Professional Development Review (PDR) - Purpose And Benefits

Professional development review (PDR)- Purpose and benefitsPDR is a versatile tool that can be configured andpresented in a number of ways. There are many benefits tothe PDR process for individuals and organisations. This isnot an exhaustive list of how PDRs can be used and it willnot apply to everyone. Differences exist between policeofficers and staff, as well as between forces.The central purpose and benefit of PDRs is to facilitateregular, honest and open conversations between you andyour line manager. Some of the other purposes and benefitsof PDR are discussed below.1

Self-awarenessA central purpose of the PDR process is to provideindividuals with the opportunity to reflect on their owndevelopment. PDR encourages individuals to be reflectiveand to improve their own self-awareness. This skill shouldbe continuously maintained and enhanced to support anindividual’s professional development.Career developmentPDR is an opportunity for individuals to discuss future careeraspirations. They can then, ideally with their line manager’sassistance, identify future learning and development needsand produce short-, medium- and/or long-term plans to helpthem reach their goals.Talent managementThis process is about identifying, supporting anddeveloping individuals’ talents. The overall goal of talentmanagement processes is to facilitate high-performing‘learning’ workplaces that contribute to organisationalgoals and objectives. They can also be used to aid localsuccession planning. PDR links into this process byrecognising individual performance and aspirations.2 Professional development review (PDR)- Purpose and benefitsBuilding a key relationshipThe relationship between an individual and their line manageris critically important. Key to this are open and honest PDRconversations that support, develop and benefit both parties,as well as their force.

Setting objectivesPDR objectives most often take the form of SMART targetsthat outline specific goals. They might be based on personalaspirations, team or department priorities, or mandatoryobjectives set by a force. Regular PDR conversations allowyou and your line manager to review your PDR objectivesand monitor your progress, contribution or developmentagainst these objectives.Continuing professional development(CPD)CPD is a cycle of learning activities and reflection thathelps to maintain or enhance professional knowledge andskills. PDRs are a place to record and review what CPD youhave done and how you have applied it. They also providea place to identify future activities and opportunities.Recruitment and selectionSome forces have a policy determining that eligibility toapply for a role vacancy or secondment should be based onan individual’s current PDR rating or evidence. If such a policyis in place, it is likely that a ‘satisfactory’ (or equivalent) ratingwill be the eligibility benchmark.PromotionPDR meetings are a really good opportunity for individualsto talk with their line manager about how their currentperformance and achievements compare with relevantpromotion criteria or future aspirations. PDR evidence canalso be used to inform promotion panel decision makingfor some roles.Professional development review (PDR)- Purpose and benefits 3

Pay progressionPolice regulations identify a link between an individual’sperformance, as recorded in their PDR, and payprogression for constables, sergeants and inspectors.Click here to find out more.Unsatisfactory performance procedure(UPP)PDR may provide evidence that can be used within theUPP process. It can also act as a place where managementinterventions coming out of the UPP process can berecorded. To find out more about the Police ConductRegulations, follow this link to the Home Office guidance.PEEL inspectionsPEEL inspections include a core legitimacy question, ‘Howwell does the force treat its workforce with fairness andrespect?’ One of the ways that forces can demonstratethis is through their PDR process. Inspections identifythematic areas for improvement in relation to PDR, suchas developing consistency, supporting line managers andaddressing individuals’ poor perceptions of PDR.4 Professional development review (PDR)- Purpose and benefitsPractice requiring improvement (PRI)In some instances, PDR could be used as a place to recordany management interventions and development needs,including those identified through the reflective practicereview process as part of PRI. To find out more about thePolice Conduct Regulations, follow this link to the HomeOffice guidance.

About the CollegeWe’re the professional body for thepolice service in England and Wales.Working together with everyonein policing, we share the skills andknowledge officers and staff need toprevent crime and keep people safe.We set the standards in policing tobuild and preserve public trust andwe help those in policing develop theexpertise needed to meet the demandsof today and prepare for the challengesof the future.college.police.ukFollow us@CollegeofPolice College of Policing Limited (2020)You may re-use this information (excluding our logo) under our Non-Commercial College Licence v1.1 but must apply the following attribution statement: ‘Incorporates the PDR purpose and benefitsdeveloped and licensed by the College of Policing’ and where appropriate provide a link to the source.C176I0920

Professional development review (PDR) - Purpose and benefits PDR is a versatile tool that can be configured and presented in a number of ways. There are many benefits to the PDR process for individuals and organisations. This is not an exhaustive list of how PDRs can be used and it wil