Our Appraisal Season has started. Everyone at CHFT will have the opportunity to meet and discuss their achievements over the past year, as well as focus on areas they’d like to develop, before the end of this October.

Appraisals are a great opportunity to reflect on the past 12 months, look ahead and find what you need to help you develop in your role.  They are a two-way conversation and should last around an hour.

The main purpose is to talk about you – so don’t shy away from it to get the most out of your appraisal.

You will talk about your own results and how they fit in with the Trust goals and the four pillars of behaviour.  Remember to make sure you know where you are with your mandatory training – which is important as it also forms part of the pay progression policy.

Together, you'll set objectives for the next 12 months and work out what, if any, support is needed to achieve them.  Support is more than going on a course – it could be spending time with another colleague, visiting another department, or simply having a guiding hand to help you along your way. 

There is a wealth of information on the dedicated appraisal pages of the intranet. You’ll find completed examples, learn how to set SMART objectives, read top tips on how to participate in a great appraisal and use the temperature checker – our in-house self-assessment tool to help you through the appraisal process.

Are you an appraiser who’s unsure how to conduct a great appraisal? 

Look at the intranet pages dedicated to you with lots of support including tips, help with setting SMART objectives and a helpful presentation on the Four Stages of Appraisal. 

The Managers Checklist will guide you through the process, helping you deliver a successful appraisal. 

The Trust expects 100% compliance by 31 October so use all the tools and guidance available to help you to achieve this in your area. 

Once the appraisal has happened it’s vital you record it in ESR, whether you complete this yourself through Manager Self-Service or you currently have a TDI to do it for you.

This year the Trust introduced the Pay Progression Policy. In order for colleagues to receive their next increment, they must be up to date with their mandatory training and have either had or have booked in their appraisal. 

See our main appraisal intranet page here

Read more about pay progression on our intranet page.

The season runs from 1 July – 31 October – so get your slot booked in ASAP.