How to Manage Employee Performance: Online Performance Management Course

The programme contains four units that connect appraisals, the wider performance-management process, review planning and ongoing performance support.

Unit 1 – Performance Appraisals

The first unit introduces performance appraisals and their role within employee development. You will examine why appraisal matters, how performance information can be considered fairly and why constructive feedback is central to a useful review process. The unit establishes a foundation for assessing performance in a way that is organised, evidence-based and focused on improvement rather than simply judgement. It also helps you understand how a well-managed appraisal can clarify expectations, recognise strengths and identify areas where further support or development may be appropriate.

Unit 2 – Performance Management Process

This unit broadens the focus from the appraisal meeting to the wider performance-management cycle. You will explore how goals are established, how progress can be monitored and how results can be reviewed against agreed expectations. The unit also considers the importance of aligning individual contribution with wider business objectives. By viewing performance management as a continuing process, you can better understand why regular communication, clear measures and timely feedback are important throughout the working period rather than only at the end of it.

Unit 3 – Planning the Interview

Performance review conversations are more useful when they are prepared carefully. This unit focuses on planning the performance interview so that the discussion is structured, objective and relevant. You will explore how preparation can help a manager organise evidence, clarify the purpose of the meeting and create a more productive conversation. The unit also reinforces the importance of approaching review discussions professionally, giving employees a clear opportunity to understand feedback and discuss future priorities or development needs.

Unit 4 – Maintaining Performance

The final unit looks beyond the review itself and considers how performance can be sustained over time. You will explore approaches to motivation, ongoing feedback and continuous improvement, together with ways of responding when performance begins to fall below expectations. The emphasis is on maintaining clarity, supporting improvement and using regular management attention to prevent performance conversations from becoming isolated annual events. This unit brings the course together by connecting appraisal, monitoring, feedback and follow-up into a continuing management process.

Completing the Certificate in Managing Employee Performance QLS Level 3 can open doors to various roles in human resources, team leadership, and business management. This course equips learners with essential skills to conduct appraisals, manage performance, and drive employee development. Graduates can pursue careers as HR Assistants, Performance Management Coordinators, Team Leaders, or Office Managers. It is also beneficial for business owners and supervisors aiming to build high-performing teams. Whether you're starting a career in HR or looking to advance in a leadership role, this qualification enhances your ability to manage people effectively and contribute to overall organizational success.

After successfully completing the course, you will receive a Certificate of Achievement from the Quality Licence Scheme together with a Learner Unit Summary listing the components completed as part of the programme. These documents provide evidence that you have completed structured learning in managing employee performance.

This course is endorsed through the Quality Licence Scheme for non-regulated learning. QLS endorsement is a quality-assurance arrangement for learning outside the regulated qualifications framework. It does not make this course an Ofqual-regulated qualification, professional licence or regulated management credential.

You may retain the certificate and unit summary with your professional-development records or use them as evidence of completed learning where appropriate. Acceptance for a particular employer, progression route, professional-body requirement or formal credit arrangement is determined by the organisation concerned, so you should check any specific requirement before enrolling.

For a broader explanation of continuing professional development and how learning can be recorded, see our What Is CPD? guide. The QLS endorsement for this course should be understood separately from generic CPD accreditation and from regulated qualification status.

1. What will I learn about how to manage employee performance?

You will study performance appraisals, the wider performance-management process, preparation for performance review interviews and approaches to maintaining performance over time.

2. What is the official course level?

The course is presented as Managing Employee Performance QLS Level 3.

3. How long is the course?

The programme has a 200-hour study duration.

4. Do I need previous management experience?

No entry requirements are published for this course. It can therefore be considered by aspiring managers as well as professionals who already supervise or manage employees.

5. Is this performance management training for managers only?

No. Although managers and supervisors are a core audience, the subject can also be relevant to HR professionals, team leaders and business owners who take part in employee appraisal or performance-development processes.

6. Does the course cover performance appraisals?

Yes. Unit 1 is dedicated to Performance Appraisals and introduces their purpose, fair evaluation and constructive feedback.

7. Will I study the full performance-management process?

Yes. Unit 2 examines the performance-management cycle, including goals, progress and the relationship between individual performance and business objectives.

8. Does the course cover performance review meetings?

Yes. Unit 3 focuses on planning the interview so that performance discussions can be prepared and structured more effectively.

9. Does the course address ongoing performance after the review?

Yes. Unit 4 focuses on maintaining performance, including motivation, ongoing feedback and continuous improvement.

10. What certificate will I receive?

After successful completion, you will receive a Quality Licence Scheme Certificate of Achievement and a Learner Unit Summary showing the course components completed.

11. Is this an Ofqual-regulated qualification?

No. The course is QLS-endorsed non-regulated learning and is not an Ofqual-regulated qualification. If you need a regulated credential or formal professional credit, check the relevant requirements before enrolling.

12. How is this different from the Conducting Effective Performance Reviews course?

This course has a broader employee-performance focus covering appraisals, the overall performance-management process, planning review conversations and maintaining performance. The separate Conducting Effective Performance Reviews course is more specifically centred on review formats, development planning, coaching, feedback and difficult review situations.