Do you need help with your performance appraisals?

4. Ensure employee participation. This is paramount to the success of the meeting. A performance appraisal must be a two-way conversation with the employee contributing to targets and strategy.

5. Do not leave negative feedback until the end of the meeting as this can create a nervous atmosphere for the employee and once addressed, the meeting can move on to other topics.

6. Give successes the weight they deserve. Discuss improvements rather than weaknesses and spend a significant proportion on future development to include career plans and upskilling.

Telecom company dbfb (Database for Business) has been selected to provide services for public sector organisations, reaching a milestone in the company’s aim to build a more connected and efficient public sector.

The company went through a rigorous selection process, earning a 100 per cent rating across various criteria, before securing positions on three lots in the coveted CCS (Crown Commercial Service) Network Service 3 framework. This marks a crucial moment for dbfb’s growth in the public sector, say bosses.

The CCS Network Service 3 framework serves as a gateway for public sector organisations to access expertise in areas such as network solutions, communication services and cutting-edge technologies.

Sam Lee, Sales Director at dbfb, said the company was proud to be named a Network Services 3 supplier, saying the achievement underscores their commitment to delivering innovative network solutions for government agencies.

CCS plays a crucial role in facilitating commercial gains, totalling £3.8 billion for the public sector in 2022–2023. dbfb's ISO 9001 certification positions the company as a reliable provider meeting the stringent requirements of the CCS framework.

As we enter 2024, many companies will be thinking about their annual performance appraisals, which tend to coincide with the start of a new year. Though not a legal requirement, there are many benefits to conducting an appraisal either annually, bi-annually or on a more regular basis.

AHR Consultants provide a range of leadership courses, including one to help managers carry out successful performance appraisals within their businesses. Here the company’s experts lend their top tips.

How to conduct a successful appraisal:

1. Plan appraisals in plenty of time so the employee has time to prepare their feedback and questions.

2. Provide the agenda to the employee before the meeting so there are no shocks on the day. The employee will have time to think about the topics to be discussed.

3. Keep things moving during the appraisal and use a standardised form to ensure all points are covered in proportion.

7. Agree actions together to ensure a thorough understanding and a willingness to succeed in these goals.

8. Summarise what has been discussed and whether the employee requires any further support. Set out clearly who is responsible for what, to ensure accountability.

9. Document the meeting so you can refer back to it at a later date or at the next appraisal.

Find out more at https://ahrconsultants.co.uk/training-and-development/leadership-skills/performance-appraisals/

The company's commitment to sustainability aligns with the evolving priorities of public sector organisations, say those at dbfb, and as the public sector strives to advance communication systems, dbfb's inclusion in the Network Services 3 framework is integral.

Jess Ansell, Workplace and Sustainability Director at dbfb, said: "We're excited about the opportunities this presents, recognising the public sector's dedication to modernising systems. Our focus on sustainability aligns with the changing landscape, assuring the public sector of dealing with suppliers committed to ethical practices and excellence."

For more information about dbfb, email discover@dbfb.co.uk, or visit www.dbfb.co.uk