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 2024-25
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a 'look forward' to 2025-26 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 19th May and 31st July 2025. 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 2025-26.
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 wider range of forms available this year to more closely reflect the areas of focus of different staff groups. These are listed on the right-hand side of this page.
If you're part of the Campus and Commercial Services Group, we're piloting a slightly different approach to PDR this year, and we’ll be in touch with more detail soon.
What support is there?
You’ll find supporting documentation and guidance on this webpage to help you have effective conversations.
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.
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
PDR support and information
Reviewee's LinkedIn Learning PlaylistLink opens in a new window
Reviewer's LinkedIn Learning PlaylistLink opens in a new window
PDR How to GuideLink opens in a new window
Guidance on Inclusive PDRsLink opens in a new window
PDR Questions Quick GuideLink opens in a new window
SMART Goal Setting GuideLink opens in a new window
Examples of SMART Goals Incorporating the Values and BehavioursLink opens in a new window
Documentation
Four PDR forms are available to reflect different staff roles and contexts. Please select the most appropriate form:
PDR form for Staff on Academic ContractsLink opens in a new window
PDR form for Staff in Professional Services RolesLink opens in a new window
PDR form for Staff in Operational Roles in Professional ServicesLink opens in a new window, such as those working in front-facing roles on Help Desks or in Customer Services, or within Estates
PDR form for Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs)Link opens in a new window, to be offered at the discretion of the department as appropriate
Useful links
University StrategyLink opens in a new window
Values and BehavioursLink opens in a new window
Leadership and Management DevelopmentLink opens in a new window
Any queries?
If you have any questions about PDR, please contact LMD@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window.
Your line manager, reviewer or People Team Business Partner may also be able to help.