McPhail Watmore Associates Ltd
Appraisal and Performance Management Training
Get the best from your team, fairly and confidently
Managing performance well is one of the most valuable things a manager does, and one of the hardest to do confidently. Our training covers appraisal, everyday performance management, and absence management, giving managers the tools to get the best from their teams, address issues early and fairly, and stay within employment law.
Why performance management matters
Performance issues rarely fix themselves. Left too long, a small concern becomes a serious problem, or a pattern of behaviour becomes embedded and much harder to shift. The managers who handle performance best address things early, fairly and confidently, rather than waiting for a formal process.
Done well, performance management is about clarity, motivation and support, helping people deliver at their best while protecting the organisation with fair, consistent and lawful practice. It pairs naturally with our leadership and management training.
Small now, or serious later
It is far better to address performance issues while they are small, than to let them become serious or let patterns of behaviour become embedded.
Our courses
We offer three complementary courses covering the full picture of managing performance and attendance. Each can be booked on its own, or combined.
For managers
Effective Appraisal
Appraisal should not be a chore both sides dread. A truly effective appraisal gives real insight into someone's work and quality time focused on them, an objective review of what has gone well and less well, clarifying objectives, support needs and career goals. It makes the difference between a lacklustre environment and one where people deliver at their best.
For managers
Performance Management
Performance management should be a day to day activity, because it is far better to address issues while they are small. Tools to recognise and manage team and operational performance using straightforward, strengths based approaches, plus the stages of more formalised performance management, providing structure and ensuring compliance with employment rights.
For managers
Absence Management
Absence, short and long term, is disruptive and costly. How to manage absence effectively, using video and scenario based approaches, including return to work interviews and the return to work process. Embedded topics include the different approaches needed for disability and pregnancy related absence, where the law requires particular care.
Who this training is for
These courses are essential for line managers, team leaders, and HR professionals responsible for managing performance and attendance. They suit both new managers building confidence and experienced managers who want a sharper, fairer approach.
We work with organisations across the UK in the public and private sector, including higher and further education, the NHS, national and local government, finance, legal and professional services, housing and the charity sector.
What our clients say
“
I had a great day yesterday, and learnt so much!
I will be meeting with our managers all next week, and I am sure that their learning will influence how we move forward.
Thank you for your energy and commitment.
Chief Officer
Age UK Torbay
“
The training on the day both myself and HR Director, were pleased to find it engaging and practical, with clear and relatable hospitality specific examples aligned to the law.
Assistant Learning & Development Manager, People and Culture
Four Seasons
“
Experience was really good – workshop activities made me think of things that would impact me – all topics were enjoyable
Employee
Redbridge Council
Trusted by organisations across
Higher Education•
NHS•
Government•
Finance•
Legal•
Housing•
Charity
Our approach and credentials
All of our training is bespoke. We take time to understand your organisation, your sector and the challenges your managers face, then build the session around real situations they will recognise. Sessions can be delivered in person or online.
Our consultants are experienced practitioners drawn from the public and private sector. McPhail Watmore Associates was established in 2000, and our founder Fiona McPhail is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD with 30 years' experience in HR and equality, diversity and inclusion. You can read more about our team on our About page.
Disability Confident
Level 3 Leader assessor
Chartered FCIPD
Founder led, 30 years' experience
Charter assessors
Investors in Diversity, Disability Confident Level 3
Seven consultants
Public and private sector practitioners
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between appraisal and performance management?
Appraisal is usually a periodic, structured review of someone's work, objectives and development. Performance management is the day to day activity of keeping performance on track, addressing concerns early and, where needed, following a more formal process. Both work best together, and both are covered in our training.
How should managers handle absence fairly?
Effective absence management combines clear processes with the right support, including return to work conversations. Some absence, particularly disability and pregnancy related absence, requires particular care and a different approach to stay within the law. Our training covers how to manage absence consistently and fairly.
Does the training cover the legal side of managing performance?
Yes. The performance management course guides managers through the stages of formalised performance management, providing structure and ensuring compliance with employment rights. The absence course covers where the law requires particular care, such as disability and pregnancy related absence.
Is the training delivered in person or online?
Both. Every session is tailored to your organisation and can be delivered on site or remotely. Get in touch and we will talk through what works best for you.
Talk to our team about preparing for October 2026
Whether you need a single session or a programme across your whole organisation, we will build the right approach for you.