PDR talking heads
Hear what members of staff have to say about their PDR meetings and how they prepare.
PDR Reviewees
Preparation
It's recommended that all staff take time to thoroughly prepare prior to their PDRs in order to get the most out of the process.
Reviewees are advised to follow the steps below.
Date and time of PDR meeting
It is important to ensure you know the following information well in advance of your PDR meeting:
• Date and time
• Location
• Assigned Reviewer
Complete pre work
Prior to your meeting you will need to complete the relevant sections on the online PDR system. Your Reviewer should set you a deadline for completion as they will need to read through your preparation thoroughly.
When completing your preparation sections you should review the following:
• Your job description
• For Academic Reviewees - The metrics which are prepopulated on the online PDR system. You may need to write an additional commentary to support these. Any discrepancies should be amended in the original system, such as LUPIN.
• Your key achievements for the year; what did you do? How did you do it? and what did you learn from it?
• Your training and development record. How have you developed over the last year? Have you been able to apply your training to your job?
It is also recommended that Reviewees
• Gather feedback on their performance from any relevant sources.
Objectives
It's important that firstly you review the objectives from your previous PDR. Which have you met? And for those you have not met, what were the reasons for this?
In addition, you should also start to consider what you think your priorities might be for the following year, and any development you think you might need. There is a section on the online form for to capture your proposed objectives, to support the conversation with your Reviewer. Consider how to make your objectives SMART.
• Specific – this relates to you; provides you with real clarity.
• Measurable – how will you know when it has been achieved? List the success indicators.
• Achievable – stretching but fair, within your capability.
• Relevant – appropriate to the situation and environment.
• Time-bound – what is the deadline for you achieving this?
Feedback
Your PDR can be a great opportunity to pass on any feedback to your Reviewer. Ask yourself the following questions to help you think through the feedback you want to give:
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What is working well? (Consider the team or organisational culture, systems, procedures, etc.)
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Suggest and explore better ways of working.
If your reviewer is your line manager, it will be appropriate to consider feedback you have for them (both positive and constructive if appropriate). You might want to discuss what your manager or colleagues could do differently to help improve your performance? Use specific examples, if possible.
In addition to following the steps above it is also recommended that you carefully read through the 'about PDR' section on this website. This will ensure you are up to date with the PDR process.
The videos and documents below can also be used to help with your preparation.
