Why core learning and appraisals matter

Our core learning and appraisal rates continue to rise, but we still have a way to go to ensure all staff have the appraisal they deserve, and make sure that they are up to date on their core learning.

Posted on in Announcements

Our core learning and appraisal rates continue to rise, but we still have a way to go to ensure all staff have the appraisal they deserve, and make sure that they are up to date on their core learning.

Both of these things are key to ensuring staff working in Lincolnshire’s hospitals are supported, engaged and deliver safe, quality care to our patients.

For the month of March, our non-medical appraisal rate was 80.2% (against a target of 85%) and our core learning compliance was 89.7% (against a target of 95%)

Director of HR and Organisational Development, Martin Rayson, said: “All of our staff are entitled to an appraisal, and it’s really important so that they know what’s expected of them and what development they need. There is lots of evidence to show that good appraisals directly improve patient care which is the best reason there is for having one

“Appraisals are a really important way in which we can support our staff by having a genuine conversation with them, helping them to meet the challenges they face. We have improved our performance on appraisals, but for non-medical staff it is still far lower than we expect.

“We’ve also listened to lots of you who have said they’d like to see some changes to the current appraisal process so we will very shortly be launching that.  We know that a once a year appraisal is not always enough so we are asking managers to meet with their staff every two months to check-in on how things are going and how their staff are feeling and give them an opportunity to raise any concerns.

“The beginning of the financial year is also a good opportunity for staff to ensure their core learning is up to date. Core learning is key to ensuring competencies are maintained to so that staff can continue successfully in their job roles.”