Following the approval of the changes to the appraisal and PPDR processes, the University and our Campus Trade Unions have been working together to review the appraisal guidance to align with these changes. The changes and the guidance have now been fully endorsed and we are pleased to be moving forward to the implementation phase. Staff will see gradual changes, to bring all staff onto one consistent appraisal process during summer 2023.
Methodology of the Review
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. The changes to the Appraisal and PPDR process will deliver significant improvements for our staff undertaking their appraisals.
Through focus groups and feedback, the themes for change that mattered most to our staff became clear. These were then co-developed in close dialogue with our Campus Trade Unions.
What happens next?
There will be a gradual transition towards the new process where we start to align all three appraisal processes into the one new process and timeline.
- This has begun with the extended Levels 4-6 appraisal period. Appraisers have agreed objectives up to July 2023.
- Level 7 appraisals will take place as normal between September and December this year. The appraisal period for next year will end in July 2023.
- Level 1-3 should continue planning and holding their PPDR discussions based on their locally agreed timeline until July 2023, when they will join all other staff groups using the appraisal process and online form.
At various points during the coming year, we will release different instructions to staff at different Levels. These will 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 what is changing
The new appraisal process will apply to staff at all levels after the transition period:
- 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
