Our Agenda for Change appraisal season runs from Wednesday, 1st April to Tuesday, 30th June.

It's the opportunity to have an honest, open, two-way conversation with your manager to seek assurance regarding your performance in your role, any development needs you may have and the skills and behaviours required to grow further. It should also be used to celebrate achievements and have a safe space to have a wellbeing check with managers, who can signpost you to more support if required. You'll find more information on our appraisals intranet page.

Today we're shining a spotlight on Outpatient Matron, Rachel Roberts, who shares how she approaches appraisal conversations with her team.

Hello, my name is Rachel Roberts and I am one of the matrons in Outpatients.

My role is to support our nursing teams to provide the highest standard of care in the outpatient setting. I also work clinically at times, supporting clinics where needed. I have had an appraisal every year and I actively promote the importance of appraisal season.

An appraisal is a dedicated opportunity to spend protected time with colleagues and talk through the skills, knowledge and activities that form part of their everyday work. It is also a chance to check in on how they are doing.

Before the meeting, I encourage colleagues to review their work calendar for the previous 12 months. This helps them reflect on the skills and knowledge they have developed, as well as the objectives they set the year before. We talk about whether they achieved what they hoped to and, if not, what barriers may have been in the way.

It is also useful to ask colleagues to reflect on how they think they are doing. This provides insight into how they see their progress and gives space to discuss wellbeing at work, what helps them have a productive day and what helps them enjoy their role.

People are often surprised by how much they have achieved across the year. They may have developed practical clinical skills or strengthened their communication with patients and carers. These achievements often translate into positive feedback, and I encourage colleagues to share any thank you messages they have received.

Talking openly about these successes helps colleagues recognise the impact they have and supports planning for the year ahead. Most importantly, it encourages them to celebrate what they have accomplished.