My PDP reviews
The Performance and Development Plan (PDP) is a key tool used by all Victorian government schools to support professional growth and development for staff. As a Reviewer or Mentor, you play a vital role in guiding and managing staff PDP reviews.
Work on current reviews: Collaborate with staff to set goals, provide feedback, and track progress throughout the PDP cycle.
View archived reviews: Access past reviews for reference and continuity in professional development planning.
Access your PDP reviews
Navigate to My EMS.
Go to Manage My PDP Reviews.
Select the My PDP Reviews section.
Stages in the PDP review cycle
The PDP review cycle is designed to foster professional growth and align individual goals with organisational standards. The Reviewee drives the process by setting goals, providing evidence, and self-assessing progress. The Reviewer evaluates progress, provides feedback, and formally closes each stage. The Mentor (if enabled) offers additional guidance and support. The process ensures clarity, accountability, and measurable outcomes at every stage.
Status indicators of the stage of the PDP review
Start-Cycle (Stage one)
Mid-Cycle (Stage two)
Complete
1. Start-Cycle
The Start-Cycle stage sets the foundation for the PDP review process. The reviewee defines their goals and plans, while the reviewer provides initial feedback. The mentor (if enabled) may offer guidance.
Reviewee responsibilities:
Enters Start-Cycle PDP details, including objectives, focus areas, and professional goals.
Defines SMART Goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), outlines strategies, identifies support needed, and connects goals to relevant standards.
Provides evidence of progress and enters Mid-Cycle Staff Comments (self-assessment of progress) and End-Cycle Staff Comments (self-assessment of overall performance).
Uploads supporting files to demonstrate progress or achievements.
Reviewer responsibilities:
Provides Start-Cycle Reviewer Comments, offering feedback on the goals and ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
Enters Reviewer Feedback on goals, strategies, and evidence.
Provides Mid-Cycle Reviewer Comments (evaluating progress and suggesting adjustments) and End-Cycle Reviewer Comments (final feedback on goal achievement and performance).
Clicks the Finish Start-Cycle toolbar button to formally close the Start-Cycle stage.
Mentor responsibilities (when enabled):
Provides optional Mentor Feedback, offering guidance on goals, strategies, or evidence.
Can download PDP support files for reference.
Outcome after completing Start-Cycle:
The Start-Cycle section displays a tick icon to indicate completion.
The review moves to the Mid-Cycle stage, and all fields in the Start-Cycle are locked. Text turns blue and can no longer be edited.
2. Mid-Cycle review
The Mid-Cycle Review focuses on evaluating progress, discussing achievements, and making adjustments if necessary. The reviewee and reviewer collaborate to document progress.
Reviewee responsibilities:
Enters additional evidence of progress.
Provides Mid-Cycle Staff Comments (self-assessment of progress) and End-Cycle Staff Comments (self-assessment of overall performance).
Enters overall Mid-Cycle Review staff comments summarizing their progress.
Uploads supporting files to demonstrate achievements.
Reviewer responsibilities:
Provides Reviewer Feedback on progress and evidence.
Enters Mid-Cycle Reviewer Comments (evaluating progress and suggesting adjustments) and End-Cycle Reviewer Comments (final feedback on goal achievement and performance).
Enters overall Mid-Cycle Review reviewer comments summarizing their evaluation.
Clicks the Complete Mid-Cycle button to formally close the Mid-Cycle stage.
Mentor responsibilities (when enabled):
Provides optional Mentor Feedback, offering guidance on progress and next steps.
Can download PDP support files for reference.
Outcome after completing Mid-Cycle:
The Mid-Cycle Review section displays a tick icon to indicate completion.
All Mid-Cycle fields are locked, and text turns blue, indicating they can no longer be edited.
3. End-Cycle summary
The End-Cycle Summary stage involves a final evaluation of the reviewee’s performance, outcomes, and achievements. The reviewer selects overall outcomes for each domain and the review as a whole.
Reviewee responsibilities:
Views Start-Cycle PDP details and Mid-Cycle staff comments.
Enters End-Cycle Staff Comments (self-assessment of overall performance and outcomes).
Uploads supporting files to demonstrate final achievements.
Reviewer responsibilities:
Views Start-Cycle Reviewer Comments and Mid-Cycle reviewer comments.
Enters End-Cycle Reviewer Comments (final feedback on goal achievement and performance).
Selects outcomes for each domain and the overall review outcome.
Clicks the Finish End-Cycle toolbar button to formally close the review cycle.
Mentor responsibilities (when enabled):
Provides optional Mentor Feedback, offering final guidance or recommendations.
Can download PDP support files for reference.
Outcome after completing End-Cycle:
The End-Cycle Summary section is finalised, and all fields are locked. Text turns blue, indicating they can no longer be edited.
The review cycle is complete, and outcomes are documented for future reference.
