Finalised Guidance on Performance Management

2 August 2015 Steve BaileyCompliance

Following the FCA’s recent guidance consultation, it has now published Finalised Guidance 15/10 ‘Risk to customers from performance management at firms’ that can be found here.

In this document the FCA clarify the importance of culture within a firm to ensure the customer is at the heart of how a business is run.

It looks at performance management that includes:

formal processes – such as appraisals and underperformance procedures;
sales targets (or their equivalent); and
other less formal day-to-day interactions and communications between sales staff and managers about sales results that influence behaviour (both written and verbal) – much of which may not be documented.

It highlights practices that can create undue pressure and, very importantly, it gives examples of good practice.

The FCA summarises the expectations on firms as follows:

All firms with staff who deal directly with retail customers should read this report and consider:

how their approach to performance management may increase the risk of mis-selling;
whether their governance and controls are adequate; and
taking action where required to ensure the risks are adequately managed.

Don’t forget to check Our View about this article and the Actions Required By You

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Our View

This is an important document that all senior managers and staff involved in performance management should read.

There is no excuse for applying undue pressure on staff.

Culture starts at the top; combined with good governance and controls, this should lead to good business practices.

Action Required By You

Read the Finalised Guidance document carefully;
Ensure all staff involved with performance management are aware of the content;
Note the good (and poor) practices and assess yourself against these objectively;
Ensure you have the systems and controls in place to mitigate any poor practice;
Lead by example to create a positive customer centric culture within your firm.

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