MyAppraisal is part of a wider digital platform called Thrive that has been introduced to transform how we support career development at UCL. Thrive has been designed to enhance how we approach appraisal conversations, identify learning opportunities, and support colleagues to progress in their careers, and is an initiative that is part of our Strategic Plan 2022-27.
MyAppraisal is a major step toward modernising our appraisal process, moving us away from paper-based methods to a streamlined and user-friendly approach that empowers our staff to take an active role in their appraisals and career plans.
FAQs
What is the purpose of MyAppraisal?
Appraisals are an essential part of how we develop all’our colleagues at UCL, empowering them to thrive and grow in their careers.Based on staff feedback, MyAppraisal features updated forms that encourage regular appraisals, support meaningful conversations, and reduce the associated administrative burden. It also provides custom appraisal pathways tailored to your role, ensuring the process is both relevant and engaging.
Who can use MyAppraisal?
MyAppraisal is now available for the following staff groups:- Professorial (for Non-Clinical Professors, Professors (Teaching), and Professorial Research Fellows)
- Academic, Research, and Teaching
- Technical Professionals
- Professional Services
- Senior leaders
Honorary staff and PGTAs will not be assigned an appraisal.
How will the Thrive platform change how we nurture and grow talent at UCL?
This evolution marks the beginning of a more holistic approach to support our colleagues’ development, ensuring their growth and success are closely aligned with UCL’s mission and values.Over the next 18 months (2025-27), we will develop Thrive to draw together in one convenient place all staff’s learning and development activities (such as appraisals, check-ins, development plans and learning records). We’re excited to see the positive impact Thrive will bring to individuals and to the UCL community as a whole.
How does MyAppraisal sit alongside the Appraisal Policy?
The Appraisal Policy is still in place and is currently being refreshed. However, its purpose and spirit has not changed. MyAppraisal is considered to be an evolution of what used to be a very manual and cumbersome process, and it has been designed in line with UCL’s Appraisal Policy.The purpose of an appraisal should be focused on recognising contributions and achievements, agreeing future objectives and providing support where needed. It should not be used to address matters that fall within the Disciplinary Procedure or the Capability Policy.
Do all sections of MyAppraisal need to be completed?
No. To allow for flexibility and meet the diverse needs of all staff across the university, some of the sections on the new online form are optional. This does not mean they are not important, but it allows for the user to really get the best out of the system by focusing their efforts of what matters most to them and their individual role.How does MyAppraisal link to promotion and career development?
The Appraisal Review and Development Scheme for grades 1-9 is not linked to procedures that determine pay, grading or promotion (for which UCL has separate arrangements), although staff are encouraged to discuss their aspirations for promotion and career development with their Appraiser. Having a recent complete appraisal is a requirement for consideration for discretionary reward or any progression to a yellow pay point on Grades 8 or 9.For Professorial staff and Grade 10 Professional Services staff, appraisals are used to inform salary reviews.
MyAppraisal is not used to manage capability or under performance.
Can reasonable adjustments still be covered using MyAppraisal?
Yes. Staff appraisals are a chance for a meaningful discussion to take place around a staff member’s development, and reasonable adjustments absolutely should be raised, if needed, as part of that conversation.What was the process for developing the new system and how did staff feed in?
The design of the new system was the result of extensive engagement with staff from across the university. Between June and December 2024, the MyAppraisal team held over 142 briefing and engagement sessions with department and staff networks, involving over 2,000+ colleagues to get their feedback on the new system.A robust governance framework also underpinned the project with a governance group composed of Professional Services and Academic colleagues, including two Deans, as well as Advisory Groups acting as sounding boards at various key points throughout the implementation.
How can I give feedback on the new system, or ask any questions on technical/user experience?
We welcome feedback and you can submit comments and questions via this form. Following this first round of appraisals, we will seek to refine the system and ensure that we continuously improve it going forward.What are the benefits of SMART objectives?
Smart objectives are: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.Objectives capture our purpose and the impact we are intending to make in a given appraisal year with our longer-term development plan in mind. Their design is purposefully iterative and measurable and the new system allows for those objectives to be kept up-to-date at any point throughout the year.
The proposed objective categories align to UCL’s professional career frameworks such as the Academic Career Framework (ACF) to support career development and progression.
More information and guidance on setting SMART goals can be found here.
What training is available for the new system?
for information on system support materials. This includes video tutorials and step-by-step user guides.Support with appraisal skills is available which includes a new e-learning module.
Are researchers using a different system for appraisals?
No, our researchers use the same system as everyone else. Their relevant pathway will be the Academic, Research and Teaching pathway. However, a variance of the Academic, Research and Teaching pathway is currently being piloted with a group of volunteers. This is in line with UCL’s ambition to provide a best in class experience for Early Career Researchers (ECRs).It also considers the feedback received by the research community that the current format of appraisals could be improved to be more relevant to ECRs. The form has been adjusted to reflect ECR’s specific needs.
How will the appraisal data be stored?
Any data relating to appraisals and staff development will be stored within Thrive and protected by the UCL Information Security Policy, in accordance with GDPR agreements.Where do I complete MyAppraisal?
All staff eligible for an appraisal should have received an email notification inviting them to complete their appraisal. You can also access the platform via the UCL Appraisals SharePoint site.- University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT (0) 20 7679 2000
