The ASSESS stage in workforce development helps your workforce to do the job right (efficiency) and to do the right job (effectiveness). This stage relates directly to Themes 1, 2 and 3 in the Workforce Strategy journey.

ASSESS in the Workforce Development cycle
In the DEFINE stage in the cycle you looked at all aspects of your workforce, considering the range of occupations represented by the people you are responsible for as an employer (i.e. everyone from cleaners to principals).

The ASSESS stage focuses on staff directly concerned with learning and teaching and whose Sector Skills Council is LLUK. A clear picture of these staff will show their current skills, knowledge and attitudes, and will not only highlight gaps to be filled through staffing strategies and actions but will also help you plan future recruitment.

Starting to assess the development needs of your organisation’s workforce
In the ASSESS stage you audit, understand, forecast and plan to prepare for the next stage, DESIGN. You aim to:

• audit by gathering data on the skills and knowledge of your workforce
• understand the detailed requirements specific to subject areas or roles in the sector
• forecast priorities for current and future work
• plan approaches to workforce development that will best meet your priorities.

Quick tip
Use an Organisational Needs Analysis (ONA) or Training Needs Analysis (TNA). The Third Sector Skills Council offers a sample TNA that you could adapt.

When you have assessed your organisation’s needs, go to the DESIGN stage in the cycle.