As part of a much wider pay and grading review project, the need to quickly secure expertise and embed sound knowledge and practice was identified.

The HR team provide a standard two day job evaluation training course which is delivered multiple times in any year, but on this occasion responded to work closely with a client to provide a bespoke, extended programme of development for a cohort of new job analysts. As part of a much wider pay and grading review project, the need to quickly secure expertise and embed sound knowledge and practice was identified.

A unique JE Academy programme was developed by the WME JE experts to ensure that the fundamental principles of job evaluation as well as detailed and technical knowledge of the scheme was transferred effectively to those being trained.

The programme included comprehensive and extensive mentor support from WME to accelerate the development of skills at a faster pace than is normally expected for newly trained analysts. The approach ensured consistency of application of the scheme across the whole team and fostered an effective learning environment.

As part of the project our team also provided:

• WEBINAR SESSIONS for managers on producing job information to assist the evaluation process. To support a consistent and fair approach to presenting job information. This was considered necessary as quality and relevant job information is crucial to successfully achieving robust job evaluation outcomes.
• SUPPORT FOR TRADES UNIONS in providing advice and process support and training in the core technical content of the programme. Ensuring that all relevant stakeholders have a fundamental understanding of the JE scheme and process contributes to the long term success of implementing a new pay and grading structure.
• PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT including assessment centre development for evaluator recruitment, and support with the recruitment and selection process. As well as advice notes, process maps, reports and other supporting documentation.

The training programme ran for a total of 12 weeks and was a mix of theory based learning on the NJC 13 factor job evaluation scheme, technical training on the digital application of the scheme, group development of skills, individual application of technical knowledge and a continuous feedback loop to ensure improvements over a short period of time.

The training included evaluation of live job evaluations and one of the most effective methods of learning was a regular group examination of initial outcomes. This allowed an early first stage moderation process to be established which is critical for ensuring organisational consistency in the longer term. This also allowed for individuals to experience the application of the scheme against a wide range of roles in a shorter period of time.

An end point assessment was developed to identify whether any further training was needed for individuals or whether there were any knowledge gaps as a whole so that, if necessary, additional support could be targeted appropriately.

The training programme was successful in the aim of building a team of analysts capable of carrying out evaluations ready to be internally moderated. The success being such that the client wishes to recruit a second team and run the training programme again to meet the ongoing need of the current pay and grading project.