Appraisal

What is appraisal?

Appraisal is the formal process that requires each staff member to review their performance and discuss their development needs with an appropriate colleague or manager on a regular (usually annual) basis. It can appear in different institutions under different titles, including 'Performance and Development Review' or 'Staff Review' or, as used here, simply 'Appraisal'. At the heart of the process is the appraisal meeting where past performance and future goals can be discussed in a supportive setting. The meeting, however, should not be viewed as the entire process; for both appraiser and appraisee the preparation before the meeting and actions after can be equally as important in ensuring that appraisal is a worthwhile activity.

Appraisal is nearly always an institutional requirement. Your institution is likely to have clear regulations and procedures as to how and when your researchers will need to be appraised. Even if someone else is managing the formal appraisal process, it will still be in your interest for you to make sure that your research staff are fully aware of what to expect and what their responsibilities may be.

The Concordat

‘ Researchers should be empowered by having a realistic understanding of, and information about, their own career development and career direction options as well as taking personal responsibility for their choices at the appropriate times. Employers should introduce appraisal systems for all researchers for assessing their professional performance on a regular basis and in a transparent manner. It is important that researchers have access to honest and transparent advice on their prospects for success in their preferred career. (Section C. 10) ’

Within this section you will find information about:

• benefits of appraisal
• the appraisal process
• managing difficult behaviours.