Key features of the PDP review cycle
Structured process:
The cycle is divided into three main stages—Start-Cycle, Mid-Cycle Review, and End-Cycle Summary— to ensure a systematic approach to professional development.Collaboration:
The reviewee and reviewer work together to set goals, evaluate progress, and document outcomes. The mentor (when enabled) provides additional support and guidance.Transparency and accountability:
Each stage is clearly documented, and fields are locked after completion to ensure accountability and prevent unauthorised edits.Flexibility:
The mentor role is optional, allowing organisation's to tailor the process to their needs.
Filter and search for your PDP review using the toolbar
Use the filter options in the top toolbar to set your desired criteria.
Select review period: Select from the menu options.
Click Search to apply the filters and display the results.
Visual cues
Grey background: Indicates a disabled field where you cannot enter information.
Blue text: Indicates read-only text that you cannot change.
Number in brackets (#): In a section title, this shows the number of items added (e.g., files, comments).
Icons in section title: Represents the current stage of the review cycle.
Send an email to your PDP reviewer
Click the Email button.
Select the recipient from the dropdown menu:
Reviewer: Send the email to your reviewer.
Enter the email details, including the subject and message.
Click Send Email to deliver the message.
Download your PDP review as PDF
Click Download.
Locate the downloaded file (usually in your "Downloads" folder).
Open the PDF in your default PDF viewer (e.g., Adobe Acrobat, Preview, or a web browser).
Print if needed.
Access Help & Hints for domain-specific guidance
The Help & Hints feature is a valuable resource designed to support you throughout the PDP (Professional Development Plan) review cycle. Each section within the module includes a Help & Hints button in the toolbar, providing quick and easy access to domain-specific guidance and resources.
Click the Help & Hints toolbar button.
A window will open, displaying the following:
Overview of Domain-Specific Standards: A clear summary of the standards relevant to the current stage of the PDP review cycle. This helps you understand the expectations and benchmarks for your goals.
Sample Evidence: Practical examples of evidence that can be used to demonstrate progress or achievement. These samples serve as a guide for documenting your work effectively.
Start-Cycle of a PDP review
Summary of user roles and permissions in the Start-Cycle of a PDP review
Reviewee:
Can enter and edit Performance and Development Plan Details, SMART Goals, Strategies, Support, Connection to Standards, and Evidence.
Can upload supporting files in the PDP Files section.
Reviewer:
Can enter and edit Start-Cycle Reviewer Comments and provide Reviewer Feedback on goals, strategies, and evidence.
Can view and download files in the PDP Files section.
Mentor (when enabled):
Can provide optional Mentor Feedback on goals and progress.
Can view and download files in the PDP Files section.
Locked fields:
Fields such as Mid-Cycle and End-Cycle comments and outcomes are locked during the Start-Cycle and become available in later stages of the review process.
Enter your details for your PDP review
As the reviewee, you can add your plan details during the Start-Cycle of your PDP review.
Access the Start-Cycle section:
The Start-Cycle section is active by default when you begin your PDP review. If it’s not already active, click on the Start-Cycle section to open it.
Enter your details:
In the Performance and Development Plan Details fieldset, click on an input field to start entering your personal details.
Use the Tab key to move to the next input field or click with your mouse to navigate.
Save your changes:
Once you’ve entered your details, click the Save button.
An Update Successful confirmation window will appear. Click OK to close it.
Add domain details to your PDP review
During the Start-Cycle, you can add details for each domain to outline your goals, strategies, and support needs.
Access the domain sections:
Click on one of the domain sections to make it active.
Enter your details:
Fill in the relevant input fields for SMART goals, strategies, support, and connection to standards.
Save your changes:
Click the Save Changes button.
An Update Successful confirmation window will appear. Click OK to close it.
Use Help & Hints for guidance:
If you need assistance, click the Help & Hints button to access domain-specific guidelines and examples.
Add evidence to your PDP review
You can begin adding predicted and ongoing evidence to support your progress in each domain during the Start-Cycle.
Access the domain section:
Click on one of the domain sections (e.g., Student Outcomes, Professional Knowledge) to make it active.
Open the evidence section:
Click on the Evidence section in the responses panel.
Enter evidence details:
Add details about the evidence that demonstrates your progress toward your goals.
Save your changes:
Click the Save Changes button.
An Update Successful confirmation window will appear. Click OK to close it.
PDP Files section
Supporting files can be added by the reviewee starting from Stage One of the review cycle.
Rules for supporting files for PDP reviews:
You can upload any number of files to support your review.
Any file type is allowed, with a maximum file size of 20MB.
Files cannot be removed once the review is completed.
Add a supporting file to your PDP review
Access PDP files section:
Click on the PDP Files section to activate it.
Upload a file:
Select the Domain/Stage the file relates to from the dropdown menu (required).
Click the Browse button and select the file you want to upload.
Add a description (required).
Click Upload.
