Career aspirations and development needs

You will have the opportunity in your PDR meeting to discuss your career development aspirations and future plans.

In preparation think about your aspirations and the support you may need from the department, or outside the department, in order to achieve these. Aspirations may include potential secondment opportunities, upwards or sideways progression, project experience, or perhaps working in a different discipline or department. Note your thoughts on the form.

Look back at the development goals that were agreed in the previous review. Have you achieved these development activities and if so what impact has it had on your work?

Think about the kind of developmental support you would welcome in the next 12 months. Record your commentary on the form.

Professional support staff

If you are in a professional support role, you are encouraged to use the PS Career Development resources to help identify your development needs and plan for the coming year. The resources help you reflect on the skills and behaviours that you already have and which ones you need to develop to enhance your potential for progression.

Early career researchers

If you are a researcher you are strongly encouraged to make use of the University's 'Looking Beyond Horizons' career development resources. This will enable you to conduct a skills analysis, to consider your career options and to create a Professional Development Plan. The PDP should be shared with your line manager with the PDP form and discussed as part of your performance review.

Technicians

As part of the Technician Commitment Action Plan, Technicians have ten days per PDR year to engage with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities. As part of your PDR, speak to your line manager about the type of CPD activities you would like to undertake in the coming year. Remember to keep a rolling record of your CPD activity as it will be useful if you decide to become professionally registered.