In your workplace

I am a practice nurse who does not receive appraisals from my GP employer; is this something the practice is legally obliged to offer or simply good practice? What should they comprise?

I cannot understand why any good employer would not carry out appraisals for all staff. Good appraisals are the single most effective way to ensure staff feel engaged and empowered in their jobs.

There is no legal requirement to have an appraisal but the NHS has produced a Constitution that has a section on staff and commits NHS employers to providing staff with 'clear roles and responsibilities', and 'personal development' and 'line management support to succeed'. The most effective way to deliver these promises is by having a good appraisal process in place.