2020/21 New Features and Improvements!

We've made some significant changes to the Performance Management area of the system this year. Check out all the new features and processes that let you stay organised and get one step ahead of your appraisal cycle with Perspective.

Review Stages

We've changed the different stages of the review process, so it's much clearer which reviews are yet to be started, which are in progress and which are complete. It's designed to cover everything you do within a year, allowing you to review everything in one cycle!

Now, when you navigate to the Performance Management Dashboard, you'll see five stages. Start, Draft, Active, Closing and Closed.

See this guide for more information on each of those stages and what they mean

Process and Flow

We've simplified the process of the appraisal cycle and made a clear distinction between what happens at the beginning of the year and what should occur when rounding everything off at the end of the year.

No more writing Pay Notes and Review Statements on the next review! With our new End of Year Review section, you complete this within the one cycle, so it's all on the same review document.

Targets are now at the forefront of the appraisal process and are the first thing you see when completing a review. You can still add CPD and view evidence leading up to the appraisal meeting, making sure that you are fully confident that all areas have been covered before you activate it.

For more information on starting the appraisal process, click here.

Optional Feedback and Recalling

Previously a mandatory part of the process, we've now made submitting the review for feedback completely optional, giving reviewers more control and allowing for quick activation if you and your reviewee are happy. 

The reviewer can now also recall a review that is pending feedback. No more getting stuck if a reviewee leaves and didn't get a chance to respond to their appraisal. The reviewer can now recall it and push it straight into active or closed!

Please Note: This setting is controlled by the Head Teacher and can be toggled, so feedback can be mandatory, optional or off.

Closing a Review and Starting the New Cycle

When you've finished a review, you'll be given the option of carrying any targets and CPD forward to the upcoming academic year.

You'll also be able to set new targets for the upcoming year at the same time. Allowing you to complete end of year reviews and new target setting all in one meeting!

Home Dashboard

We've updated the homepage so that your dashboard gives you a clear picture of where everything is up to for the staff you're reviewing, as well as your own review. No need to chase anyone for information!

Adding CPD and Evidence Throughout the Year

Both the reviewer and reviewee can add evidence directly to the review at any point throughout the year. This includes the ability to add CPD!

Previously, evidence was all added to the targets themselves and it was not possible to record interim CPD, but we have created a dedicated space for both these areas, accessible to both reviewer and reviewee. 

Interim Reviews

We know that performance management isn't a 'once a year' thing so, in order to be effective, it needs to be an ongoing process.

The interim review tool can help you get the best results, by allowing both reviewer and reviewee to post regular updates, using a handy shortcut. For more information on Interim Reviews, click here. 

Quick Editing Targets and RAG ratings

We’ve updated the development planning section to allow you to make quick, light touch edits to any of your School Development or Subject Action plan priorities. You can now edit status and deadlines of targets directly in the Edit Plan screen, as well as the new RAG rating for targets. 

You can assign a RAG category (red, amber, green) to any target and this will be displayed alongside the target throughout the system to help you keep track of how things are going at a glance. 

We’ve also introduced a handy pop-up box that allows you to make any key updates to targets, saving you lots of time from having to click in and out of them. This is accessed directly from the School Development Plan page, so you have everything you need in one place!