Although there is no legal obligation to carry out a work appraisal, it is good practice to do so in order to support your employees.

• An employee can request an appraisal at any point in their employment. An employee might call for an appraisal to discuss:

• any difficulties or concerns they may be facing (although this can be addressed at any point)

• any areas they need additional training or support

• a review of their salary

An appraisal is an assessment of an employee’s performance and is usually referred to as a ‘performance appraisal’. 

During this appraisal the employer (the council, HR or employment committee) can evaluate the employees work, their attitude to the workplace and the value of an employee to the council.

It is a safe space to assess an employee’s strengths and weaknesses, discuss salary, areas of training required and to allow for constructive communication about anything positive or negative that either party wants to address.

It is recommended that an employee has at a minimum a yearly appraisal, followed up by quarterly reviews

Four key criteria needed for a successful appraisal are:

1. Employees must be involved in the evaluation and development process.

2. The employer needs to perform an appraisal with a constructive and helpful approach

   
   

3. Realistic goals must be mutually set.

4. The representative conducting the appraisal must have knowledge and understanding of an employee’s job role and performance requirements

Objectives for an appraisal can include:

• Reviewing past performance

  
  

• Assessing any training or development needs

  
  

• Setting targets for future performance

  
  

• Identifying potential for future renumeration

Benefits of performance appraisals for the employee include employee engagement and enhance motivation, job satisfaction and overall morale as well as maintaining staff.

Benefits to the employer include the space to communicate the council’s objectives and values, more cohesiveness and improved relationships between the clerk and the council. It creates a culture that seeks to continually improve and succeed.

Useful information and templates for conducting appraisals can be found on the ACAS website here.