As a University, we are wholly committed to ensuring every member of staff has an annual opportunity to discuss their contribution. For staff at levels 1-3, this is called the Personal Performance and Development Review (PPDR) conversation, and it is the equivalent of the appraisal for staff at levels 4-7.
Face-to-face discussions are at the heart of the PPDR and enable staff to discuss with their manager their progress, any support or development they might require, and to plan ahead for the next year.
Managers and supervisors of staff at levels 1-3 should ensure they hold these conversations at least once a year, to enable everyone to achieve their full potential in their role. As the new year starts, now is the ideal time to plan PPDR conversations for the year ahead.
The results of our 2018 Staff Engagement Survey showed that regular PPDR conversations are an area where the University could make improvements. As a result, new eLearning modules have been developed. The new eLearning for appraisees at levels 1-3 and new eLearning for appraisers of levels 1-3 includes everything you need to know to have a quality conversation.
Discussing performance to enhance contribution and developing staff is an ongoing process, and managers should hold regular one-to-ones and catch ups throughout the year to provide feedback and help support staff. Quality PPDRs summarise the progress already discussed through these regular conversations and look ahead by agreeing development and objectives.
Secondly, a series of workshops entitled ‘Appraising with Confidence’ have been run throughout 2019, aimed specifically at supervisors or managers who are carrying out PPDRs. The training will continue throughout 2020, with regular sessions available to book via Staffbook.
A previous workshop attendee commented:
“Very helpful to see appraisals from the perspective of the appraisee more and set appropriate objectives.”
Useful links
- What to do at each stage of PPDR
- PPDR form and policy
- Appraisal eLearning for levels 1-3
- Appraising with Confidence workshops
- Explore these pages to find out what development s available to you and your teams: Leadership and Management Development
Look out for more communications about appraisals for staff at levels 4 – 6 on SUSSED News.