Confirmation:
The uploaded file will appear in the list within the PDP Files section.
The number in the files tab title will increase to reflect the number of files added.
Remove a supporting file from your PDP review
Files cannot be removed once the review has reached the completed stage.
Access PDP Files section:
Click on the PDP Files section to activate it.
Remove the file:
Locate the file you want to remove.
Click the Remove icon (e.g., trash bin) next to the file name.
Confirm removal:
Confirm the action to remove the file.
Download a supporting file from your PDP review
Access PDP Files section:
Click on the PDP Files section to activate it.
Download the file:
Click on the File Name link to download the file.
Locate and use the File:
The downloaded file will typically be saved in your "Downloads" folder.
Open the file to view its contents.
Print the file if needed.
Finish the Start-Cycle of your PDP review
Once you're satisfied that all the details for the Start-Cycle have been entered, follow these steps to complete the Start-Cycle:
Notify your reviewer:
Contact your Reviewer to let them know you are ready to finish the Start-Cycle.
Reviewer completes the Start-Cycle:
Your reviewer will click the Finish Start-Cycle button to finalise this stage.
Completion Iidicators:
The Start-Cycle section will display a tick icon, indicating it has been completed.
The domain sections will update to show that the review has progressed to the Mid-Cycle.
All fields in the Start-Cycle will be locked, and the text will turn blue, indicating they can no longer be edited.
Mid-Cycle of a PDP review
Summary of user roles and permissions in the Mid-Cycle of a PDP review
Reviewee (Staff Member):
Can continue entering evidence to show progress.
Can add Mid-Cycle Staff Domain Comments and End-Cycle Staff Domain Comments.
Can provide Staff Comments in the Mid-Cycle Review section.
Can upload supporting files in the PDP Files section.
Reviewer:
Can provide Reviewer Feedback on progress and evidence.
Can add Mid-Cycle Reviewer Domain Comments and End-Cycle Reviewer Domain Comments.
Can provide Reviewer Comments in the Mid-Cycle Review section.
Can begin selecting outcomes in the End-Cycle Summary section.
Can view and download files in the PDP Files section.
Mentor (when enabled):
Can provide optional Mentor Feedback on the reviewee’s progress.
Can view and download files in the PDP Files section.
Locked fields:
Fields such as SMART Goals, Strategies, Support, and Connection to Standards are locked during the Mid-Cycle and cannot be edited.
Request to move your review back to the Start-Cycle
If changes need to be made to the Start-Cycle Overview or Domain Goals after the review has progressed to the Mid-Cycle, you can request your reviewer to move the review back to the Start-Cycle.
Contact your reviewer:
Reach out to your Reviewer and explain the changes needed. Request that they move the review back to the Start-Cycle.
Reviewer moves your review:
Once the reviewer moves your review back, the Start-Cycle tab will display an icon indicating it is active again.
Edit your details:
All fields in the Start-Cycle will be unlocked and can be edited. Make the necessary changes to your goals, strategies, or other details.
Complete the Mid-Cycle of your PDP review
After the Mid-Cycle Review meeting, once all comments and feedback have been added, your reviewer will finalise this stage by completing the following steps:
Mark as complete:
The reviewer will click the Complete Mid-Cycle button in the toolbar of the Mid-Cycle tab.
Completion indicators:
The Mid-Cycle Review section will display an icon (e.g., a tick) to indicate it has been completed.
All Mid-Cycle fields will be locked, and the text will turn blue, indicating they can no longer be edited.
End Cycle of a PDP review
Summary of user roles and permissions in the End-Cycle of a PDP review
Reviewee (Staff Member):
Can continue entering evidence to show progress.
Can add End-Cycle Staff Domain Comments and Staff Comments in the End-Cycle Summary section.
Can upload supporting files in the PDP Files section.
Reviewer:
Can provide Reviewer Feedback on progress and evidence.
Can add End-Cycle Reviewer Domain Comments and Reviewer Comments in the End-Cycle Summary section.
Can select outcomes for each domain and the overall review.
Can view and download files in the PDP Files section.
Mentor (when enabled):
Can provide optional Mentor Feedback on the reviewee’s progress.
Can view and download files in the PDP Files section.
Locked fields:
Fields such as SMART Goals, Strategies, Support, Connection to Standards, and Mid-Cycle comments are locked during the End-Cycle and cannot be edited.
Finish your PDP review
Notify your reviewer:
Once you are satisfied that your PDP review is complete, notify your Reviewer to let them know it’s ready for finalisation.
Reviewer assesses and determines outcomes:
Your reviewer will evaluate your progress and select the End-Cycle outcomes for each domain and the overall review.
Reviewer finalises the review:
Your reviewer will click the Finish End-Cycle button to complete the review process.
Completion indicators:
All tabs will display an icon (e.g., a tick) to indicate they have been finalised.
All fields will be locked, and the text will turn blue, meaning they can no longer be edited.