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Staff Directory Home Grading and reviews Personal Development Reviews (PDR) Performance and Development Reviews for Professional Service employees

Performance and Development Reviews for Professional Service employees

From September 2025, the annual PDR meeting for Professional Service employees will now be recorded using the University online PDR system. This can be done in the Reviews section of  and .

The online PDR system allows employees to ensure inputting and saving PDR records is easy and effective, and will help colleagues to reflect on achievements and set meaningful objectives. It will also support career conversations and development planning.

Employees will be required to complete a standard PDR record form online which the line manager will also have the opportunity to review and comment on.

The annual PDR should be one of several conversations throughout the year.

PDR system (iTrent) User guides

People Manager (PDR) User Guide for managers

HR Organiser (PDR) User Guide for employees

PDR system quick guides (reviewees/employees)

PDR system quick guides (reviewers/line-managers)

Why do we have an annual PDR?

The annual PDR conversation with your line manager is an ideal opportunity to: 

  • Look back and recognise your achievements over the past year and how your contributions are supporting your Section's priority initiatives and University strategic goals.
  • Look forward and connect your personal objectives for the coming year with the aims of your team, section/department, and the wider University.
  • Identify potential development opportunities that will further equip you to deliver, both now and in the future.
  • Consider your longer-term career aspirations whether that be within your current role, a more senior role or moving to another area of the organisation. 

 

Who can see my PDR?

  • Only you and your line manager can see all the elements of the PDR record.
  • Heads of Section can report on training needs, career aspirations and objectives set against strategic priorities.
  • People and Culture can report on aggregated departmental data, including completions, training needs and career aspirations.

I am an academic who line manages Professional Services employees. Can I access their PDR record in People Manager?

Yes, all managers of ºÚÁÏÍø Professional Services employees have access to the PDR system in People Manager.

 

Please note: For the Autumn Term of the 2025/26 academic year, Strategic Priority Objectives will not be set in the PDR (Performance and Development Review) system. This is due to ongoing discussions and finalisation of these objectives at the strategic level. Once the strategic priorities are confirmed, further guidance will be provided.

 
 

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