Rethinking the Performance & development review

Delivering Manchester 2035 depends on all of us being supported to do our best work, develop our skills and understand how we all contribute to our shared ambitions.  

As part of our foundations that underpin Manchester 2035, we’re focusing on getting the basics right for colleagues – including how we support performance, development and meaningful conversations at work.  

We know this isn’t always easy and only 59% of colleagues in our 2026 colleague engagement survey felt they have regular conversations with their manager about their personal and professional development. 

That’s why we’ve prioritised rethinking our approach to Performance & development reviews (P&DR) in our three-year work package to create the conditions for everyone to thrive and perform at their best – ensuring you have the best colleague experience.   

What is Performing at Manchester? 

Performing at Manchester is a new approach to performance and development conversations that moves towards replacing the annual P&DRs. 

It’s being designed with colleagues to support you to perform at your best — not through form filling or one-off events, but through meaningful, ongoing conversations that matter. 

The focus is on regular, purposeful discussions to help you: 

• stay clear on priorities and expectations 
• reflect on your impact and progress 
• build skills and confidence 
• connect your work to team and University goals 

Where we’re up to  

Your feedback and lived experience are shaping the language, templates and support we’re developing.  

Guided by the principles in our Delivery handbook, we’re taking an iterative approach, working with teams across the University to co-create tools and guidance that work in practice.  

Your Voice Matters  

As we test, learn and refine, our aim is to create an approach that feels practical, meaningful and grounded in what colleagues need. 

Your input will help us achieve that and we welcome your feedback on our resources. 

• Performing at Manchester Guidance Document guidance  

How do I get started?  

The best way for you try out the new approach is to give it a go. You can start by:   

• having a conversation with your line manager about when to have your first conversation.  
• using the Performing at Manchester Guidance Document, with templates included which includes prompts to help structure your conversation, or you can use your own.  
• accessing further guidance and resources available in the Performing at Manchester Guidance Document  

More information 

If you have any questions, please contact Linda Simmonds, Head of Performance.