Guided distribution to end in 2017
Today, HMRC chief executive Jon Thompson (pictured) has announced the very welcome end to guided distribution in performance reviews from April 2017.
In my update of 27 October 2016 I explained the work that ARC had done over the summer to engage with Jon about how we could improve the PMR system. The paper to Jon, submitted in September 2016, made it clear that ARC saw no place for guided distribution in any reformed or redesigned system.
We believe that ARC’s work, since the current system was introduced in 2013, has been instrumental in this latest announcement. We have taken a balanced approach and consistently fed back areas where we have seen poor implementation or an unfair impact on some groups of staff. We have recognised some positive aspects and held the line, at all times, that guided distribution is divisive and unnecessary.
Today’s announcement about a fundamental change to our PMR system is something that we can be proud of our contribution towards. Paula Houghton and Jim Rogers from ARC Committee will continue to work with the Department to design and develop a new performance management system and we welcome the Department’s commitment to that collaboration.