PDR Guidance for Managers
11 Jun 2025
How to facilitate productive, growth-focused PDR conversations.
As we approach the Performance and Development Review (PDR) period, we’ll be sharing a range of guidance to help you as a line manager lead reflective, constructive, and future-focused conversations with your teams.
Why have a PDR?
A PDR is an opportunity for a two-way conversation where line managers and team members engage in meaningful discussions, reflecting on successes, exploring lessons learnt and forward thinking about future goals.
We also have tools and workshops – the ‘Just in Time Sessions’ (see below for more details) which are bitesize 45 min sessions exploring the elements within the PDR conversation. Click here to book on!
When thinking about preparation for PDR conversations here are some useful thoughts to consider.
- Encourage your team to share their views on their performance, what they have achieved, their contributions and development.
- Great PDR’s start with great conversations, it's about listening, reflecting and planning together.
- Goals serve as benchmarks for success, but equally important is how those goals were achieved—collaboration, communication, and problem-solving alongside results.
- Look back at accomplishments and challenges, then shift the focus forward.
- Celebrating successes fosters motivation, while reflecting on what could be done differently allows for continuous improvement.
- As a manager, consider how you can enhance your own leadership by seeking feedback on your management style, communication, and support, embrace this as an opportunity to evolve.
- We would encourage everyone to approach their performance review conversations with openness, curiosity and a growth mindset.
More self-led learning tools
- Read - PDR Top Tips
- Watch – Allan Pacey, Deputy Dean of Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health in conversation about PDR and his approach PDR Conversation
- Explore – Our StaffNet page on PDR PDR | Talent Development | StaffNet | The University of Manchester
Just in Time Sessions
PDR Overview - The Why, The What and The How
- 25 June: 10am
- 26 June: 2pm
- 8 July: 2pm
- 9 July: 2pm
Goal Setting - How to set, align and develop goals
- 15 July: 10am
- 17 July: 2pm
Career Conversations - How to have career conversations
- 20 August: 10am
- 21 August: 2pm
Book onto a Just in Time session