This page outlines a quick and straightforward way to include digital capability in annual Personal Development Review (PDR) discussions, or as part of your 1-1 cycle. A short reflection on digital skills can help staff feel more confident in a changing work environment while giving departments useful insight into skills and training needs.
Why it matters
Adding a quick digital reflection to PDRs benefits both individuals and teams.
- Support individuals and boost confidence. A simple self-assessment helps staff recognise strengths and identify areas where development could make work easier or more effective.
- Help teams adapt. Talking about digital confidence builds shared understanding and flexibility as new tools and processes are introduced.
- Inform planning. Department-wide themes provide evidence for training priorities and planning future support.
- Make better use of what’s already available. Oxford already provides high-quality, free tools to support digital development. This approach helps teams use them more effectively.
What’s available to support you
This section highlights three resources to make digital capability easier to discuss and develop in PDRs. Each addresses a common challenge.
1. Jisc Discovery Tool
Helps staff and managers who “don’t know what they don’t know.”
Use the Jisc Discovery Tool to complete a short self-assessment of your digital confidence and skills. It also gives managers and teams a shared language for development discussions. Many teams in different divisions have had success just by introducing this tool.
2. Digital Skills Resource Finder
Solves the “how do I find resources I need?” problem.
Search the Digital Skills Resource Finder for learning materials and training resources. It brings together over 300 materials from more than 40 providers, mapped to the same framework as the Discovery Tool and curated for an Oxford audience, helping staff act on their self-assessment results and find relevant training quickly.
3. Microsoft training offer
Support for staff who want industry-standard, targeted learning in widely used tools.
Explore Microsoft’s free online training courses in Microsoft 365, data and AI, which include optional certification routes and practical, recognised learning that complements Oxford’s wider development offer.
Together, these tools create a simple pathway: start with reflection, identify development needs, and connect staff to quality learning.
How to take action this year
One quick and easy way to get started, is to asking staff to spend 15 minutes completing the Jisc Discovery Tool, and then using the results as a shared starting point for a short conversation about development needs.
If that discussion surfaces a need for training, use the links to the Digital Skills Resource Finder or Microsoft training resources to locate suitable learning materials.
Let your HR or staff development leads know if your team members complete the Discovery Tool, departmental-level summary data is available to help them benchmark and plan future skills and training support.
Questions and ideas
For practical questions about these tools, examples of how other teams are using them, or to share your experience, get in touch with Blaine Roissetter via Teams for an informal chat.
