Key principles and tips for conducting appraisals of Non-executive Directors.

Contents

• General principles
• Designing an appraisal system
• NHS trust non-executive director appraisals

The appraisal process is important to ensure that appointees feel motivated, well supported and confident to deal with the many issues and challenges they will face in their role. An effective appraisal will enable Non-executive Directors to evaluate their performance, receive constructive feedback, build upon strengths and address any areas for development.

General principles

Here are some principles to consider when conducting effective appraisals of Non-executive Directors:

• be clear about who is conducting the appraisal
• new appointees should be told they’ll be formally appraised, who will conduct the appraisal, how often they will take place and the standards against they will be assessed by
• appraisals should look forward, not just back, to take account of the future organisational needs, any learning and development identified and the aspirations of the individual
• any performance issues should be identified and discussed constructively as part of the appraisal process and there should be clarity about the support individuals will receive to help them improve
• all documentation relating to the appraisal should be completed during, or shortly after, the appraisal and signed by both parties
• where there is no agreement, the Chair’s assessment should stand with the non-executive director’s disagreement noted (any fundamental differences may need to be escalated to NHS England)
• documentation should be simple, purposeful and easy to use

Designing an appraisal system

As a minimum, the appraisal should include:

• a review of performance since last appraisal
• setting new objectives
• identification of any learning and development needs
• identification that the appraisee has been assessed in the last 12 months under the NHS England FPPT Framework and it is confirmed that they continue to be a ‘fit and proper person’ as outlined in regulation 5 and there are no pending proceedings or other matters which may affect their suitability for appointment

The process may also be used to identify individuals with the potential to progress to chair roles and for succession planning. This should be recorded in the appraisal documentation along with any development needs.

Whatever form of assessment used, the criteria shouldn’t, directly or indirectly, discriminate against any individual or group of individuals, for example, in relation to time availability.

You should consider what ‘evidence’ might be available to both appraiser and appraisee to support the assessment and consider contributions from other individuals to the overall appraisal. This could include self-assessment, board colleagues or a 360 degree process.

NHS Trust Non-executive Director appraisals

Chairs of NHS trusts are responsible for ensuring that Non-executive Directors receive regular appraisals of their performance, at least annually. Trusts can determine the approach to appraisal that is most relevant to their local circumstances.

The Healthcare Leadership Model describes nine behaviours which together contribute towards strong and effective NHS leaders.  Chairs and non-executive directors will need to demonstrate this range of behaviours and the highest standards of conduct required to contribute effectively in this board level role. The Appraisal Good Practice Guide (PDF 144KB) provides a summary of these behaviours and a useful framework for assessing positive and negative indicators.

We are eager to capture details of any learning and development needs identified.  Although we are aware that most of these needs will be addressed locally, we are keen to learn about any areas in which we can provide additional support regionally or at a national level.

• NED Appraisal Summary 2023_24
• NED Team Appraisal Summary 2023_24