The Appraisal and Development Conversations (ADCs) cycle for 2024 has now started. ADCs intend to facilitate a safe and trusted space for all staff to take part in an open dialogue about performance, development, aspirations and objectives moving forward.  

From May to September, all colleagues should have an ADC with their line manager (or appropriate alternative appraiser) to:  

• reflect on their achievements over the past year 
• discuss their personal development and professional ambitions 
• agree on future objectives  

In preparation for this year’s annual ADC, we recommend all staff refresh their understanding of ADCs and review the updated guidance documents. To improve the guidance for both appraiser and appraisee we have:  

• Updated the ADC guideline documents 
• Updated to ADC word document in line with preparation for UniCore  
• Refreshed the Moodle space for supportive learning materials 
• Developed the appraiser discussion guide to include a question bank to help facilitate an effective conversation  
• Updated the e-learning ADC information video to improve accessibility 

You can find all central materials on the ADC webpages.

We have also created new optional training sessions, which will run over the summer for appraisers and appraisees, focused on making the most of the ADC.

The first sessions will run on Tuesday 21 May 2024, and can be booked via Central Short Courses.

ADCs moving to UniCore (2025):

For 2024, please continue to document the ADC conversation on the Word form, which can be found on the ADC pages of our website. 

From 2025, documenting the ADC process will move online to the new UniCore system. Once the system is live, we recommend that individuals transfer their performance and development goals onto the online system to prepare for a fully online ADC in 2025. Further information and training for using the system will be provided once the system is live. 

Examples of good practice

We also know there are lots of examples of excellent work being carried out locally to optimise the ADC process.

If you’re interested in sharing how you’re enhancing the ADC process in your team/department, please reach out to us. We’d love to gather best practices to contribute to future process improvements. Please contact hr@nottingham.ac.uk.