Appraisal is endorsed by the Department of Health as being a formative and developmental process rather than a tool of performance management; NHS Trusts and teams need to establish good practice in appraisal at all stages and this toolkit will show them how. This is the first toolkit of good practice in appraisal for all staff groups across the range of primary care settings. It empowers appraisers and guides them in their development underpinned by the new NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework from the Agenda for Change initiative. It has a positive approach to appraisal and its practical style with tips and advice can easily be integrated into everyday practice. The Good Appraisal Toolkit for Primary Care describes where appraisal has come from and how it works as a positive and developmental experience for all staff and will help all healthcare professionals prepare for annual appraisals which are expected for all staff in the NHS and a mandatory requirement for doctors.