Policies

Performance Appraisal

The Council operates an appraisal scheme, which requires employees to undertake an annual appraisal interview with their immediate supervisor or manager. At the interview both performance and training/development will be discussed. The appraisal scheme is intended to be positive and participative and separate notes are available regarding its operation and purpose. It is a requirement of employment that all employees participate in the scheme.

By the end of the review meeting staff should have an agreed individual action plan (with targets and timescales) and where appropriate an individual training plan (with objectives and resources). The plans will be working documents, referred to throughout the year, and will be updated accordingly.

The Appraisal System is designed to meet the following specific objectives:

• To ensure all job descriptions are current, accurate and aligned to the Council’s objectives.
• To ensure staff have clear targets aligned to the objectives, which are time bound and such targets are able to be revised/updated as required.
• To ensure staff have the opportunity to know what performance is expected of them at an individual level and to receive feedback.
• To ensure staff are able to discuss training, development and support within their role in order to fulfil their maximum potential.
• To assist staff in understanding the contribution their role makes in meeting the Council’s overall objectives.
• To assist staff in their involvement and participation in the Council’s commitment to continuous improvement as a ‘learning organisation’.

Procedure

Appraisals take place annually. Appraisals follow a standard format and a report is produced to reflect an accurate summary of the discussion.

New members of staff will be briefed on the Appraisal System as part of their Induction. The Clerk/Chair of the Council will agree the timings with you for Appraisal meetings and ensure that an interim action plan and a training plan are completed during your probationary period.

At Appraisal meetings, a standard reporting format is followed as the basis for discussion. The duties within staff job descriptions will be thoroughly assessed and potential areas for development may be identified and addressed through training and/or supervision.

The Appraisal will highlight the Council’s business objectives along with team objectives and therefore provides the opportunity to agree individual objectives on a short term and long term basis.

Immediately after the meeting, the Clerk will produce the summary report and employees will receive a copy of the document to agree and sign. A copy will also be kept on their personnel file for reference and future review meetings.