Finding Hope in Appraisal

2026/2027 Finding Hope in Appraisal

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Session	Scottish Medical Appraisers Conference sessions
03	Finding Hope in Appraisal Recent feedback from appraisers indicated a rise in the challenges currently confronting many appraisees, from mounting cynicism and declining job satisfaction to reluctance in accepting new responsibilities. This interactive session will combine small and large group discussions, as well as practical tips, to identify prevalent issues, examine how these difficulties manifest during appraisal, and consider their impact on both appraisees and appraisers. Participants will be introduced to straightforward, practical mentoring and coaching strategies designed to foster deeper insight for appraisees. The session will also offer opportunities to exchange experiences, discuss new ideas in a supportive setting, and reflect on learning. Our aim is to empower appraisers to feel more confident in offering appraisees an appraisal that is of real value to them. Presenters: Dr Barbara Chandler (SC Appraisal Lead, NHS Highland) Dr Paul Eunson (SC Appraiser and Appraiser course tutor) Dr Carol Buchanan (PC Appraisal Lead, NHS Grampian)

Session

Scottish Medical Appraisers Conference sessions

Finding Hope in Appraisal

Recent feedback from appraisers indicated a rise in the challenges currently confronting many appraisees, from mounting cynicism and declining job satisfaction to reluctance in accepting new responsibilities. This interactive session will combine small and large group discussions, as well as practical tips, to identify prevalent issues, examine how these difficulties manifest during appraisal, and consider their impact on both appraisees and appraisers.

Participants will be introduced to straightforward, practical mentoring and coaching strategies designed to foster deeper insight for appraisees. The session will also offer opportunities to exchange experiences, discuss new ideas in a supportive setting, and reflect on learning.

Our aim is to empower appraisers to feel more confident in offering appraisees an appraisal that is of real value to them.

Presenters:

Dr Barbara Chandler (SC Appraisal Lead, NHS Highland)
Dr Paul Eunson (SC Appraiser and Appraiser course tutor)
Dr Carol Buchanan (PC Appraisal Lead, NHS Grampian)

Roleplay scenario recap

During this workshop, two live mini appraisals were roleplayed by Dr Carol Buchanan (appraiser) and Dr Paul Eunson (appraisee) based on the below appraisee scenario:

50 year old paediatrician working in a district General Hospital with particular interest in epilepsy and cerebral palsy. 11PA job plan, including 1in 4 on call and resident hours day time at weekend.
Married two teenage children; wife on long term sick leave related to stress and bullying at her workplace
Job plan previously included joint clinics with visiting tertiary specialists in epilepsy and movement disorders. These have been removed from job plan because general paediatric clinics have to take priority to keep waiting list down.
Submitted evidence of attendance at good quality CPD including epilepsy and cerebral palsy but limited reflection on value.
Last year's PDP focused on discussion with management on regaining sessions for special interest (not achieved) and attending CPD (achieved)
Requested management to reduce to 8PA job plan. Informed that this would be possible but that relinquished sessions would be removed from paediatrics to be allocated to specialities with critical waiting lists.
Previous college tutor and honorary senior lecturer but stepped down from these as there was no support from university and no time allocated in job plan.
Received complaint this year from university that students were not able to come to clinic because nursing students had been allocated priority. This hurt. Reflection submitted.
PDP for this year is poorly developed plan around reducing hours that has not moved on from last year. Feels that work is a chore, dreads Monday mornings, does not feel that management and university are supportive. No desire to take on new activities. Concern that his feelings of disillusionment are becoming visible to children and parents. Tired all the time. No energy for activities outside of work.

Session summary:

(Generated by AI)

Appraisal For Demoralised Doctors: the roleplayed scenario demonstrated how appraisal can acknowledge professional disappointment and wellbeing concerns while helping the appraisee reflect on current achievements, identify controllable options and remain within GMC requirements.

Practical Appraisal And Coaching Tools: Barbara introduced evidence-based tools that appraisers can use to deepen reflection and problem solving without turning appraisal into a coaching session, including active listening, creative thinking, force-field analysis and the Wheel of Work.

Balancing Empathy And Constructive Challenge: discussions also took place on how appraisers can validate an appraisee’s experience, avoid becoming absorbed in negativity and then help identify strengths, evidence and realistic areas for change.

Roleplay scenario recap

Session summary:

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