Staff Development Review (SDR) and Job Chat

The Staff Development Review (SDR) scheme and Job Chat scheme serve the same purpose and share the same broad objectives, to:

• review the whole of the role and contributions made
• identify and discuss any difficulties or obstacles to personal effectiveness
• provide a way of balancing and integrating personal needs and ambitions with the School/Directorate needs and the objectives and strategies of the University
• identify training and development needs for current and future roles
• plan for the future and agree specific objectives to agree those plans.

The main difference is that the SDR is based on the drawing up of a joint agenda to reflect different roles within the University whereas the Job Chat is based on a discussion around twelve set questions. The Job Chat scheme is generally suitable for support staff, but staff and their reviewers are encouraged to use whichever format suits individual circumstances. If you need advice, please do not hesitate to ask.

The Staff Development Review scheme allows flexibility at School/Directorate level in the timing of SDRs during the year. In terms of the frequency of reviews for individual staff, the principle of an annual review cycle is maintained, but at the discretion of the Head of School or equivalent and within certain restrictions, individual staff and reviewers can be offered the option of a full review being conducted only every other year.

Heads of School or equivalent will provide all staff with a Local Implementation Statement setting out the detailed arrangements for their area.

Help

Workshops for new reviewers/reviewees can be found in the CSTD Programme. Briefing sessions for staff and managers are also available on a School basis by arrangement with CSTD. If you have any questions please contact Libby Graham, extension 6465, email e.a.graham@reading.ac.uk.