Performance development review (PDR) discussions 2026/2027

20 April 2026

In the latest employee survey, you told us you want clearer ways to develop and better career conversations. The PDR conversations you’ll have with your managers help to achieve this

Key dates

31 May 2026: Start of year PDR meetings complete for all employees. Validating manager comments complete for senior leaders (grade 14+).

What you need to do

Prepare for and attend your start of year PDR meeting before 31 May 2026.

Before the meeting:

• view your manager's SMART goals
• draft your SMART goals for the upcoming year and think about how you'll deliver your goals by demonstrating council values
• identify what you need to learn to help you achieve your goals and record developmental areas into a meaningful personal development plan

After the meeting:

• write a discussion summary in the relevant paper template (saved onto your HR file) or on the PDR app (for grade 14+)
• attend regular one-to-ones to support your wellbeing, performance and development

Need support?

Visit Performance Development Review (PDR) or the PDR Hub for SMART goal setting top tips, how to use the behaviour framework in practice, and how to have an effective start of year PDR conversation.