Competency definitions identify areas in which your people need to excel
	Design process includes interviews, focus groups and questionnaires
	Unique 'cluster-analysis' competency identification technique
	Collaborative approach involving key stakeholders
	Sensitively developed to ensure cross-cultural validity
	Outcomes unique to your organisation or function

Competencies are now an established part of the human resource tool kit. In many organisations they have become the core framework around which all key people processes revolve. But how do you get them embedded? What do you do if your competency set is not up to date or cross culturally valid? And how do you develop a competency set from scratch?

Based on thought leading competency projects with organisations around the world, Wickland Westcott has developed a variety of processes to meet these needs. Our approach to competency design is tailored to individual client needs, but always involves a clear understanding of the objectives for the competencies and how they will be used.

By identifying and including all key stakeholders in the development process, thereby securing senior management commitment, we work to ensure that competencies are aligned with organisational strategies and human resources processes, and used by line managers on a day-to-day basis.

The outcome is a competency set written in your language, designed to be simple and practical, yet sensitive to cross-cultural differences and incorporating relevant views on future skill requirements.

We can build in monitoring mechanisms to ensure the competency set remains current and in use, and work with you towards successful implementation and commitment. Additional modules are available to train human resources and line management in the use of competencies for selection, development and performance measurement.

The quality of our work in this area is widely recognised, with the result that many of our assignments have featured in the Competency and Emotional Intelligence Journal. For reprints or other information please contact us on 01625 508100.

"The direction and support Wickland Westcott gave us was excellent. Their knowledge and experience has enabled us to move our competencies project forward. We are really pleased with the results."
Sandra Conway, Head of HR, Nottingham Building Society

Click here for Competency Design case studies