What makes an action plan useful?
Each action should be specific, assigned to an owner, given a due date and updated with a clear status.
Action plan template
Use this free action plan template to record actions, owners, priorities, due dates, status and notes. Edit, print or download the working document.
Every tool is free to use on screen, and a free account saves your records. Downloads are one free file a month across all toolkits, then £1.49 for a single extra download or £4.99 a month for unlimited downloads. Cancel anytime.
2 entries
Keep a running list of actions with an owner, a priority and a due date.
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This tool is free to use with no account. The rows below are examples so you can see the layout, edit or delete them and add your own. Nothing you type here is stored on our servers, so it will be gone if you close the page. Create a free account to keep it, and to get your free monthly Excel or Word download.
Action Plan Tracker
| Action | Owner | Priority | Due | Status | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example action 1 | Example owner 1 | High | 19 Oct 2026 | Open | Example entry, replace this with your own details. | |
| Example action 2 | Example owner 2 | Medium | 18 Nov 2026 | In progress | Example entry, replace this with your own details. |
These tools are provided for general business administration, organisation and record-keeping purposes. They do not constitute legal, medical, clinical, safeguarding, health and safety or regulatory advice and do not guarantee compliance with any applicable requirement. Businesses remain responsible for ensuring their own policies, procedures and records are appropriate for their circumstances.
Using this template
An action plan turns a decision, inspection finding or improvement idea into work that can be followed through. Managers use one after meetings, audits, customer reviews, project discussions and internal checks. A practical action should say what needs to happen, who owns it, how urgent it is, when it is due and whether it is open, in progress or complete. Notes can hold a short update or point to supporting evidence.
Write actions as specific outcomes rather than vague intentions. For example, name the document to update or the equipment to inspect instead of writing only 'review process'. Give each action one accountable owner even where several people will help. Common mistakes include setting no date, treating a recurring task as permanently complete, and closing an item without recording what changed. Review open actions at a sensible interval and keep completed entries long enough to show what was done. This template provides a simple working list and editable files. It does not judge whether an action is sufficient for a legal, safety, clinical or contractual requirement.
Questions about this template
Should completed actions stay on the plan?
Keeping completed entries for an appropriate period can show what was done and when.
Can this replace a formal compliance plan?
No. It is an administrative tracker and does not determine whether actions meet legal or regulatory duties.