Appraisal skills

Course summary

This one-day training workshop is part of our management training portfolio, focusing on performance management. It will give you a sound overview of the appraisal process as well as helping you make the most of the appraisals for your own team.

We start by looking at the principles of appraisal and what constitutes best practice in an appraisal scheme. In the afternoon, we go on to review the appraisal interview itself, looking at how to make the most of this important conversation, for you, for your team member and for your organisation.

“Very good. The course catered both for those with no previous knowledge for those who had some prior experience.”

— DG, Kent Police

“The course gave me lots of new and fresh ideas, especially how to set SMART objectives. The course was brilliant. I would highly recommend it.”

— MPZ, Culina Group Ltd

“Fantastic - in-depth whilst remaining interesting. The trainer was friendly and enthusiastic. She was willing to listen and help with personal situations within the organisation.”

— RJ, Prostate Cancer UK

“I felt the course really helped my understanding of how to nativate and encourage good appraisal partcicipation. I feel much better prepared for conducting my teams appraisals.”

— CW, Royal College of Art

Course dates and location

We can deliver this course virtually for your organisation, on a date and time that suits you. If you have four or more people who would like to attend this course then group training could be the most cost-effective option. Contact one of our Training Coordinators on 020 7490 3030 or email for more information and a quote.

If you would like to attend this course then register your interest with us. Currently, this course is run on request meaning that a date will be scheduled once we have at least three people interested in attending this course.

There are no dates available at the moment.

Course outline
This appraisal course will cover:
- the benefits of appraisal
  o for the appraisee
  o for the appraiser
  o for the organisation
- the purpose of appraisals
  o performance management
  o objective setting
  o development and training
  o career planning
- different approaches to appraisal
  o top down v bottom up
  o scored appraisal v open comments
  o manager led v appraiser led
  o 360 degree appraisal, what is it, the benefits and the risks
- how to introduce a new appraisal scheme: a checklist for managers
- appraisal paperwork: different approaches
- appraisal and one-to-one line management
- preparing for an appraisal interview
  o as a manager
  o as an appraisee
- running the appraisal interview
  o setting targets
  o integrated target setting
  o using questions to explore issues and open up the discussion
  o giving feedback and receiving feedback
- a year of free support
All our training courses are delivered virtually. The webinar systems used do not require software download.
Who is this course for?

This appraisal training course is for any manager who needs an overview of the appraisal process and wants to improve their own appraisal interview skills and develop more effective performance management for their team. The Centre works with people from all sectors including the public sector, voluntary sector, corporate sector and private sector.
What will this course help me do: learning outcomes?

You will gain an understanding of the strategic purpose of performance management and the role of an appraisal scheme. You will have a useful checklist for introducing a new scheme or reviewing an existing one. You will have compared your own appraisal paperwork with examples of different kinds and have an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each. You will gain confidence in running an appraisal interview so as to get the best from your team, both from their point of view and from yours and your organisation.
Other courses to consider

The Centre offers a wide programme of management courses, including Supervision skills and Project management.
You may also be interested in purchasing the Centre's published book: Supervision and appraisal skills. Click here to buy the book.
Course fee
- £589 plus VAT not-for-profit price (applies to charities and all other not-for-profit organisations, including public sector and housing)
- £654 plus VAT standard price (applies to all other organisations)