The queries below was compiled following feedback from appraisers at training courses.
Appraisal is a contractual obligation, and non-participation will be referred to the Medical Director/RO in your health board area. Non-participation may affect your appraisee’s revalidation recommendation, and subsequently their ability to continue practising.
Appraisees are allocated to appraisers by local admin staff and /or Appraisal Leads. If for some reason they do not wish to be appraised by you or vice versa (e.g. you used to work together, you are neighbours, in-laws etc) you or your appraisee can ask to be allocated to another appraiser.
The common practice across all health boards is to change appraiser every 3 to 5 years, so that within a 5-year revalidation cycle, appraisees have at least two different appraisers.
Your appraisee should decide if they wish to have their appraisal before or after. It is entirely at your discretions.
It would be easier for them to prepare before, but the educational plan may be skewed by the time they return.
If you are unsure, consult with your Appraisal Lead for advice.
Appraisal is a comprehensive developmental process that is not solely for your professional development. Discussions during an appraisal about retirement and the preparation for retirement might be a very helpful discussion.
(But remember revalidation!)
Submitted appraisal forms on SOAR, along with the uploaded supporting information, are confidential between the appraiser and appraisee ONLY. Access for ROs and Appraisal Leads can be requested (by them) and granted (by the appraisee), but otherwise, no one else will be able to access these (including past/future appraisers).
Form 4 can be accessed by the appraisee, the appraisee’s current appraiser, the RO (including the deputy ROs) and the Appraisal Lead.
Form 4 can also be accessed by those with an “Appraisal Co-ordinator” role on SOAR so long as they are linked (manually) to individual appraisees. This is designed for those with responsibility for the appraisees’ appraisals, who need to be informed when the appraisals have taken place (e.g. line managers, clinical directors, associate medical directors etc) but not involved with the process itself.
This question is typically asked by appraisees who are new to appraisal, whether they have come into the workforce from abroad or who have just recently CCT'ed and more accustomed to supervision/performance management.
Reassure them that they cannot "fail" an appraisal - there is no such thing. Appraisal is not a pass / fail examination - it is a protected space for them to discuss and reflect with a trained peer (you) on all aspects of their practice, their achievements, and identifying their development needs and formulating a personal development plan.
