About PM&D
Why should staff complete a PM&D?
Who has to complete a PM&D?
Does PM&D cover the following staff members?
Who is the PM&D Supervisor and who is the PM&D Reviewer?
How is a staff member's PM&D review date determined?
If a staff member has two separate jobs, what do they do?
Is the PM&D program going to be reviewed?
If a staff member is supervised by two members of staff, are both involved in the review?
What happens if a staff member does not consider their allocated Reviewer to be the most appropriate member of staff to conduct their PM&D review?
Why should staff complete a PM&D?
The PM&D framework provides an opportunity for staff to work with their Reviewer and team to plan and develop team and individual objectives and Key Performance Areas (‘KPAs’) to ensure they are all working towards the same goals. Team and individual objectives should reflect faculty/unit plans which should be based on the University’s strategic plan.
Importantly, the PM&D process allows staff to receive feedback on their performance as well as identifying areas for development.
Who has to complete a PM&D?
All academic and general staff employed on a continuing or fixed term basis are required to complete a PM&D.
In regard to staff employed on a fixed term basis, previously only staff on contracts of more than 12 months were required to complete a PM&D. In accordance with the University of Sydney Enterprise Agreement 2009-2012 (‘the Enterprise Agreement’), all staff on fixed term contracts are required to complete a PM&D.
Casual staff may have a PM&D review to assess their suitability for re-engagement (either as a casual or otherwise) and applications for conversion.
Does PM&D cover the following staff members?
- i) Staff who are paid by the University but are reimbursed by an external institute/foundation/centre or hospital;
- ii) Staff who are paid by an external body and the University reimburses that body; or
- iii) Adjunct professors
In respect of (i) and (ii), regardless of funding, all staff who are employed by the University on a continuing or fixed term basis are required to participate in PM&D. Where this is unclear, the matter should be raised with the HR Service Centre or your HR Advisor on a case by case basis.
In respect of (iii), if a person is not an employee of the University, but they hold an honorary affiliation with the University (e.g. Clinical/Conjoint/Adjunct) and they supervise University staff in the course of their affiliation, they are not required to participate in the PM&D program themselves but can be nominated as a Reviewer for PM&D purposes.
Who is the PM&D Supervisor and who is the PM&D Reviewer?
The “Supervisor” refers to the person who has the responsibility and authority for ensuring that performance reviews are conducted with staff within their accountability area. The “Supervisor” is the Head of a School or Organisational/Administrative Unit and can assign a Reviewer to conduct a PM&D review, other than confirmation reviews, when he/she anticipates a satisfactory or higher outcome.
How is a staff member's PM&D review date determined?
Generally the PM&D review date is on the anniversary of the staff member’s commencement of employment with the University. If the staff member is due for an increment, the PM&D review date will coincide with the increment date. The PM&D review date may vary where a staff member has transferred to another role in the University, where the PM&D review has been significantly delayed or if they have been on a period of leave without pay of one week or more.
If a staff member has two separate jobs, what do they do?
If a staff member has two separate jobs at the University (i.e. receives two payslips) they would undertake a PM&D review for each job.
Is the PM&D program going to be reviewed?
The PM&D Policy and PM&D Procedures have been reviewed to bring the old processes into alignment with the Enterprise Agreement. A substantial review of the PM&D Program is also underway which comprises four key stages:
- i) Alignment with Enterprise Agreement (completed)
- (ii) General Staff PM&D (and online system) (underway)
- (iii) Academic Staff PM&D (underway)
- (iv) Alignment of the PM&D process with the next Enterprise Agreement (scheduled for 2012)
If a staff member is supervised by two members of staff, are both involved in the review?
No, they should agree who will be the Reviewer. The will need to consult with each other in respect of the staff member’s performance, but only one of the supervisors will conduct the review.
What happens if a staff member does not consider their allocated Reviewer to be the most appropriate member of staff to conduct their PM&D review?
The PM&D Supervisor is responsible for all PM&D reviews and has responsibility for nominating Reviewers. If a Reviewer or staff member believes another Reviewer would be more appropriate then they need to discuss this with their PM&D Supervisor. A reason for reallocation may include, for example, that the Reviewer has minimal contact with the staff member.
In some cases a Reviewer will be below a HEO level 8/Academic C. In these cases the Head of School or Administrative Unit must approve that person as a reviewer. Complete the Request for approval of PM&D reviewer form.
