Capability Policy & Procedure - June 2026

1. Introduction

“Capability” is the ability of an employee to perform required work to an acceptable standard by reference to skill, aptitude, health or any other physical or mental quality.

This Policy is designed to provide for a consistent and supportive approach to the management of under-performance in the workplace, including work standards, productivity or other capability factors.

It does not deal with discipline and conduct issues, sickness absence (unless attendance is at a level which affects the employee’s ability to carry out their duties) or wilful disinclination or refusal by an employee to carry out their duties to a required standard. Please refer to the Authority’s Disciplinary Procedure and/or Sickness Absence Procedure for further guidance on dealing with any of these issues.

This Policy is designed to deal formally with capability/performance issues and is not a replacement for regular performance appraisals.

The guidance set out in the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures (11th March 2015) is reflected in this Policy.