Personal Development Review (PDR)
Personal Development Review
About the PDR
The Personal Development Review is designed to support staff by encouraging constructive and supportive conversations between an individual and their line manager or reviewer.
The conversation should provide:
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a ‘look back’, allowing staff to capture and reflect on achievements, contributions, and development during 2025-26.
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a 'look forward' to 2026-27 to agree future goals and any development or support required.
The University’s values and behavioursLink opens in a new window provide a helpful framework to reflect on, as they help us to be at our best and to deliver effectively on the refreshed strategyLink opens in a new window, making it possible for Warwick and its people to thrive.
What do I need to know?
This year’s approach is very similar to last year’s. Line managers, or nominated reviewers, are encouraged to hold PDR conversations with their reviewees between 1 June and 31 July 2026.
We suggest that most conversations will take around an hour.
Within PDR this year, you will be invited to indicate which of the values and behaviours will best support your approach to your goals for 2026-27 and which of the three areas of focus; excellence in teaching and research, financial sustainability and boosting our reputation and rankings, your goals support.
When considering your future personal and professional development needs, you may also like to consider how these align with the priorities of your team or department or the University, and how your development could enhance your wider contribution and impact.
There is a range of forms available to reflect the areas of focus of different staff groups. These are listed on the right-hand side of this page.
For colleagues in the Campus and Commercial Services Group, the CCSG Leadership Team will share details of your PDR process once the 2025/2026 PDR pilot has concluded. We expect to provide a further update in June 2026. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact your People Partner.
What support and training is there?
You’ll find supporting documentation and guidance on this webpage to help you have effective conversations. There are also the following in-person and online workshops to support you, whether you are a reviewee or a reviewer.
PDR for Reviewers Workshop (2 hours)
Aimed at anyone who is a PDR reviewer. This session covers:
Creating the conditions for an effective PDR conversation, giving feedback, setting SMART goals and future development and career planning.
PDR Process for Reviewers
This e-learning course is designed to help you prepare for and conduct effective Performance Development Review (PDR) conversations with your team members. As a manager, these conversations are an opportunity to build trust, support growth, and align individual goals with organisational priorities.
Setting SMART Goals Workshop (60 minutes)
Suitable for all staff, this session looks at the SMART goal setting framework and how it can be applied to setting PDR goals.
What are the benefits of PDR?
The PDR conversation with your line manager or reviewer is a valuable and ideal opportunity to:
- Recognise your achievements over the past year and how your contributions are supporting Warwick’s strategic goals.
- Review how any development undertaken has supported your contributions and impact.
- Look forward together and connect individual goals and aspirations for the coming year with the aims of the team, department, and the wider University.
- Identify potential development opportunities that will further equip you to deliver, both now and in the future.
- Discuss career plans if you wish.
Before the meeting, everyone should take time to get ready for their PDR. Complete the necessary parts of the document and send it to your reviewer at least a week before your PDR meeting.
You can speak to your manager or the person completing your PDR if you’re unsure about any part of the form.
PDR support and information
PDR Questions Quick GuideLink opens in a new window
PDR Forms
PDR for Staff on Academic Contracts 2025 -2026
PDR for Staff in Professional Services roles 2025 -2026
PDR for Staff in Operational Roles in Professional Services 2025 -2026
Please note that you do not need to upload your PDR to a central location; however, be sure to keep a copy for your records, as it will support you when completing your next PDR.
Useful links
University StrategyLink opens in a new window
Values and BehavioursLink opens in a new window
Talent and DevelopmentLink opens in a new window
