4.1.2 My Supervision and Appraisal |
Contents
1. Introduction
Front line work in a busy Children's Social Care Service can be both demanding and rewarding. This is why we want to confirm both our expectations of you as a professional including offering support to help you do your job and develop your career.
Lambeth as an authority has expectations of all staff - please be aware that these apply to you and in turn are entitled to have these expectations of others.
The Employee's Performance and Development in being a Social Worker in Lambeth are detailed in the Small Booklet, "Social Work Practice: Requirements for Children." This can be found using the following link:
The handbook lists nine principles for performance and development as a social worker in Lambeth. These are listed below, but the booklet should be referred to for more information:
- Successful completion of probation period;
- Engagement in supervision and Lambeth's Appraisal Scheme;
- Recording;
- Working in partnership with children and families;
- Completion of assessments with families and other professionals;
- Maintaining up-to-date care plans;
- Incorporating equalities into your day-to-day case work;
- Completing statutory visits to children; and
- Communicating effectively with children / establishing their views and wishes.
Details of the Personal Development & Training Plan and the Appraisal Scheme can be found using the link below:
http://intranet.lambeth.gov.uk/StaffServices/LearningAndDevelopment/Appraisals.htm
2. Supervision
Regular supervision is a basic 'building block' of our service. It is a two way process - you need to draw on the knowledge and experience of your manager: they are accountable for your work and need to know that you are making the necessary progress with the people you are working with.
Supervision will be arranged for three-weekly meetings depending upon your level of experience and will normally last for one and a half hours. It is a time to take decisions as to how to make progress with the cases you are working on, but also for reflection and learning regarding what has gone well and what has worked less well.
Please come prepared with your own agenda as this will help to make best use of the time available. Where there are important decisions to be made it is often helpful for you to think through the possible options and advantages and disadvantages of each course in advance - managers may not have all the answers.
Be aware that understanding our strengths and weaknesses is an essential part of developing as a social worker. It can be more helpful to look honestly at mistakes and shortcomings than to always justify your actions or to blame others.
Treat supervision as a priority. Be prepared and punctual and don't cancel without good reason. Your supervisor will keep records of the main points you have discussed, but it's a good idea to keep your own note of any urgent tasks you agree on.
3. Appraisal
What is an appraisal?
It is a recorded process for improving performance in the future. This is done by the manager and the employee reviewing past performance, identifying barriers to good performance and planning how to improve performance in the future by identifying objectives and personal development needs. There are two parts
- review what has happened
- plan for the future.
Who is entitled to an appraisal?
All staff employed with Lambeth on a permanent or fixed term contract are entitled to an appraisal.
What if a person hasn't been at Lambeth long, how can they be appraised?
Remember it has two parts and it is about improving performance in the future. The newer the employee, the less performance there is to review. Although the manager and employee should still consider performance to date, the main focus for a recent starter is likely to be planning future work and personal development.
What about agency staff?
Agency staff should not be formally appraised under the Lambeth procedure. However it is essential that managers review and plan their work. We will give you guidance on when and how to do this at a later date. But for now you should only appraise permanent and fixed term contract staff.
Do you have a date?
During April and May every entitled member of staff needs a date for their appraisal. Your manager needs to agree a date with you for your appraisal to take place before the end of May.
Good management practice:
This year a target has been set that 95% of all staff who are entitled to an appraisal will have completed one by the end of May.
Why is my appraisal important?
Your appraisal is your opportunity to see how you are contributing to improving Lambeth. It's also your chance to say what you need to move forwards and upwards in your chosen career path.
My appraisal: What's in it for me?
The most successful people in life plan and measure what they do. To succeed as a team at Lambeth and to serve our customers better, we also need to plan and measure what we do. Your appraisal is a crucial part of the measurement process as it enables you to see how you are doing. It is also a key part of the planning process as your appraisal provides the opportunity for you to agree your Personal Development Plan with your manager.
What is a Personal Development Plan?
This is your personal plan for the learning and development opportunities you will need to develop and progress with Lambeth and beyond. It is agreed with your manager at your appraisal, together with your objectives for the year ahead.
What is a best practice appraisal?
A best practice appraisal is a FRESH appraisal. This means the appraisal will be based upon Lambeth Council's values of: Fairness, Respect, Excellence, Service and Honesty.
Top tips for a successful appraisal:
Managers and staff can help to ensure that appraisals conducted are successful. Please follow the simple tips below:
- Agree the appraisal date well in advance;
- Block out sufficient diary time (11/2 hours suggested);
- Book a private room for the appraisal in advance;
- Book appraisal training;
- If you are a manager book appraisal coaching;
- View the appraisal form;
- Read the appraisal guidance;
- Prepare for the appraisal;
- Apply the council's FRESH values to the way the appraisal is conducted;
- Complete the appraisal by the end of May.
End