ABSTRACT
Quality assurance should ensure that the appraisal process is carried out well and, equally importantly, should lay out guidance and encouragement in order to raise the overall standards of appraisal. The appraiser needs to be the right person for the job. Before they apply and are appointed, appraisers should think about why they want to be an appraiser. It is important to ensure that the right people put themselves forward and are selected for initial training. It is essential for an appraiser to have a contract with the organisation for which they are carrying out appraisals. Many effective appraisal systems have medical leaders to take the process forward with highly competent managers to provide essential management and organisational leadership. Leaders may well also take a responsibility in monitoring any changes in appraisal and ensuring that appraisers are kept up to date with these developments.
