BUSINESS RESULT INTERMEDIATE UNIT 15 "Assessing staff performance"

Summary

Neil Cowan, General Manager at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, discusses his role in overseeing the administration of the Neurosciences, Trauma, and Specialist Surgery division. He emphasizes the importance of performance reviews and appraisals to motivate staff and ensure efficient operations. Appraisals should be evidence-based, positive, and forward-looking, providing a space for employees to reflect on achievements and set future goals. Cowan stresses that appraisals should be conducted by those familiar with the individual's performance, aiming to support growth and enhance team performance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The NHS is the third largest employer in the world, with the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford being one of the largest in the UK.
• 😀 Neil Cowan is the General Manager for Neurosciences, Trauma, and Specialist Surgery at the hospital, responsible for administration and managing staff.
• 😀 Cowan's role includes ensuring timely access to services and meeting budgetary requirements, with direct management of 8 staff in a division of 800.
• 😀 Monthly performance reviews are held with the divisional director and finance manager to evaluate performance and address areas for improvement.
• 😀 Annual appraisals are seen as a valuable tool for motivating staff and setting future objectives.
• 😀 The purpose of appraisals is to discuss what employees have done well, plan future goals, and provide feedback that is constructive and motivating.
• 😀 Appraisals should have no surprises, meaning the appraiser should be familiar with the individual’s performance over the past year.
• 😀 Key qualities of an effective appraiser include being objective, understanding the employee’s work, and being trained in appraisal processes.
• 😀 Appraisals are an opportunity to provide positive, evidence-based feedback, focusing on future development rather than negative issues.
• 😀 The focus of an appraisal should be forward-looking, setting objectives for improvement and ensuring the feedback remains supportive and motivating.

Q & A

What is the role of Neil Cowan at the John Radcliffe Hospital?

Neil Cowan is the hospital's general manager in neurosurgery, trauma, and specialist surgery. He is responsible for assisting the divisional director with administration and managing staff to ensure timely access to services and adherence to budgetary requirements.

How many staff members are part of the division Neil Cowan manages?

The division has 800 staff members, with Neil Cowan directly managing eight of them, who are responsible for leading managerial and nursing teams.

What is the purpose of monthly performance reviews at the hospital?

The monthly performance reviews are conducted to assess the division's performance, where Neil Cowan, the divisional director, and the finance manager review the performance and are challenged on what improvements can be made in various areas.

Why does Neil Cowan believe appraisals are important?

Neil Cowan believes appraisals are important because they motivate staff, provide an opportunity to discuss achievements, and help set objectives for the upcoming year.

What does Neil Cowan emphasize as the key aspect of appraisals?

Neil Cowan emphasizes that appraisals should be based on 'no surprises,' meaning that appraisers must be familiar with the employee's performance over the past year to ensure constructive and informed feedback.

What personal qualities should an appraiser possess, according to Neil Cowan?

An appraiser should be objective, have a good relationship with the employee, and be trained appropriately to conduct appraisals consistently and effectively.

What approach should be taken during an appraisal discussion?

During an appraisal, the discussion should focus on evidence of the employee's performance. The feedback should always be positive, evidence-based, and forward-looking, rather than focusing on negative performance issues.

What should appraisers avoid doing during the appraisal process?

Appraisers should avoid using the appraisal as an opportunity to performance-manage an employee or address negative issues about their performance. The focus should remain on constructive, future-focused feedback.

What is the role of the divisional director in relation to Neil Cowan’s role?

The divisional director is a clinician to whom Neil Cowan reports. Neil’s role is to support the divisional director by managing the administration and ensuring the division’s services are efficiently delivered.

What does the hospital’s appraisal policy entail?

The hospital’s appraisal policy requires that all employees undergo an annual appraisal, which serves as a tool for motivation, feedback, and planning objectives for the next year.