Managers guide to performance appraisal
A clear manager’s guide to performance appraisals, offering practical advice on preparation, fairness, feedback, objectives, and employee wellbeing.
- 4 pages / 1,558 words
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text
- Suitable for worldwide use (but check local legislation)
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Managers guide to performance appraisal
Preparation
Explain the process
It is important that the indivudual being appraised understand the purpose and its process, emphasising the following aspects of it:
- It will happen regularly as an ongoing practice
- It is a two-way process that should be of mutual benefit and not a mere exercise of managerial judgement
- Views and suggestions will be encouraged and valued
- The individual should expect to be treated fairly
- The review is and will remain confidential between those who are responsible for managing the individual.
Preparing for the review meeting is vital to its effectiveness. The manager should do the following:
- Give the individual adequate notice of the review meeting and arrange to meet at a mutually convenient time and place.
- Explain the purpose of the meeting and encourage the individual to prepare beforehand by thinking about what the wish to discuss during the meeting. Ask them to think about the following:
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This Manager’s Guide to Performance Appraisal gives managers the tools to run fair and effective appraisal meetings that build trust and improve performance. It highlights the importance of preparation and creating a balanced environment for open discussion.
The guide explains how to ensure fairness, give feedback effectively, and set objectives that motivate and align with business goals. It also stresses the role of wellbeing in performance discussions.
Key skills covered include listening, empathy, questioning, and managing difficult conversations, helping managers to deliver appraisals that support both employees and the organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Managers guide to performance appraisal is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
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Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
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Do I get instant access?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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What if I need more help, not just this template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.
