Probation review conversation guide
A humane conversation structure that names concerns without ambushing.
When to use
One to two weeks before a 3- or 6-month probation review.
Prompt template
Draft a probation review conversation for {ROLE} at the {STAGE}-month point. What's working: {POSITIVES}. Where I have concerns: {CONCERNS}. Structure: opening (warm, honest), what's working with specific examples, where I'd like to see growth with specific examples, what support I'm committing to, what I need from them. No ambush — no concerns raised at the review that weren't raised in 1:1s beforehand. Under 400 words.Replace each highlighted placeholder with real context. Keep names and safeguarding details out.
When to use this prompt
Reach for this prompt when you need to a humane conversation structure that names concerns without ambushing. It's designed for Line manager. Typically used within Onboarding work.
Draft with AI, then have a colleague verify facts and tone before use.
How to use it
- 1
Gather your inputs
Have your local context, audience and goal to hand. - 2
Fill in the highlighted placeholders
Copy the template above and replace every highlighted placeholder with real, local context. - 3
Run it in your AI tool
Paste into your preferred AI assistant. Ask a follow-up if the output misses your association's tone. - 4
Work through the checklist
Tick every item before you send, publish or act on the output.
Why this prompt works
Forces the manager to check nothing is a surprise and to commit to support, not just critique.
Worked example
Concerns: response times, safeguarding paperwork discipline
What good output looks like
A structured, humane conversation guide the manager can adapt.
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