Appraisal

Carrying out effective appraisal of your employees allows a variety of benefits:

Provides structured opportunity for staff at different levels to discuss work, their relationship and how they support each other
Provide a forum for individual feedback on work performance
Provides a formal channel through which development needs are identified
Clarifies what is expected of an individual and how this relates to the Company objectives
Improves teamwork through shared objectives
Allows face to face discussion on a one-to-one basis
Helps to plan ahead together
Chance to explain to staff about developments affecting the ward / department / team
Opportunity to thank staff for a job well done
Can have a frank exchange of views
Can counsel and advise your staff
Staff can present their views and ideas
Opportunity for you to influence attitudes and behaviours

Appraisal Documents - for free download

Appraisal Workshop - This a full 37 page Appraisal Workshop with all the material needed to implement an appraisal system for your organisation. It includes a variety of exercises to assist this. It also has a handout for Appraisees to assist them to understand and participate in the process.

Simple Performance Appraisal Policy - Appraisal Policy for a simple implementation. However it covers all the elements of effective appraisal.

Useful Links

Businessballs.com
Business oriented site with a great deal of information on performance appraisal as well as a whole number of assessment tools - all for free

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Lots of information on the Appraisal process, how to carry out, appraisal skills, training etc.

Advice, Conciliation and Arbitration Service
ACAS booklet intended to assist anyone involved in the employee appraisal process.

Appraisal - Related Documents

Appraisal Documentation Template
Generic Pro-forma including a personal development plan which can be used for any appraisal implementation

Another Appraisal Documentation Template
This is suitable if you have a competency framework established in your organisation

Appraisers Checklist
Checklist for the manager / supervisor undertaking an appraisal. This will ensure that no part of the process is missed

Response Style Indicator
Test which allows appraisers to assess their response style - can be used as part of appraisal training

Appraisal - Recommended Book:

"Ready-to-use Performance Appraisals"
There are really no decent up-to-date UK books on performance appraisal - they are nearly all US produced, and the culture and vocabulary are somewhat different. However about the best of the bunch at the moment is: "Ready-to-use Performance Appraisals: Downloadable, Customizable Tools for Better, Faster Reviews" by William S Swan. It provides an abundance of tips on evaluating employee performance, as well as how to conduct an effective appraisal meeting. As well as all that, it also contains downloadable forms and customisable evaluation statements which can be adapted to your needs and can save you a great deal of time.

The book is available from Amazon through the link on the above cover for £12.59, and there are cheaper second-hand versions available too. There is also an electronic Kindle version.