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PDS end of year process for 2008-09

DWP/MB/003/09

Quick and simple changes

The performance and development system (PDS) end of year process, for the assessment of your performance level for 2008-09, has been revised following consultation with PCS.

The changes, outlined below, are designed to reduce the amount of time consumed by PDS administration for both managers and staff.

Performance level changes

The higher and majority performance levels will be merged. This merged level will be called “higher”.

There will be no guided distribution. Your manager’s assessment of your performance will be based on your performance against objectives and competencies and the descriptions of performance levels and relative to others in your team.

Performance plan changes

There will be a recommendation of up to 50 words for the end of year report by managers. Managers can do more if they wish. Managers can decide whether they only rate objectives as ‘met’ or ‘not met’; or use the full range of tick boxes on the form. Managers can also decide to only rate competencies as ‘demonstrated’ or ‘not demonstrated’, or use the full range of tick boxes on the form.

Bonus payment changes

DWP intends to pay employees in the new ‘higher’ performance level the performance bonus as already published for ‘higher’, and those awarded a ‘top’ level the performance bonus as published for ‘top’. DWP will confirm this in June 2009 once all the performance levels have been awarded.

Relative assessment and transparency

DWP expects all performance level decisions to be accompanied by meaningful feedback. It is not sufficient for a manager to simply tell an employee that their performance level is “a result of relative assessment”. Decisions on performance levels should be transparent so that employees understand why they have been awarded their performance level.

PCS advice and representation

Contact your local PCS rep for advice and representation should you be dissatisfied with a decision in your personal case. You have the right to raise a formal grievance but must do so within 15 working days of the given decision.