Talent (Continuing Improvement Conversation - CICs)

Why do I need to undertake a Continuing Improvement Conversation (CIC) with my team?

The CIC process develops a two-way communication channel between the manager and the team member, promoting a healthier work culture and fostering a safe environment to voice ideas and thoughts. The personal development of all individuals is key to a successful CIC process, helping to develop feelings of being valued and intrinsic motivation, and consequently improving performance.

All Walsall Council employees should receive regular sessions with their manager as part of an ongoing performance management process, with a primary aim of retaining our workforce.

Further information on the CIC process is available on the OD Sharepoint Page

Why can’t I add a check in for my team members?

The CIC process is only applicable to Walsall Council employees. If your team member is a casual or contingency (agency) worker, you will not be able to add a check in. However, you should still have conversations with them about their health & wellbeing, performance and any support requirements.

Who completes the check in?

Only a manager can complete the questionnaire, and this should be done during the session or as soon as possible afterwards. Both a manager and employee can add notes against discussion items and goals.

Can an employee edit or delete their check in?

No, An employee cannot edit or delete their check in. They also cannot edit their questionnaire.

I have changed manager/role, can my new manager see previous check ins?

Yes, check ins remain against you as an individual as a continuous record, and can be viewed by a new manager. However, they cannot edit or delete them.

What if I disagree with what my manager has written in my CIC?

At the session, you should agree with your manager what should be recorded in your CIC. If there is anything you disagree with, please discuss with your manager.

I can see other tiles under CIC, am I able to use these?

We are currently investigating the full functionality of Skills and Qualifications, and Career Development. We do not use the Talent Ratings module as our approach has moved to ‘conversations’ with your manager rather than rating against our values and behaviours.

Can an employee add their own objectives?

Objectives (goals) should be set by the manager and employee together. However, both employee and manager can add new goals at any time under ‘performance’ goals’. We now recommend setting shorter term goals rather than every 12 months to support the CIC process.

Managers can add new goals through My Teams ‘Teams goal centre’. View the QRG for managers for further information. Training and support

Employees can add new goals through ‘continuous Improvement Conversations’ ‘goals centre’. View the QRG for employees for more information. Training and support

How do I add an objective/goal?

Managers can add new goals through My Teams ‘Teams goal centre’. View the QRG for managers for further information. Training & Support

Employees can add new goals through ‘continuous Improvement Conversations’ ‘goals centre’. View the QRG for employees for more information. Training & Support

Further information on setting SMART goals is available on the check in document as a download.

As a manager, how do I create and complete a check in?

The check in template has been simplified and is easy to populate. For further information, view the QRG for managers. Training and support

Can I complete the CIC on paper?

The CIC template is not available in paper format. All CIC discussions must be summarised on the check in template on One Source but can initially be recorded elsewhere and copied across.

Can I complete a CIC as a part of supervision?

A. The aim of a CIC is to separate discussions on the person away from those on caseload/workload management, which are often the focus of ‘supervision’. However, as long as the CIC topic discussions are summarised on the check in document on One Source, there is no harm in including this in your supervision. You can, therefore ‘schedule’ a check in at the same time you send an invite for a supervision session.

Can I request a CIC with my manager?

Managers have a responsibility for the health and wellbeing of their teams. All employees are entitled to one-to-one meetings with their manager; this includes a CIC. If these are not being scheduled, you can request one.

Can I complete a CIC on a personal device?

A. You can carry out tasks against your own Check ins and goals on a personal device. However, you cannot access CICs for your teams. You can only carry out tasks for your team under ‘My Teams’ and, for GDPR purposes, this option is not available to managers on a personal device.