Job evaluation training
In line with the national NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook, every job evaluation practitioner is required to be up to date on current practices, before they take part in local panels/processes (including consistency checking).
NHS Employers offers four different practical training courses for prospective and experienced practitioners in England. All courses are delivered in partnership by experienced Job Evaluation Group (JEG) approved trainers and all courses use training materials endorsed by the NHS Staff Council. Please note: If you are from an employing organisation in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland you should contact your relevant national job evaluation lead for information on local processes and job evaluation training.
The courses should be completed in order, as the second, third and fourth courses require attendees to have a level of experience in job matching.
We can run all of our courses in one of two ways:
- Centralised courses - The centralised training offer is available for individual bookings or organisations that have fewer than 12 members of staff in need of training. These courses are usually run online, with sessions available throughout the year.
- Commissioned courses - Employers can ask us to deliver training for their organisation. Courses are usually run online, but can be delivered in-person should the commissioning organisation be able to provide suitable accommodation. Where organisations don't have enough staff to fill a course, they may wish to speak to neighbouring organisations and commission it jointly.
Our training courses:
- Stage 1 - Job matching course
- Stage 2 - Consistency checking
- Stage 3 - Job analysis and job evaluation
- Stage 4 - Refresher training
Why choose the NHS Staff Council training?
The benefits of choosing NHS Staff Council training, rather than training from other providers, for your organisation are set out below:
- It is the only training that is endorsed by the NHS Staff Council.
- Our trainers receive ongoing support and development updates, including on the work of NHS Staff Council and the Job Evaluation Group.
- Training courses are guaranteed to be delivered in partnership.
- The training materials are regularly updated in line with changes in the NHS.
- All trainers give a commitment to uphold the integrity of the NHS Job Evaluation Scheme.
What to expect
Our training is designed to prepare participants to undertake NHS job matching and job evaluation activities in partnership and in accordance with the requirements of the NHS Job Evaluation Scheme. The programme is practical, interactive and collaborative, reflecting the real-life demands of participation in matching and evaluation panels.
The course is designed to be delivered either in person or virtually using Microsoft Teams and/or Zoom. Depending on the course you choose, it runs over one or two full days.
Participants should be aware that the course involves sustained concentration, active participation and significant group discussion throughout.
During any of our courses you will be required to:
- participate in small group exercises, which make up approximately 60 per cent of the programme
- work collaboratively with other participants to analyse job information and reach consensus decisions
- use multiple digital platforms, including Microsoft Teams/Zoom, Excel and Padlet
- review and compare information across several documents and browser tabs simultaneously
- read and apply guidance from the NHS Job Evaluation Handbook, which is detailed and information rich
- analyse lengthy pieces of written evidence, including job descriptions and person specifications
- identify where evidence is incomplete, unclear or insufficient and determine what further information would be needed
- listen carefully to others' viewpoints and contribute constructively to group discussion and debate
- apply structured decision-making processes while working within agreed timescales.
Attending an online course
Our online courses also requires a reasonable level of digital confidence, as participants need to move between different systems, documents and collaborative workspaces throughout the programme.
Many participants find it helpful to use multiple screens or monitors when attending the training, as this makes it easier to access several documents and systems at the same time.
Prior to the course, we strongly advise that core materials such as the Job Evaluation Handbook and the participant manual are printed ahead of course commencement. Participants may like to spend time reading these documents, particularly the participants manual beforehand to help prepare for the training.
Attending an in-person course
Participants will be required to work in groups – simulating the job evaluation panel experience. This will require small group discussion, sharing of views and consensus decision making.
Training days usually run from 9.30am to 5pm with breaks.
As with the online courses we strongly advise that core materials such as the Job Evaluation Handbook and the participant manual are printed and made available to attendees ahead of course commencement.
Whilst all our training is designed to be supportive and inclusive, it is important that prospective participants understand that job evaluation work involves interpreting complex information, maintaining concentration for extended periods and participating actively in group discussion and decision-making. These requirements are fundamental to upholding the integrity of the scheme.
