What do we mean when we talk about performance management?
We automatically think of performance management as a negative process but actually it should be seen as a positive, holistic process that brings together lots of activities that collectively contribute to the effective management of individuals and teams in order to achieve high levels of organisational performance. The process is strategic, in that it is about broader issues and long-term goals, and it links various aspects of the business, people management, individuals and teams.
Having said that, the performance management of the majority of student staff roles differs significantly to that of permanent staff due to the casual element of student staff contracts, the seasonal element of their work and the high level of turnover due to their studies and graduation. For this reason the focus of performance management for student staff is predominantly on the day- to-day management of individuals through 1-2-1s and the probationary process.