This comprehensive, one-day course equips line managers with the confidence, legal knowledge, and practical skills to conduct effective annual appraisals. Participants will move beyond administrative tick-box exercises to master performance management, objective setting, constructive feedback, and the psychological nuances of difficult conversations within a UK employment law context.
Are your annual appraisals just a box-ticking exercise? Stop turning a vital tool into a bureaucratic chore. Transform your managers into confident leaders who drive real performance. In just one day, your team will master the art of constructive feedback and objective setting. They will navigate UK employment law with ease, turning difficult conversations into opportunities for growth. This is not just training; it is a strategic advantage. Choose from our open courses, closed group sessions, or tailored one to one coaching to fit your needs. Every participant leaves with six CPD hours to boost their professional portfolio. Give your people the skills to succeed and your business the clarity to thrive. To find out more, contact us at lets talk at e q v dot co dot uk.
Counts towards 6 CPD Hours1 Day9:00 - 5:00 for GroupsOpen Public & Closed Group
Please reflect on one or more of the questions below and come prepared to discuss your responses during the session.
Self-Assessment: On a scale of 1–10, how would you rate your current skill level in this subject? What factors influenced your rating?
Development Focus: Identify one specific behaviour, skill, or capability you would like to improve or develop further.
Relevant Examples: If possible, bring one or two relevant examples or scenarios from your experience that you would be willing to share with the group.
What You Will Learn
Understand the strategic purpose of appraisals and their role in the wider performance management cycle
Identify key UK employment law risks, ACAS guidelines, and data protection requirements for appraisals
Apply the S.M.A.R.T. framework to set clear, measurable, and achievable objectives
Utilise the SBI model to deliver specific, non-judgemental, and constructive feedback
Structure appraisal interviews using a proven format that encourages two-way dialogue
Demonstrate active listening, silence, and questioning skills to uncover root causes of issues
Manage defensiveness and emotional reactions using de-escalation techniques
Develop robust Personal Development Plans (PDPs) using the 70:20:10 learning model
Your Post-Course Challenge
Within 30 days, conduct one full appraisal using the SBI and GROW models
Ensure the Personal Development Plan includes a mix of 70:20:10 learning activities
Reflect on how the 'Silent Observer' technique changed your listening habits
Counts Towards 6 CPD Hours
This course contributes 6 hours of Continuing Professional Development. Delegates can log these hours as evidence of structured learning for professional bodies and employers.
This comprehensive training is designed for line managers and team leaders who wish to transform their annual appraisal process from a routine administrative task into a powerful tool for performance improvement and staff development. It is particularly suited for those seeking to navigate the complexities of UK employment law while fostering a culture of open, constructive dialogue within their teams.
This course is ideal for:
New managers who are stepping into a leadership role for the first time and require a solid foundation in conducting formal reviews
Experienced team leaders looking to refresh their approach and ensure their current practices align with latest ACAS guidelines
Senior managers responsible for coaching their own line managers to ensure consistency across the organisation
HR professionals who support line management and need to understand the practical challenges faced during the appraisal cycle
Department heads aiming to reduce legal risks associated with poor performance management and documentation
Business owners who manage small teams and want to implement a professional, fair, and effective review system
No prior experience needed
This course is accessible to delegates at any stage of their management journey, requiring no previous formal training in performance management. Whether you are completely new to the role of conducting appraisals or have years of experience but feel your approach has become stagnant, the content is structured to build upon your existing knowledge and boost your confidence.
What you will take away
Delegates will leave with the assurance that they can lead appraisal interviews that are legally compliant, psychologically safe, and genuinely beneficial for employee growth. You will gain a clear roadmap for setting meaningful objectives, delivering difficult feedback with empathy, and creating actionable development plans that drive individual and organisational success.
For Groups & Teams
We can deliver this training session in several ways to suit your organisation’s needs:
Open Public Course
Join delegates from other organisations on a scheduled date
Closed Group
Exclusively for your team, using your real scenarios
In Person
Face-to-face at your premises or a venue of your choice
Virtual
Live, interactive online delivery via Teams or Zoom
One-to-One Coaching
Personalised sessions tailored entirely to you
Have two or more people to train?
You may want to consider a closed group course. Benefits include:
Cost effective for teams
Choose a date to suit you
Customise content and timings
No minimum delegate numbers
Uses your real-world scenarios
Builds shared language in your team
Contact us on [email protected] to discuss specific dates and delivery requirements.
How Our Tutor-Led Courses Are Delivered
Before the day
Delegates are given pre-work to complete before attending. This ensures everyone arrives with relevant context and real scenarios from their own experience, so learning is immediately relevant and actionable from the first minute.
On the day
Our sessions are participative and highly interactive. We don’t do “death by PowerPoint” — instead, the day includes a variety of engaging activities throughout:
Real-world casework using your scenarios
Practical hands-on exercises
Real Play (not role play) simulations
Peer learning and group discussion
Case studies and scenario work
Facilitated discussion and structured reflection
What you leave with
Participants leave with:
Practical tools — frameworks and models you can use straight away
Clear action plans — specific next steps tailored to your role
Greater confidence — built through intensive, realistic practice
Skills you can apply immediately — not theory, but techniques tested during the day
After the day
Post-session measurements and a 30-day challenge ensure that learning is embedded and behaviour change is sustained.
Key Features
Course Duration is 1 Day
Engaging tutor led event
Comprehensive course materials
Certificates of attendance
Access to Customer Portal (course bookers)
Course Guarantee
Priced per delegate per day for open public course
£449.00 Plus VAT
Can’t see a suitable date? Please request a date here
Payment available via all major credit cards or Invoice. All options available during the online booking process.
