How does it work?
Your Appraiser plays an important part in helping you plan your personal development and in Wales you select an Appraiser each year who you would like to complete your appraisal.
Supportive discussion with a trained peer is the cornerstone of the appraisal process in Wales. Your appraiser will be supportive and encourage you to reflect on your past achievements and future learning needs. They will not tell you what to do and how to do it but may signpost you to relevant sources of help and support. You can expect to be challenged (in the nicest possible way) to reflect on your activities and personal an professional development.
Once you have access to your MARS account we recommend selecting an Appraiser as soon as possible, although you do not need to agree a meeting date until closer to the time.
Lifelong learning and continuing professional development are important concepts throughout your entire professional career. It is important to set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time bound) objectives for your personal and professional development. Your appraiser will encourage you to do this during the discussion, to agree your planned personal development plan for the next year.
No doubt as the year progresses, other activities may become more important and you may need to add to your personal development plan and consider your aspirational development needs. These may reflect, not only your personal interests, goals and ambitions, but also the needs of your practice or organisation. It is entirely legitimate and appropriate to include these activities in your appraisal evidence.The process of appraisal should encourage you to celebrate your achievements and reflect on your future personal and professional development needs as an individual and team member.