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Looking forward and agreeing objectives
Looking forward and agreeing objectives
It is the responsibilty of the Reviewee to draft their own objectives in preparation for the PDR discussion. Developing objectives for discussion and agreement is a key part of PDR preparation for both Reviewee and Reviewer.
An objective is something which you plan to do or achieve. An objective may also focus on the way you do something e.g., work more collaboratively with someone, identify better ways of completing a specific task etc. It identifies a measurable step within a designated period of time that is moving toward achieving a long-term goal. It may help to think about objectives in terms of what the results/outputs and achievements will be rather than tasks or actions.
Having a clear set of objectives ensures that:
Staff are working towards objectives appropriate to their role that link to the University’s Strategic aims.
Staff can see how their work contributes to the University’s aims by linking individual objectives to Faculty/Departmental plans.
Staff are made aware of where to focus their efforts and why this is important.
Staff are clear about expectations and levels of performance required.
Objectives can and should change as University targets and priorities change. It is as important to identify work that needs to stop as well as to identify new priorities.
Objectives may comprise:
Aspects of the core job that are of specific importance to the success of local plans.
Specific projects that link local plans to strategic priorities.
‘Stretch’ projects that will provide an opportunity for professional development and personal growth.
Team-based objectives where an individual is focusing on a piece of work that impacts and enhances the wider team/community.
Where possible objectives should be SMART:
Specific – Is the objective clear about what is to be achieved and how?
Motivating – Does the objective create energy and motivation?
Attainable – Is the objective realistic and reasonable, is it within the control of the Reviewee?
Relevant – Does the objective fit within the departmental needs and the expectations of the role?
Trackable – Does the objective describe how progress can be measured?
It is important that staff understand their role and how they contribute to our overall success in the University. There should be a clear line of sight between an individual’s performance objectives and the University’s strategic plans.
All staff should have an awareness of the University’s key strategic targets (requires VPN to access off site) and what it is we are trying to achieve. It is the role of the Head of Department/Faculty or Service to develop and communicate how their teams contribute to the achievement of those aims through more local plans. Local Strategic Priorities will inform staff how their departments and services will be working towards achieving these four key imperatives over the next PDR Cycle. This work will be evidenced through setting relevant and appropriate objectives .
Senior Managers will have objectives that support the achievement of strategic aims and they will cascade and develop specific objectives to their management teams to help achieve those goals. The management team in turn will need to set objectives for their teams. By applying this link to all objectives, everyone’s performance will be aligned with the overall goal. Staff and team members will have a clearer understanding of their contribution to the University’s strategic objectives.
Strategic Plans - University Strategy 2025, People Strategy , Education Strategy, Global Strategy, Research & Innovation Strategy
Local Plans - Local Strategic Priorities
Individual Plans - Individual objectives and development
Alignment with the University Strategy is an essential focus for individual objectives.
Planning your professional development
Planning your professional development
Planning and agreeing future development needs helps to ensure that individuals are better equipped to meet their objectives, it can enhance effectiveness and efficiency, which will, in turn, contribute to achieving local plans and the aims of the University. It can support and enable staff to progress in their roles and identify untapped potential. Reviewees should refer to the Professional Development web page to help plan their development needs.
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