District Appraisal Group Report to Synod 2008

                  
The Accompanied Self-Appraisal Scheme will be coming to an end in 2009. It will be replaced by Annual Development Reviews, which will take place in the circuit or place where the presbyter or deacon is stationed. The new scheme is being piloted in a number of Districts, including our neighbours in Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury. The District Appraisal Group will thus complete its work next year, and we are very keen to ensure as smooth a transition as possible for our presbyters and deacons. Our training day for accompanists this year focused on 'Accompanying at a time of change in our Church', changes of which Accompanied Self Appraisal is just one example.
Annual Development Reviews will call for a different form of organization. No doubt the District Policy Committee will soon address how the new scheme is to be arranged. The new form of appraisal involves a more formal meeting between the presbyter or deacon and representatives of the circuit or place where they are stationed. This meeting will be facilitated by someone from outside the circuit, appointed by the District.

            
Unlike most secular appraisal schemes, the new scheme will not of itself offer ongoing support between annual reviews. Instead presbyters and deacons will be 'strongly encouraged' to find support for themselves. In our report last year we recommended that the District should ensure support is offered, rather than onus being on the minister or deacon to seek it out. We hope this will be arranged by those who have responsibility for the new scheme.

Our District Chair has suggested we mark the service which accompanists have given over the past 12 years with a time of celebration and thanks in Synod next year.

Rev. Barrie Cooke (Chair, District Appraisal Group)
Don Male (District Appraisal Officer)
Bob Share (District Appraisal Trainer)