Having confident appraisal discussions

This elearning resource has been developed by NHS Employers and Health Education England elearning for healthcare (HEE elfh) to support NHS line managers across England in conducting appraisals and wider performance-related conversations with confidence. The programme consists of a single 30-minute elearning session with no prerequisites and can be completed in any order. It provides practical guidance on preparing for and carrying out annual appraisals, pay step discussions and regular supervisory meetings, illustrated through NHS Employers-produced videos demonstrating both good and poor practice. The resource is aimed at all NHS line managers responsible for supporting staff development, performance and pay progression.

Across the programme, learners will gain an understanding of the requirements under NHS Terms and Conditions of Service and how to deliver the pay step process correctly. By completing the session, managers will be able to explain why the appraisal process is important, recognise effective and ineffective approaches to appraisal conversations, give constructive feedback, prepare thoroughly for discussions and confidently manage difficult conversations. Additional learning objectives include:

• discussing requirements under the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service;
• delivering the pay step process for employees;
• preparing for and undertaking supportive and effective appraisals;
• explaining the purpose and value of appraisals;
• effectively managing challenging or sensitive discussions;
• recognising examples of good and poor practice in appraisals, pay step conversations and ongoing supervisory meetings.

This programme has been developed to meet a clear need for consistent, supportive and high-quality performance conversations across the NHS workforce, especially as pay progression is directly linked to appraisal outcomes. The resource contributes to improving staff experience, development and engagement by strengthening line manager capability in this area. It has been created by NHS Employers and HEE elfh, with thanks to colleagues who supported the development of the module. Further resources, including the People Performance Management Toolkit and the Health and Wellbeing Framework, are available to complement the learning and support managers in preparing for appraisal discussions.