Most recruitment to the Inspectorate's administrative grades is at AA/AO level. We have, therefore included on this site only the performance indicators for those grades. However, if you would like more information about the competences required of more senior staff, please e-mail us.

AA/AO competences and performance indicators

Competence cluster: Management of work
Competence: Setting and achieving objectives

Asks for and agrees clear priorities and deadlines
Shows flexibility when faced with changing priorities in new or changing circumstances
Keeps up to date with routine tasks
Understands how own work contributes to the objectives of the Branch and Division
Asks questions to clarify priorities and determine the time and resources available to carry out tasks
Focuses on the objectives and is not deterred by minor setbacks
Pursues a task until it is completed properly with the agreed deadline
Distinguishes between priorities and non-essential jobs
Exercises judgement to strike the correct balance between quality and timeliness
Takes responsibility for own work

Competence cluster: Management of work
Competence: Customer care

Knows who the main customers for the service are, both inside and outside the Inspectorate
Takes responsibility for a customer problem keeps them informed of progress and takes action to resolve the problem
Firm but tactful in conveying the Inspectorate's position and knows how to say "no"
Gives clear and accurate information and advice

Competence cluster: Management of work
Competence: Using and managing information

Either has, or is willing to learn basic computer skills
Familiar with, and is prepared to use relevant software packages, or is willing to learn how to do so
Knows what information is available on the office system and knows how to access it
Understands how Information Systems can help achieve objectives
Follows 'Best Practice' guidelines in the operation of office systems
Knows what office equipment is available and uses it effectively
Operates a clear consistent and secure file management system, both electronic and paper-based, including back-ups
Maintains a regular and secure backup for all important data
Uses electronic media rather than paper wherever possible
Uses a photocopier and fax successfully
Willing to learn and use new systems and software as and when they are introduced
Seeks to develop own IS skills
Locates and uses standard directories/reference material/manuals filing systems etc for electronic and paper-based systems
Follows the relevant procedures/systems for organising, accessing and distributing information in electronic and paper formats
Maintains accurate, up to date records
Retrieves papers or information promptly
Checks information for accuracy and consistency and takes appropriate corrective action
Records telephone messages accurately and passes messages on promptly
Understands and follows security procedures for storing and despatching classified material

Competence cluster: Management of work
Competence: Using and managing resources

Makes effective use of own time
Understands priorities and is aware of impact of own activities on others
Economical in the use of Inspectorate resources
Makes accurate numerical calculations
Keeps detailed accurate and informative financial records where appropriate
Aware of the environmental impact of using resources
Manages own time to meet competing priorities
Identifies and seeks guidance on managing conflicting priorities

Competence cluster: Working with people
Competence: Managing Projects

Actively participates in project groups or as member of Project Assurance Teams or User groups, where appropriate

Competence cluster: Working with people
Competence: Working in and managing teams

Open, honest and courteous in dealing with colleagues and readily offers information and assistance where necessary
Listens to the views and opinions of colleagues
Appreciates team goals, understands the work of immediate colleagues and is able and willing to cover for them when necessary
Shares knowledge and experience with other team members
Knows when work or personal issues need to be referred to the line manager
Keeps line manager informed and alerts her/him to any potential problems
Takes responsibility for own mistakes and is prepared to speak up if errors/discrepancies are spotted
Develops and maintains good working relationships with other sections
Patient but firm when dealing with difficult and demanding people

Competence cluster: Working with people
Competence: Valuing diversity

Treats all colleagues, customers and contacts with courtesy and respect
Appreciates the value of diversity in working relationships
Demonstrates awareness of the commitment to the Inspecotrate's equality statement in day-to-day dealings with all colleagues, customers and contactd

Competence cluster: Working with people
Competence: Representing the team/Branch/Division/Inspectorate

Seeks to understand others' point of view and co-operates with other parts of the Inspectorate to achieve objectives
Establishes and maintains contacts with colleagues across the Inspectorate and other organisations whose work is related to own work

Competence cluster: Personal effectiveness
Competence: Communicating effectively

Communicates clearly with all colleagues and customers
Listens, asks questions and clarifies appropriately
Presents a case clearly providing suggestions as to the way forward
Keeps line manager informed of progress and suggests options if deadlines cannot be met
Written work complies with the Inspectorate standards and layouts and is clearly and neatly presented
Uses grammar, punctuation, and spelling accurately
Uses Plain English

Competence cluster: Personal effectiveness
Competence: Dealing with and managing change

Willing to try new ways of working, and to learn new tasks or skills and is open to new ideas
Switches between tasks appropriately
Keeps up to date with procedures and other changes which affect own area of work

Competence cluster: Personal effectiveness
Competence: Negotiating and influencing

Deals confidently and tactfully with people inside/outside the organisation
Aware of the impact of others and fosters a spirit of co-operation with colleagues
Tactful but persistent in dealing with others
Knows who and when to consult
Self confident and assertive, puts forward a reasoned argument, willing to stand own ground when necessary
Participates in meetings where appropriate

Competence cluster: Personal effectiveness
Competence: Drive and determination

Tackles difficult or repetitive work without delay
Meets deadlines or alerts manager in good time if they cannot be met
Works steadily and puts in extra effort to cope with peak workloads
Focuses on the task in hand and is not deterred by minor setbacks or distractions
Assertive and prepared to voice an opinion
Accepts responsibility for own work and follows things through to completion
Reliable and calm under pressure

Competence cluster: Personal effectiveness
Competence: Problem solving and decision making

Shows patience and determination in getting to the root of a problem and resolving it
Gathers the relevant facts and/or documents to hand and thinks things through logically
Understands limits of own authority and knows when to consult or inform others
Suggests how to achieve results rather than waiting to be told, takes decisions accordingly and does not let matters drift
Considers and discusses options before taking a course of action
Knows where to obtain, and how to use information and advice
Seeks to find solutions as well as to identify problems

Competence cluster: Personal effectiveness
Competence: Valuing learning and new ideas

Understands the role of learning in every day working life
Shows a willingness to learn and take on new ideas
Shares knowledge and skills with colleagues
Learns from experience
Keeps an open mind when listening to the ideas and views of others
Knows the limits of own knowledge and expertise and where to find additional information and advice
Accepts reasonable instructions and direction
Willing to express an opinion and put forward ideas
Attempts to apply new learning appropriately to work activities
Asks appropriate questions

Competence cluster: Personal effectiveness
Competence: Appraising and developing self

Willing to learn new skills and adapts quickly to new ways of working
Welcomes opportunities to develop competences
Keeps Personal Development Plan or equivalent up to date and reviews regularly with line manager
Responds positively to constructive feedback
Recognises stress and uses positive and constructive coping strategies when under pressure
Takes an active interest in own personal development and agrees action with line manager
Actively participates in training and development activities

Competence Cluster: Knowledge of the Inspectorate, Business Planning and strategic thinking
Competence: Understanding the role, structures, objectives and procedures of the Planning Inspectorate

Understands the role of the Inspectorate and where own job fits in
Understands the role and contribution of colleagues in the team, Branch and Division
Keeps up to date with changes or developments in the Inspectorate which affect own business area
Familiar with and uses basic Inspectorate procedures, for example on security and health and safety
Understands and applies current Inspectorate financial procedures where appropriate

Competence cluster: Knowledge of the Inspectorate, Business Planning and strategic thinking
Competence: Contributing to the Business Planning process

Aware of business planning process and its purpose
Ensure that day to day operations accord with the Business Plan