Setting objectives

An objective is a clear written description of actions that an individual, team, or department is expected to achieve.

Identifying and agreeing objectives:

• gives clarity and direction to the work and role
• helps assess progress and performance
• helps identify areas of strength and weakness

Objectives can be derived from departmental plans, project work, the job description and - especially for new starters - any development targets.

The aim is not to have a set of perfectly constructed objectives which sit in a file and are rarely revisited. Once agreed, objectives should be reviewed regularly to monitor progress and to ensure that they remain relevant and attainable in light of changing contexts or priorities.