Probation review template: evidence, support, decision.
A short review structure that keeps expectations and next steps clearer than a vague 'seems to be going well'.
What should a probation review cover?
A probation review should compare agreed role expectations with specific evidence, record the employee's view and support needs, and confirm a clear outcome and next review date.
The form should support a real conversation rather than turn the decision into a scorecard.
What matters
Start with the rule
A probation review should compare agreed role expectations with specific evidence, record the employee's view and support needs, and confirm a clear outcome and next review date.
Write down the decision
Keep the policy, dates, calculation inputs and decision together so another person can understand what happened.
Check the current source
A form does not make an unfair or discriminatory decision safe. Review the facts and take advice before dismissal or an unsupported extension.
A practical checklist
For a small team, a short repeatable process beats an impressive policy nobody follows.
- Role expectations and evidence
- Strengths and contribution
- Gaps and support already provided
- Employee comments
- Objectives and support for the next period
- Pass, extend or further formal step
- Decision owner and review date
Where software helps — and where it does not
HollyHR can keep the relevant people record, dates, documents, leave and working pattern in one place. It cannot decide a legal, medical or employee-relations question for you.
A form does not make an unfair or discriminatory decision safe. Review the facts and take advice before dismissal or an unsupported extension.
Check the source, not just our summary
Rules and product pages change. These are the first-party references behind this page.
Questions people ask
Is this legal advice?
No. It is a practical summary for UK small teams. Check the linked official guidance and take qualified advice for a specific or disputed case.
Why keep the source with the calculation?
Rates and rules change. Recording the inputs, date and source makes the answer reviewable instead of becoming an unexplained number in a spreadsheet.
Can HollyHR track this?
HollyHR can hold the underlying employee, working-pattern, leave and document records. It does not present itself as a legal-advice engine.
Proper HR, without the big-system palaver.
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