Recruitment and Selection -

Our Approach

Our Approach to Competency Based Recruitment and Selection

As a general rule, we recommend the use of a totally inclusive integrated approach, whereby candidates are examined through a variety of exercises, each of which is specifically chosen in consultation with the client, to test how well the candidates perform against the competencies or skills required for the particular job.

External advice has urged that organisations in the public sector use a variety of selection techniques to choose the successful candidate for a job:-

No selection test on its own is good enough as a predictor of future performance. However, applying a combination of techniques... [which have a]... relatively good predictive value increases the chance of finding the best candidate.

The Audit Commission

We wholeheartedly support that view.

Some assessment centres rely heavily on written exercises, personality and ability (psychometric) tests. We are convinced that our exercises are a much better way of testing candidates against the competencies required for the posts. Our materials are up-to-date, closely job related, realistic and reflect the way in which people now work in modern local government. Topics and problems which we provide for candidates to work on are current and many of the issues which they might be asked to deal with encourage them to look ahead and show how they might use their experience, skills and knowledge in the post they are applying for.

We aim to reflect local conditions and current local government trends, issues and problems in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We will therefore design materials for posts which, for instance reflect the Northern Ireland dimension, the Assemblies and legislation which are particular to Northern Ireland and Wales. We are also conscious of the effect of the Government's agenda on the work of local authorities and this too is reflected in the exercises and topics which we provide.

Many candidates have told us that participating in one of our assessment centres was 'like real life' or 'just like being at work'! Some have also added that they actually enjoyed the experience!

Our assessment centres are designed to enable candidates to show their skills in a number of different ways. By the end of the process, we aim to have a very full picture of each candidate's strengths and weaknesses in the areas of competency under consideration. A well designed assessment centre not only enables candidates to give of their best, but also reflects well on the Authority. We also provide feedback to candidates after the process.

We can assist and advise you from defining the job and designing the job description and person specification through to the final appointment process with a package tailored to your exact requirements. It's for you to decide how much assistance you need and when you need it.

Read our Recruitment and Selection Menu

Contact Us:

Phone: 01458 835895

Fax: 01458 835737

Email: Click Here

Post: Actis House

Bere Lane

Glastonbury

Somerset

BA6 8BB