Appraisal cycle 2025/26 now underway

The annual appraisal cycle for 2025/26 is now open, and all colleagues should have an appraisal scheduled and completed between June and August 2026.

Appraisals are an important opportunity for every member of staff to reflect on achievements over the past year, discuss performance and development, and agree priorities and objectives for the year ahead. The process is designed to support meaningful conversations about individual contribution, professional growth, and future aspirations.

For colleagues who have joined LJMU within the last six months, a first appraisal should take place within six months of joining. New starters will then move into the standard June to August appraisal cycle in the following year.

New teaching reflection question for academic staff

As part of LJMU's continued commitment to enhancing teaching quality through the Framework for High Quality Teaching and Learning (HQTL), a new appraisal question has been added for academic colleagues to encourage discussion and reflection on teaching practice.

Please be aware that appraisal records created before 1 June 2026 will not contain the new question. Where no comments have been added to an existing form, a new appraisal record should be created to ensure this discussion can form part of the appraisal process.

Colleagues who have had a teaching observation during the current academic year should also upload their observation form(s) to Actus in advance of their appraisal. This can be done through the 'Teaching Observation' section available on the Actus dashboard and can be used to support appraisal discussions.

Appraisal focus areas

Objectives

Reviewing progress against current objectives and agreeing new objectives that are meaningful, achievable, and aligned to LJMU's strategic priorities and departmental goals.

Development needs

Identifying and recording any learning and development requirements within the ‘Development’ section of Actus.

Career Conversations

Creating space for a discussion about future career aspirations and recording agreed outcomes within the ‘Career Aspirations’ section of Actus.

Support and Resources

A range of resources is available to support both staff and managers throughout the appraisal process, including:

• Appraisal Policy and Guidance: Access key documents and resources on the HR webpages.
• Training and Support: Organisational Development offers online training for both managers and staff on using Actus. Book a session through our UniCal booker. Or take a look at the guidance on good appraisal practice from LinkedIn Learning.
• Career Conversations Workshop: Explore our dedicated workshop on career conversations. Register your place on the workshop.

For assistance with Actus, please email the Organisational Development team inbox.