POLICY LETTER NO.32/96
Date: 06 November 1996

Dear Colleague

MPG PERFORMANCE AND DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
1996/97 APPRAISALS

The Performance and Development Framework for managers and professionals ISIS PNL/EMP/F014 has been revised. The revisions were discussed with the STE and the Union is supporting the new Framework. An article explaining the changes will be published in the November edition of 'The Review' and the company will be releasing a briefing and 'People News' item in early November. In the meantime branches will wish to note:

Learning Curves
Recent new entrants such as graduate recruits will not be marked APR Category 4 simply because they might be on a learning curve. These people should have the requirements of the job explained to them when they start with the company. They will then be assessed for their APR against that standard and if they consistently meet the requirements of their job they will be awarded at least an APR Category 3 rating overall.

This new arrangement is in accordance with the policy agreed at Annual Conference this year.

Personal Development Review (PDR)
Details of the PDR process and Development Categories are now included in the ISIS. This is in line with the arrangements outlined in Policy Letter 24/96 issued in July this year.

It is important to remember that there is no direct correlation between the 6 APR Categories and the 7 Development Categories.

Regular Reviews
The revised ISIS restates the need for regular 1:1 reviews during the year. These should be held at least quarterly and preferably monthly with line managers keeping a record of the reviews. Individuals should be provided with a copy of the 1:1 record to retain. This will be important evidence in the event that anyone needs to pursue an individual grievance against their APR on the grounds that they were not given sufficient advance indication that there were performance shortcomings.

It would be helpful if branches would draw members' attention to the forthcoming 'Review' article in local newsletter and communications.

Yours sincerely

ADRIAN ASKEW
DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY - NEGOTIATIONS