PDRs in RDM
PDR/CDR Process
The process is different depending on whether you are a researcher or a professional services staff member. See the steps in the table below.
| RESEARCHERS (inc technicians) | PROFESSIONAL SERVICES STAFF |
| 1 Arranging the meeting | |
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PI/line manager arranges a combined Professional Development Review and Career Development Review meeting time and date, books an appropriate venue, and invites the Researcher. PI/line manager asks the researcher to answer the appropriate questions accessible through HR Self Service. |
Line manager arranges a Professional Development Review meeting time and date and books an appropriate venue. Line manager invites the staff member and asks them to fill in the RDM PDR Form for Professional Services Staff. |
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2 Filling in the form |
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Researchers fill in the appropriate boxes in the PDR and CDR forms on the system and tell their line manager when they have done this. Find out how best to prepare for the CDR element of the discussion. |
PSS staff fill in the sections of the form on performance against their previous objectives (where set), including barriers to progress, and any suggestions they have for forward-looking objectives (priorities for the coming year) and return it to their line manager before the meeting. |
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3 Having the discussion |
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At the meeting these preparation materials will be useful to facilitate discussion based on what the reviewee has written and feedback from the PI/line manager. |
At the meeting the PDR Conversation Guide will be used to facilitate discussion based on what the reviewee has written and feedback from the line manager. |
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4 After the meeting |
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Following the meeting the manager will fill in the manager’s comments sections on the online PDR and CDR system on HR Self Service based on the discussion. |
The line manager will add objectives discussed and agreed and return their form to the individual for their final written comments before returning it to a planned new RDM-wide storage system (local HR teams until this is available) |
Options
In certain circumstances it may be appropriate to split the PDR meeting into two, the first meeting reviewing former objectives and discussing career aspirations and the second considering forward looking objectives and support needed.
For Researchers, PDR and CDR can be split, with the CDR element being undertaken by someone else. Should a Researcher choose this option, they will need to arrange this and to inform their local HR team so that their CDR form can be shared with the appropriate person.
See the following resources which may be of help here:
- RDM Mentoring Scheme
- Coaching at the University of Oxford
- University of Oxford Careers Advisers
- Academy of Medical Sciences Mentoring
Timing
It is suggested that the PDR is carried out in May-July, where there is not already a well-established and functional cycle, as the annual Awards for Excellence Scheme usually follows soon after and can be informed by a timely Professional Development Discussion.