Competency management involves a systematic process to ensure that the company has the necessary employees, with the right skills, knowledge and experience to ultimately deliver products and services that lead to a satisfied customer.
ISO standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 impose competency management requirements and provide guidelines to systematize and formalize the process.
What do competence requirements mean in practice?
ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 address competence in clause 7.2. The knowledge needed depends on the task and the consequences of a mistake. Someone inspecting a delivery needs to judge whether it can be used; someone handling chemicals needs to understand the environmental and occupational health and safety risks associated with the task.
Start by describing what the person needs to perform and assess independently. Compare that with their experience, training and how they actually carry out the task. Where there is a gap, arrange a suitable way to obtain the competence. That could involve supervision, practice, changing the allocation of work or bringing in someone with the right knowledge. A course is one option, not always the solution.
After taking action, you need to assess whether it worked. Our advice is to ask the person to show how they perform the task or explain how to detect a relevant fault. An attendance certificate shows that someone attended training but says less about their ability to perform the task. Keep evidence that explains the competence assessment, such as a recorded practical check. The standards require evidence of competence but do not prescribe one particular competence matrix or the same development plan for everyone.
Steps to establish effective skills management
- Competency Matrix and Needs Analysis: A competency matrix combined with a needs analysis helps to map and analyze current and future skills needs.
- Individual development plans: These ensure that employee development is aligned with both personal career goals and the needs of the organization.
- Regular evaluation and continuous improvement: Through employee conversations and feedback, you stay in line with the continuous improvement process.
- Integration with HR processes and management involvement: Competency management should be integrated into all HR processes and have strong support from management to deliver impact.
Closing and Call to Action
Investing in skills management is essential to be able to conduct business efficiently and to strengthen the company’s position in the market. By following the guidelines of ISO standards and adapting them to the context of your organization, you can create a strong foundation for reducing risk, increasing efficiency and overall a better business.
Are you ready to take your company’s skills management to the next level? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you establish skills management that drives success.
