ACAS-Style Probation Review Notes: What to Include

The Acas Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures is the reference point most tribunals use when assessing whether a process was fair. The Code isn't specifically about probation, but its principles are what review notes are measured against once unfair dismissal rights attach at Day 182.

The Seven Acas-Style Fields

1. Meeting context — date, time, location (or online), attendees, and the purpose of the meeting. 2. What was discussed — specific, dated observations and outcomes. 3. Feedback given — what was said to the employee, in the words used. 4. Employee response — what they said back, as verbatim as practical. 5. Decision — what was decided in the meeting (pass / extend / exit / further discussion). 6. Right of representation — whether the employee was offered the right to be accompanied where applicable. 7. Follow-up — next review date, what changes by when, and how it will be measured.

Why Representation Matters Even in Probation

The Acas Code right to be accompanied applies to formal disciplinary and grievance meetings. A routine probation check-in isn't covered. But a probation review that could result in dismissal looks much more like a disciplinary meeting to a tribunal — and the right to be accompanied should be offered, in writing, ahead of the meeting.

A Short Template

Meeting on [date] at [time], [location]. Present: [reviewer], [employee], [observer if any]. Purpose: [Day X probation review]. The employee was offered the right to be accompanied on [date]; [yes/no, name of companion]. Performance discussed: [three specific, dated items]. Feedback given: [...]. Employee response: [...]. Decision: [pass / extend / exit]. Reason: [...]. Next review: [date], measuring [...].

ProbationWatch structures the review form around these seven fields — fill them in, seal the record, and the PDF reads in the order an HR auditor expects. Start free →

How ProbationWatch Structures It

The review form in the product is built around these seven fields. Fill them in, seal the record, and the resulting PDF reads in the order an HR auditor or tribunal panel would expect. The hash and ledger entry come for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ACAS-style probation review? A probation review structured around the principles of the Acas Code of Practice — fair process, specific evidence, opportunity to respond, named decision-maker, clear outcome. Acas itself does not certify forms.

Does the right to be accompanied apply to probation reviews? Not as a routine matter, but yes when the review could lead to a dismissal or formal disciplinary outcome. It's good practice to offer it ahead of any decision review (Day 175).

What if the employee disagrees with the review record? Allow them to submit a written response. Attach it to the record rather than editing the original. The ability to add but not silently change is one of the features that makes a record defensible.