Capability Procedure

Capability ProcedureCapability issues, where an individual's performance consistently falls short of the required standard, may arise because an employee does not have adequate training, or is unable to do the work to a satisfactory standard for another reason. An employer must try to identify the reason and give appropriate support, prior to invoking a formal procedure which could lead to dismissal. This must be considered separate from any conduct issues where the individual deliberately behaves in a way which means he does not reach the performance standard required. This would be dealt with using the Company Disciplinary Procedure.

 

Capability Procedure - for free download

Generic Capability Procedure which can be downloaded and adapted for your organisation.

Useful Links

Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures
As of 6 April 2009, Acas has revised its Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures and produced a new Code available here. In considering any capability issue, employers should take account of this Code of Practice. Failure to do so can lead to a 25% uplift in compensation at an Employment Tribunal.

 

Capability Procedure - Related Documents

Capability - Recommended Reading:

  "Managing Poor Performance" by Maureen Cooper and Bev Curtis

This handbook explains clearly why capability is important, and gives advice on how to identify staff with poor performance and how to help them improve. Although mainly dealing with the education sector, it provides general details of the various stages of formal capability procedures and dismissal hearings. The book provides model letters to use and is illustrated by real-life case studies.

The book is available from Amazon through the link on the above cover picture for £11.99, however there are cheaper second-hand versions also available.