Who should be present during an employee's annual performance appraisal meeting?

HRPA’s Professional Competency Framework positions managers as the primary owners of performance management, with HR designing the system, enabling capability, and ensuring consistency and fairness. Annual appraisal meetings are intended to be a direct, two-way conversation focused on goals, results, feedback, and development—best achieved between the employee and their supervisor. HR’s role is advisory (policy, tools, training, calibration) rather than a routine attendee. Legal participation is exceptional and reserved for complex risk situations, not standard appraisals.

Therefore, the standard composition is the employee and the supervisor.

Relevant Framework Reference (HRPA):

Professional Competency Framework: performance management—building manager capability; HR designs frameworks and advises, line leaders conduct assessments and feedback.

HRPA Study Guide: performance management cycle and roles (manager–employee dialogue; HR oversight, calibration, and compliance).