Managing Appraisals

Organisations employ varying methods of Appraisal to assess the performance of staff members, managers and thereby the organisation as a whole. The success of Appraisal depends to a large degree on a common understanding of the particular system in use, the interpersonal skills of the Appraiser and the assertiveness of the Appraisee. Where the system falls down, the fault can normally be found in one or more of those areas.

Where Appraisal systems succeed, the organisation is, in general, one which fosters an atmosphere of belief in individual and organisational growth, trust in staff members to assess their own level of performance and diagnose their own areas for further development.

This one day course looks at the theory of staff Appraisal and ways in which this theory can be applied to the advantage of the individuals employed and therefore to the advantage of the service user group.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the course learners should be able to understand:

• What is meant by Appraisal
• Appraisal theory
• The benefits of Appraisal:
        -for the Appraisee
        -for the Manager
        -for the organisation
        -for service users
• How Appraisal links with Supervision
• The need to prepare staff for Appraisal:*
        -the specific system
        -before the event
        -documentation
        -roles, rights & responsibilities
• What is meant by ‘Competence’ and measuring ‘Competence’
• How to prepare for the Appraisal
• The Appraisal meeting:
        -Where it should be held
        -The ideal conditions
        -Privacy issues
        -Timing
        -Styles
        etc.
• How to use the organisation’s Appraisal document
• What is meant by a Person Centred approach
• Person Centred skills in Appraisal meetings
• Different rating systems
• Different types of Appraisal
• How to give feedback assertively
• How to support Diversity through Appraisal

Training methods:

Handouts will be distributed covering all areas dealt with during the course and time will be allocated during the course for group members questions. A post - Appraisal check list will be issued for Appraisers to use in evaluation of their own performance during Appraisal meetings.

Other methods employed:

• Tutor presentation
• OHP/PowerPoint
• Chalk & Talk
• Word storm method
• Group work
• Role play
• Demonstrations
• Handouts

* Norman Mark provides a half day awareness course for Appraisees

CP55/4.9