The Common Approach to Competency for Regulators

1. The Common Approach to Competency for Regulators

2. Outline 1 Why does it matter? 2 Background 3 How RDNA works 4 GRIP 5 Practical application 6 What people say 7 Next steps 8 Any questions?

3. 1 Why does it matter? Flexible and agreed approach to regulators’ Continuous Professional Development Supports the development of skills and knowledge in a cost-effective way Provides confidence to all the key players: regulatory professionals, local authorities, national regulators and business Creates better outcomes for businesses and citizens

4. 2 Background Work led by BRDO in partnership with the Regulatory Excellence Forum Aim is to introduce common regulatory competence standards – underpinned by a robust development process and comprehensive learning materials Overall approach is closely linked with the relevant qualifications frameworks provided by the professional bodies

5. Qualifications verses development? Qualifications demonstrate level of attainment… …but at a particular point in time Competencies need to remain relevant to regulatory officers’ work as their careers progress Development activity needs to be based on the skills and knowledge required for a current or future role

6. Structure of competency frameworks

7. The common competency framework

8. The common approach Competency frameworks Core regulatory skills, including leadership Specific technical knowledge Regulators’ Development Needs Analysis Interactive website providing a robust process to enable regulators to assess their development needs Guidance for Regulators – Information Point Portal website identifying resources to help regulators meet their development needs in a cost-effective way

9. Key features Core, generic regulatory skills and leadership skills sections Technical knowledge sections, specific to areas of regulation The RDNA self-assessment tool The GRIP, designed to help meet development needs identified A development process for regulators and managers

10. Main benefits Simplification of the regulatory system Greater consistency of business regulation Effective means of delivering Continuous Professional Development for regulators and managers Supported by the key players in the local and national regulatory landscape, giving transparency and confidence to all

11. 3 How RDNA works: Registration

12. Create your assessment

13. Create your assessment

14. Using the dashboard

15. Skills module statements

16. Indicators of competency

17. Answer options to individual statements I’m not confident – development need I’m confident – no development need I’m confident – development need I’m confident – and already exceed This is not applicable to my role

18. Work through the skills modules…

19. …then the relevant knowledge modules

20. Knowledge module statements

21. Report generation Once all the modules are complete an assessment report is created, which should be saved to your PC and provided to your manager It forms the basis for the development review It highlights areas where a development need has been identified, and gives a structure for discussions

22. 4 GRIP: Development solutions GRIP identifies resources to help regulators meet their development needs It mirrors the RDNA skills and knowledge sections It provides links to 12 types of learning material CPD points can be gained through its use in respect of activities undertaken to address identified development needs where a personal development plan is produced

23. Home page

24. Section page

25. Module page

26. Categories of material Overview: A brief description of what a competent practitioner should be able to do Core Learning Resources: Essential information required by regulators for competency Training Courses Further Reading: Useful information for those wishing to extend their knowledge or specialise Other Information: Useful information for those wanting a broader context

27. Presentation Report / Publication Statute Tool Training Course Video Icon set Article / Information Case Study E-learning Guide Online Resource Operational Guidance

28. 5 Practical application: Sample process Appraise your skills and knowledge using the RDNA self-assessment tool Consider the report with your line manager Use GRIP to help you discover what learning resources are available to achieve your development objectives Agree the development plan with your line manager Undertake the activities specified, drawing on the learning resources in GRIP where appropriate Capture your thoughts in a learning log

29. The manager’s role There are three ways to validate an assessment report: Use the RDNA tool together with the member of staff to produce the report Use the RDNA tool in parallel with the member of staff and compare your report with his or hers during the review Consider the report created by the member of staff prior to the review and note any areas to challenge, support or discuss

30. 6 What they say: Local regulators “It is a more efficient, targeted way to identify development needs. Officers have found it straightforward and clear.” Tim Nicholls, Head of Environmental Health, Brighton and Hove Council, 2011 “It is a key tool to support culture change and a more structured and consistent approach to continuous professional development.” Allan Hampshire, Head of Regulatory Services, Cornwall Council, 2011

31. Professional bodies “It will be invaluable in supporting the professional qualification base of those working in the regulatory field, providing clarity on the competence standards required to be demonstrated which will benefit all regulators, their employing authorities and agencies, business and above all the consumers whom we serve.” Graham Jukes, Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, 2011

32. Professional bodies “It provides a clear, shared view of core regulatory skills and the specific knowledge underpinning the specific roles of regulatory officers. It is unique as the only resource which sets out a widely agreed set of core regulatory competences as well as learning resources to support continuous professional development.” Ron Gainsford, Chief Executive, Trading Standards Institute, 2011

33. 7 Next steps RDNA: over 3000 registered users at 330 local authorities (up to the end of 2013) GRIP: 4560 site visits and 17,400 page views during 2013 Approach will continue to be extended to other areas Continues to be a collaborative project involving all the key players

34. 8 Any questions? Further information: dennis.ager@brdo.bis.gsi.gov.uk 0121 345 1200 lynne.howard@brdo.bis.gsi.gov.uk 0121 345 1200 Competency home page: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/brdo-professional-development-and-culture-change-resources