How to have a meaningful conversation with your manager about your updated job description
Guidance for members requesting a job evaluation
Now that you have updated your job description using our guidance, it’s time to ask your manager to review, approve and date it.
Preparing for your meeting
Make sure you have the following:
- Your original job description
- Your updated job description
- Your self-evaluation notes
- Supporting evidence. For example, certificates of relevant qualifications, email requests for tasks not included in your original job description and evidence of complexity of cases or work assigned to you.
Be clear in your mind about what you want from this meeting so that you come away having met your objectives. The main objectives for this meeting are for you and your manager to:
- Review your updated job description
- Agree that it is an accurate reflection of your role
- Date the job description. This should be the date on which your role changed
Think about how long you want to discuss each section of your job description. Start with the parts you think are most important so that if you do run out of time, you’ve covered your main points.
During the meeting
1. Discuss the proposed changes to your job description
Calmly outline the changes you have made and why you have made them. Have your supporting evidence to hand so that you can explain your decision-making.
If your manager refuses to amend your job description or disagrees that some of your requested changes form part of your role, discuss the matter amicably and try to reach agreement on what your role is and how it should be captured.
If your manager does not change their position, contact your local RCN representative or RCN Direct.
2. Send your updated job description to your manager for agreement
You can do this during the meeting to save time. Refer them to our guidance for managers should they need further information.
3. Agree the effective date
Once you have agreed your updated job description with your manager, you should agree the date your job changed. Any positive decision on your application will be backdated to at least this date. Local rules vary on when outcomes are backdated to.
Remember, if something is not part of your role, you do not have to perform that task. So, if your manager's view is that a task or responsibility is not appropriate at your current pay band or equivalent grade, you should ask for written agreement that you will no longer be asked to do that task or have that responsibility.
During the meeting
Send a follow up email to your manager outlining what was discussed and agreed.
If you reached agreement with your manager, tell us you’ve completed this step using the buttons in the job evaluation email we’ve sent you. We’ll send you the next step shortly after.
If you were unable to reach agreement with your manager, you should use our grievance template email and lodge a formal complaint with HR.
