PDR Reviewers
Preparation
Thorough preparation, by both the Reviewer and the Reviewee, is the key to ensuring your PDR meetings are effective.
Prior to PDR meetings it's recommended that reviewers complete the following steps.
Training
• All PDR reviewers must participate in relevant training.
• All New reviewers must complete the 'online PDR Reviewer Briefing'.
More information on PDR Reviewer training for 2023/24 can be found on the training section of this website.
Contact Reviewees (for Academic Reviewers)
• It is advised that you contact your Reviewees to introduce yourself as their Reviewer, especially if they are new to the organisation or someone you don’t have regular contact with.
• Arrange a pre meeting if necessary.
• Outline the available resources to help the Reviewee prepare. This includes the relevant section on this website.
Arrange your meetings
• Suggest a suitable date and time for both parties. The date must be within the PDR window, and should avoid any major deadlines where possible.
• Book in plenty of time, factoring in overspill time where possible. Best practice would be to book time in after the meeting to write up the PDR notes.
• Book a room; somewhere private where you won't experience any interruptions and will both feel comfortable.
• Outline the available resources to help the reviewee prepare. This includes the relevant section on this website.
• Outline all of the resources available for the Reviewee.
• Set a deadline for when you want to receive the preparation work by; 2 weeks prior to the meeting is recommended as best practice.
Collect feedback (where applicable)
• Reviewers may receive feedback on the reviewee throughout the year and use this during the PDR.
• Alternatively, the reviewer may contact a number of people (maximum of four) to elicit feedback on the Reviewee’s performance.
• Feedback can be collected by email or verbally and it is must be shared with the Reviewee openly, honestly and constructively.
Utilise resources
The following resources should be used to help reviewers prepare for their PDR meetings.
• Job descriptions.
• Previous PDR notes.
• Probation notes (where applicable).
• Feedback from colleagues where agreed.
• For Academic PDRs, the academic metrics available in the PDR online system.
• One-to-one records taken throughout the year.
• Reviewees preparation document.
In addition to following the steps above it is also recommended that you carefully read through the 'about PDR' section on this website, and advise your Reviewees do the same. This will ensure you are both up to date with the PDR process, including any elements which have been revised recently.
The checklist below may be printed off and used to aid with your preparation.