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SDPR for Education and Research Staff

A course for all staff in the Education and Research job family to help you prepare for your Staff Development Performance Review (SDPR).

Course overview

2023/24 Semester 1 and 2 courses: this half-day (in-person) course is delivered to align with performance review cycles for the majority of University departments.


The session will work chronologically through the SDPR process, explaining the aims of the different steps. You will also discuss some case studies which illustrate the kinds of issues and conversations that may arise, including:

  • giving balanced, constructive feedback
  • setting goals in the context of the department, the University and your career
  • listening and questioning
  • planning for the review meeting: setting and managing the agenda
  • agreeing responsibility for future actions, so the process has long-term momentum

Who should attend

This course is suitable for you if:

  • you are academic, teaching and/or research staff
  • you are undertaking staff reviews under the University’s SDPR (appraisal) scheme
  • you are about to be reviewed for the first time
  • you have previously found review meetings difficult to prepare for

Presenters

Lisa Hegan and Alexandra Stanley, HRd Bristol


Pre-work

Review and complete pre-work for this course.


This course uses blended learning to make the most of your time. The session focuses on interaction, knowledge sharing and practice, and ensuring you have plenty of opportunities to embed learning on the job.

Please note, you will need to complete all accompanying work and come to the session prepared and ready to engage with your colleagues.

Before attending this course you will need to:


Intended learning outcomes

Check whether this course meets your development needs.


After attending this workshop, you will be able to:

  • explain the purpose and benefits of a well-conducted staff review process
  • use the SDPR documentation to focus and record the outcomes of an open, constructive discussion
  • conduct a discussion meeting to review performance, give feedback, agree future objectives and development needs

Effective Behaviours Framework (EBF)

Review how this course will help you to develop skills and knowledge related to the EBF behavioural groups.


The Effective Behaviours Framework (EBF) has nine key behavioural areas. This course will help you to develop skills and knowledge related to the following EBF behavioural groups:

  • achieving results
  • managing self and personal skills
  • developing self and others

Please note, attending the course does not provide evidence of achieving these behaviours. You will need to demonstrate them by applying your skills and knowledge.


Related online learning and resources

Access online tools and support on-demand.



Book or cancel your place

Find out how to book or cancel your place, plus read guidance on required timescales and discussions with your managers.


Discussing your learning and development with your line manager

We assume that if you need permission or agreement to attend this course you will have arranged this before booking. To ensure the training is suitable and your learning can be transferred back to the workplace, you should also have discussed the following with your line manager:

  • how this training will help to deliver your individual or team goals
  • the expected outcomes (what is expected to change or improve as a result)
  • any support required post-course to enable you to transfer your learning back to the workplace

Your manager will receive an automated notification when you book or cancel a place on a course using ESS.

Book your place

Once a course date has been arranged you can book your place using Employee Self-Service (ESS). Places will be available to book on self-service up to 24 hours before the course, to allow for participants to complete the required pre-work. You must book a place to be able attend. Download instructions on how to book your place using ESS.

The session will be delivered in-person.

Please note that we do not hold a waiting list for this course.

Cancel your place

You can cancel your place using Employee Self-Service (ESS). Download instructions on how to cancel your place using ESS.

Please cancel your place as early as possible (and at least three days in advance) to allow others to book instead.

Course dates

Find course dates for: SDPR Conducting an effective review.

Find course dates for: SDPR Getting the most out of your review.

You can access the related online resources at any time, even if you have not booked a place yet.

Enquiries

If you have any questions, please contact us.