Update 1

The fix for CONF-12809 introduces a new 'location' where plugin authors can add further actions/options. This is the section at the bottom of the dashboard underneath the space list. It's default contents are the 'Add Space', 'Feed Builder' and 'People Directory' options.

So the documentation at http://confluence.atlassian.com/display/DOC/Web+UI+Plugins should have a new entry added to the locations table along the lines of -

system.dashboard

The global dashboards action section - beneath the space list on the dashboard

2.10.2

Update 2

The hiding the people directory documenation no longer requires the instructions on removing the links to the people directory from the dashboard and the browse menu. The fix for CONF-12809 makes these steps unnecessary.