Appraisal
New appraisal process for Chairs and Non-Executives
As recommended by our recent Strategic Review, we have now introduced a more flexible appraisal process. This recognises that chairs and non-executives should be free to put in place appraisal processes that meet their needs.
The Commission’s approach is to be facilitative rather than directive. Our role is to support chairs and non-executives by providing guidance, appraisal tools and examples of best practice and by setting a minimum standard.
Under ‘Downloads’ on the right of this page you will find details of our new appraisal services and the new one page ‘Appraisal Summary Form’. This defines the minimum standards for appraisal and is now the only element of the appraisal process which will be driven by the Appointments Commission. It must be completed annually for all Chairs and non-executives and returned to the Commission.
The guidance covers the purpose of appraisal, designing and conducting an appraisal, being appraised, and examples of forms that you may wish to adopt or adapt to your own circumstances.
We are also developing good practice guidelines on 360 degree appraisal for non-executives. These will be published at the end of January 2009, so that, where required, the new system can be implemented in time for the 2008/09 appraisal round.
If you have any comments or suggestions on appraisal, or any of the other services we provide, we would like to hear from you. E-mail us at info@appointments.org.uk
The purpose of appraisal
Effective governance relies on Chairs and non-executive directors who are competent, motivated and well-supported. Part of that support is provided through an effective performance and development review process. The Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA) requires all Chairs and non-executive directors appointed to Health and other public bodies to participate in a regular performance and development review process.
An appraisal should assist with:
- raising governance standards;
- demonstrating whether each Chair/non-executive continues to contribute effectively, with ongoing commitment to the role;
- providing constructive feedback to the Chair/non-executive; acknowledging contribution and achievement, as well as identifying areas for further development;
- clarifying the individual contribution that a Chair or non-executive will make to the overall strategic objectives of the organisation;
- co-ordinating the work of the executive and Chair/non-executive Board members.
The Appointments Commission’s role in appraisal
The Commission’s role is to ensure that:
- in order to comply with OCPA guidelines, annual performance and development reviews take place for all Chairs/non-executives, in line with minimum standards and requirements;
- appeal arrangements are in place to manage any instance where the individual disagrees with a poor performance assessment;
- a simple method is in place to obtain recommendations from Regional Commissioners and Chairs in relation to re-appointment.
- provide advice, support and guidance in relation to Chairs/Non-executive performance and development reviews;
- review the effectiveness of processes in place and work with Trusts and other organisations to seek continuous improvement to the performance and development review process.
NB The download documents are in MS Word format (.doc). If you don't have MS Word installed on your PC, you can get a free Word viewer by following the link in our 'Downloads' page.