Following several months of dialogue, the University and our Campus Trade Unions have agreed to progress the proposal developed under the Appraisal Review to the next phase, where we will work together to develop the guidance that supports the changes to the process.
The proposed changes to the appraisal and PPDR (Personal Performance Development Review) process will deliver significant improvements for our staff undertaking their appraisals. We recognise that the changes are greater for Level 1-3 staff and therefore, during the next phase we will work to ensure the guidance is accessible and meets the needs of all of our staff groups.
The aim of the Appraisal Review was to enhance our appraisal process and enable all our staff to have good quality appraisal conversations, whilst maintaining fairness and consistency. Through focus groups, local meetings and a number of discussions with our Campus Trade Unions, the themes for change that mattered most to our staff became clear: the approach to ratings, the moderation process and the need for a single, consistent process for all on the same system and in the same timeframe. A summary of the changes is provided below.
What happens next?
Next year will see a gradual transition towards the new process where we start to align all three appraisal processes into the one new process and timeline.
This begins with:
- Extending the 2022 Levels 4-6 appraisal period to 19 months, starting in January 2022 ending in July 2023 and,
- Appraisers agreeing objectives to cover this 19-month period, further guidance will be made available in January.
Level 1-3 and Level 7 appraisals continue in the current format and timeframes.
At various points during 2022, we will release different instructions to enable staff to transition to the new appraisal process. We will provide the relevant guidance and training where necessary, so you know what to do and when.
A reminder of the proposed changes
The new appraisal process will apply to staff at all levels after the transition:
- one appraisal year for all staff starting on 1 August each year. All appraisal conversations will take place between 1 June and 15 September, from summer 2023 onwards.
- four new contribution descriptors to provide an overall assessment (no longer required to assess each objective)
- a “consistency check” carried out by the appraiser’s line manager to ensure fairness and consistency (there is no moderation and no indicative distribution curve)
- all levels will use the online form. An improved, printable version of the appraisal form for staff with limited computer access will be available
Further information
Find out more on the changes to appraisal and PPDR SharePoint page.
