Professional Competency
An ongoing collaborative project is introducing common regulatory competence standards for the professionals undertaking local regulation. The work is being led by LBRO in partnership with the World Class Coalition, which comprises 18 professional and representative bodies, including national regulators. The overall approach to competency is closely linked with the relevant qualifications frameworks provided by the professional bodies - including the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and the Trading Standards Institute - and supported by the key players in the local and national regulatory landscape, giving transparency and confidence to all.
The first competency frameworks were launched in November 2011 and continue to evolve, shaped by users and stakeholders. The aim is to ensure that the needs of regulators in local authorities and elsewhere are identified and addressed:
- through self-assessment;
- via simple, flexible and user friendly web-based tools that can be used in conjunction with existing approaches;
- with access to innovative and cost-effective solutions for meeting development needs; and
- as an integral part of continuous professional development.
The overall approach to competency has already proved rigorous and flexible. It has been used successfully since 2009 by the Health and Safety Executive and health and safety regulators at most local authorities in Great Britain. Its key features are:
- core, generic regulatory skills and leadership skills sections;
- technical knowledge sections, specific to areas of regulation;
- the Regulators' Development Needs Analysis (RDNA) self-assessment tool;
- the Guidance for Regulators - Information Point (GRIP), designed to help meet development needs identified; and
- a development process for regulators and managers.
Further information is provided in the documents below:
World Class Coalition support for ground-breaking project
Project Overview: Common Approach to Competency for Regulators
RDNA Self-Assessment Tool User Guide (updated 30/11/11)Competency Process (An overview of how to make the most of personal development activities through the use of a learning log.)
Learning Log Template (Referenced in the competency process document.)
Competency Presentation (An overview of the common approach to competency for regulators delivered to local authorities.)
Click on the logos below to access the RDNA self-assessment tool and GRIP:
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and Trading Standards Institute support RDNA and GRIP. One hour of core CPD is available for the self- assessment process since it encompasses a reflective review of a member's professional development. CPD hours are also available in respect of activities undertaken to address identified development needs where a personal development plan is produced.
We welcome your views on the common approach to competency for regulators.
Please provide your feedback on any aspect of the system to lynne.howard@lbro.org.uk or speak to a member of the team on 0121 226 4000.
If you would like any support in using the RDNA self-assessment tool, or experience any problems using it, please email RDNAsupport@lbro.org.uk