Performance in the HSE

Performance in the HSE covers the processes that help you develop and do your job well.

Performance Achievement

Performance Achievement (PA) is a mandatory development tool. It is designed to support continuous learning and positive outcomes for service users. It is not a form of staff appraisal and sits separately from performance management processes.

Performance Achievement process

Performance Review

Performance Review is a more informal, day-to-day process. It typically takes place through regular one-to-one meetings with your line manager.

These meetings give you and your manager an opportunity to:

align on priorities and expectations
support your performance and development
address early signs of underperformance

If performance concerns continue, your manager will work with you to identify supports and agree next steps. This may include informal counselling or a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). If issues remain unresolved, the formal disciplinary procedure may apply.

Further information is available in the Disciplinary Procedure for Employees of the HSE.

Performance Review meetings

Performance Review meetings should take place regularly as one-to-one operational catch-up meetings with your line manager.

These meetings are an important part of effective performance management.

They should:

establish a shared understanding of what is expected
provide ongoing feedback and support
help maintain morale, motivation and engagement

They are intended to be supportive, constructive and confidential discussions. They provide a space to address any emerging performance issues early.

Performance Review is a formal requirement for all staff

Contracts issued by National Recruitment Services confirm that performance will be reviewed during employment. This means regular performance discussions are a normal part of your role.

Further guidance is available in the HSE Guidance Note on Performance (PDF, 481 KB, 3 pages).

Managing Performance training programmes

The Leadership and Capability Service in National HR offers the following training programmes and webinars to support staff in managing performance:

People Management: The Legal Framework

This programme gives line managers a foundation in HR policies and procedures. It helps managers understand and apply key policies to improve employee performance, motivation and commitment, contributing to high‑quality patient care.

The programme is delivered over 4 half days.

People Management the Legal Framework (PMLF)

Managing Employee Performance Effectively

This programme helps participants build the skills and knowledge needed to manage employee performance. It explains the HSE performance review process and supports managers to:

promote a culture of high performance
set performance standards
build commitment and morale within teams

It builds on the People Management: The Legal Framework programme and is delivered over one half day.

Managing Employee Performance Effectively

Performance Conversations for Managers (live webinar)

This 90‑minute Webex webinar is a refresher for managers on managing performance.

It covers:

Performance Review and Performance Achievement processes
key responsibilities of line managers
supporting staff development and organisational performance
using regular performance conversations effectively

The webinar includes video scenarios to support practical application. It runs several times throughout the year and can be found on HSeLanD.

How to enrol on HSeLanD

Log into HSeLanD.
Select Courses.
Choose Human Resources from the Course Catalogue and select LLTM Catalogue.
View the LLTM programmes and select Performance Conversations for Managers.
Click Enrol on your chosen session.
Complete the enrolment confirmation form and select the green Confirm enrolment button.