; do not assume that meeting attendance or decision-making is included. The employer’s responsibilities and the person making decisions should remain clear.

Does a performance plan have to lead to dismissal?

No outcome should be assumed at the start. A performance plan can help clarify expectations, support and review arrangements. Any further action needs consideration in light of the circumstances and progress.

Can this prevent an employment claim?

No service can guarantee that a claim will not arise. Clear communication, appropriate support and careful records can help the employer manage concerns more consistently and make informed decisions.

What happens when we request a call?

Maria gathers initial details for Melissa to review and helps assess suitability. This is an intake conversation rather than detailed legal advice. If we can assist, the adviser, scope and fees are agreed before work begins.

How are fees agreed?

Fees depend on the support required, the stage reached and the proposed work. We explain the scope and fees before appointment; ongoing reviews or further formal stages should be agreed separately where needed.

Do you support employers across Ireland?

Yes. We accept enquiries from employers across Ireland. Availability and practical arrangements are discussed when assessing the enquiry.

Start the conversation

Need help with a performance concern?

Tell us briefly what is happening and the stage you have reached. We will gather the initial details and consider whether we can assist.

Not sure where to start?
Talk to us in confidence.