Personal Development Reviews
Purpose
A Personal Development Review (PDR) is a structured conversation between a line-manager and their direct report, focused on growth, development, and career aspirations.
It’s a chance to take stock, reflect on how things are going, and identify what support and opportunities might be required next.
PDRs are valuable because they:
- Help define clear and achievable objectives.
- Identify areas an employee might wish strengthen or develop.
- Identify learning and development needs, through training, mentoring and other support mechanisms.
- Align individual aspirations with team and organizational goals.
- Encourage regular dialogue and trust between managers and employees.
It’s not an HR performance policy, it’s a conversation that can provide an opportunity for reflection, wellbeing and forward planning.
For additional information about conducting PDRs, please see this guidance for direct reports, and this guidance for line-managers. These slides were created for PDR clinics run by HR.
The Faculty's HR team developed and adapted the University's PDR templates into one single Microsoft Form. Before starting the process, please have a look at the below guidance on how to use the form.
The PDR process at a glance
Detailed guidance of the PDR process
Quick tips when using the form
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection and do not refresh the page whilst completing the form.
- The key distinction is:
- Q21 = Are you ready to share your PDR with your line-manager?
- Q22 = Has your PDR been discussed, agreed and fully completed?
- Always click ‘Submit’ to save your progress.
- Click ‘Save my response’ after the first time you submit the form.
- Go to ‘Filled forms’ to find your saved answers.
- Please note that the workflow has been set up to only send messages during normal working hours 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Feel free to submit or amend your PDR at any time but any related workflow actions will only be completed during working hours.
Please be patient with the workflow – it’s a big one, so it might need about half an hour to work its magic.
Contact HR if you have any questions or are unsure how to proceed (personnel@law.ox.ac.uk).