Employment & Equity.

Employment Agreement

The standard full-time employment contract – appointment and probation, duties, hours and location, remuneration and superannuation, leave, confidentiality, intellectual property, and post-employment restraints. Not for Award-covered roles, which need separate advice.

Employee Option Plan

The governing rules for granting options to employees. Sets the default vesting regime (25% after 12 months, then quarterly over three years), exercise mechanics, and the leaver, disposal, and forfeiture provisions that every option grant inherits.

ESS Offer Letter (Options)

The per-employee invitation to participate in the Employee Option Plan. Captures the number of options, exercise price, vesting dates and conditions, and any disposal restrictions – the document an individual actually signs to accept a grant.

Employee Share Plan Rules

The rules for issuing shares (rather than options) to employees, structured to support the s.83A-33 start-up concession where eligible. Use this when the scheme grants shares up front instead of options.

Share Plan Application Form

The employee's application to take up shares under the Employee Share Plan, including the standard tax-consequence statements that apply where the acquisition qualifies for the start-up concession.

ESS Standard Docs – Instructions

The guidance note that explains how the option plan, offer letters, share plan rules, and application form fit together, and how to complete each one correctly. Read this first before issuing any ESS document.