This course is dedicated to equipping you with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively manage staff performance, including addressing and improving poor performance which can be applied Globally, being relevant for ‘Entry level’ and also ‘Intermediate skill sets’.
Managing Staff Performance Course
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- Average time to complete: 3 hours
- 100% online
- Downloadable course content included
- Free CPD-accredited certificate to evidence professional development
Managing staff performance is an essential responsibility for supervisors, line managers and business leaders. When expectations are unclear or underperformance is left unaddressed, it can affect productivity, service quality, team morale and working relationships.
This CPD-accredited online managing staff performance training course provides practical guidance on identifying and addressing poor performance at work. It helps managers recognise performance concerns, gather appropriate evidence, explore underlying causes and hold constructive conversations with employees.
The course also introduces coaching techniques, performance and training improvement plans, reasonable adjustments and the legal and ethical considerations involved in employee performance management. Practical examples show how managers can support improvement while maintaining clear standards, accurate records and fair processes
Why this course matters
- Helps managers recognise and address underperformance before problems become more serious
- Supports fair, evidence-based and consistent performance management decisions
- Builds confidence when providing feedback and holding difficult conversations with employees
- Helps identify underlying causes, including skills gaps, workload, health and workplace factors
- Provides a structured approach to coaching, improvement planning and reviewing progress
- Supports stronger employee performance, accountability, engagement and team morale
What you will learn
- How to recognise signs of underperformance and distinguish between capability and conduct concerns
- How to gather objective evidence and respond appropriately to feedback from colleagues
- How root cause analysis can help identify the reasons behind poor performance
- How to provide constructive feedback, coach employees and manage difficult conversations
- How to create and review performance or training improvement plans using SMART objectives
- How to manage performance fairly while considering confidentiality, reasonable adjustments and employee wellbeing
Who this course is for
This online staff performance management course is suitable for anyone responsible for managing, supervising or developing employees, including:
- New and experienced line managers
- Supervisors and team leaders
- Practice and operational managers
- HR managers and HR support staff
- Business owners and company directors
- Anyone responsible for addressing employee underperformance
The course is particularly useful for managers who have responsibility for employees but do not have a specialist HR background. Its principles can be applied across a wide range of UK workplaces and sectors.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Recognise common signs and potential impacts of employee underperformance
- Gather and assess relevant performance evidence fairly and objectively
- Explore the root causes of performance problems before deciding what action to take
- Conduct constructive performance conversations using appropriate coaching and communication techniques
- Develop clear improvement plans with measurable objectives, support and review periods
- Apply performance management processes consistently and recognise when HR advice is required
Full course description
Understanding and recognising underperformance
The course begins by exploring what employee underperformance can look like, including missed deadlines, work quality, skills gaps, attendance concerns and behavioural issues. It also introduces the important distinction between capability and conduct. You will consider how poor performance can affect colleagues, customers/clients, team morale and wider organisational outcomes.
Gathering evidence and identifying underlying causes
Effective performance management should be based on clear information rather than assumptions. The course explains how managers can use observations, performance data, feedback and workplace records to build a balanced understanding of the issue. It also introduces root cause analysis techniques that can help identify factors such as training needs, unclear expectations, workload pressures, health concerns or weaknesses in organisational processes.
Coaching and constructive communication
You will explore how clear expectations, active listening and regular feedback can support employee improvement. Coaching approaches, including the GROW model, are introduced to help managers structure productive conversations and encourage employees to take ownership of their development.
Managing difficult performance conversations
Addressing poor performance can involve sensitive or challenging discussions. The course provides guidance on preparing for these conversations, using specific examples, managing emotional reactions and keeping discussions focused on behaviour, expectations and practical solutions. The CEDAR model is introduced as a structured approach to discussing performance concerns, agreeing actions and reviewing progress.
Performance and training improvement plans
The course explains the purpose of Performance Improvement Plans and Training Improvement Plans and when each may be appropriate. You will consider how SMART objectives, agreed support, realistic timescales and regular reviews can provide employees with a fair opportunity to improve.
Fair, ethical and supportive performance management
You will be introduced to the legal and ethical considerations involved in managing staff performance, including confidentiality, consistency and reasonable adjustments. The course also considers how health and mental wellbeing may affect performance and the importance of involving HR when concerns become complex or formal action may be required.
Assessment and certification
At the end of the course, you will complete an assessment to demonstrate your understanding. You will need to achieve a result of 80% or higher to pass. On successful completion, you will receive a downloadable certificate.
Professional responsibility and scope
This course is designed to support knowledge and understanding but does not in itself confirm competence.
- Competency should be assessed within your workplace
- Practice should align with local protocols, current guidance, and professional standards
- You are responsible for applying learning appropriately within your role
Average time to complete
Approximately 3 hours, depending on your prior knowledge and experience. The course is fully self-paced, allowing you to complete it in stages. You can revisit any sections that you’re unsure of.
Course Content
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I buy this course for someone else?
Yes. To do this, register using their email address and the name they would like to appear on their certificate.
For example, you might know them as Kate, but they may need their certificate issued in their full birth name, Katherine. It’s best to check these details with them first.
Once the purchase is complete, they will receive the automatic course link by email.
Can I complete the course in my own time, and how long do I have to access it?
All of our online courses are self-paced, so you can complete them at a time that suits you. Your progress is saved at the end of each lesson, allowing you to return and continue later.
You will have six months from the date of enrolment to complete the course. After six months, the course will no longer be available.
Some courses, such as Basic Life Support, must be completed annually by clinical staff. A new course will therefore need to be purchased each year to ensure the training reflects the most up-to-date guidance.
Can I access the training material after completing the course?
Yes. The course materials are available to download during your access period, so you can keep a copy for future reference. Your course access will remain active for six months from the date of enrolment, after which the course will no longer be available.
Which payment methods do you accept?
We accept card payments via Stripe. You can pay using a debit or credit card (such as Visa or Mastercard).
When will I get my certificate?
As soon as you have passed the end-of-course assessment and achieved the required pass rate of 80% or more, your certificate will be available to download from the top of the course page.
Do you offer refunds if I no longer need the course?
Refunds may be available if you have not logged into your account.
Once you have logged in, you will have access to the course materials and downloadable content, and a refund will no longer be possible.
What should I do if I can't log into my account?
When registering, please make sure you enter the correct email address, as login issues are often caused by an incorrect email being used. It can help to copy and paste your email address to avoid mistakes.
If you are unable to log in, click ‘Forgotten password’ and follow the instructions to reset your password via the email link sent to you.
If you continue to experience issues, please contact GPHA-training@gphealthcarealliance.co.uk and we will endeavour to respond within two working weeks.
Save with flexible discounts
Create a bespoke training package:
Choose five or more courses for one learner and receive 30% off the full package
Book training for your team:
Purchasing multiple licences for the same course?
- 5 or more learners, receive 10% off
- 10 or more learners, receive 20% off
To receive a discount code or discuss offers, email gpha-training@gphealthcarealliance.co.uk
CPD for Organisations
We provide fully accredited course packages for your organisation, giving you the confidence your workforce is fully qualified.
