What happened in the job matching exercise?

The very first stage of the framework agreement project, the job evaluation benchmark exercise, took place between September 2004 and April 2005. In line with the agreement, the University selected a single job evaluation scheme, Hay, to evaluate a representative sample of around 250 jobs from across the University.

The benchmark exercise showed how different jobs within the University compare to one another, and has been used to develop detailed 'grade descriptors' for each of the grades on the new structure. These describe, in general terms, the level of activities, responsibilities and skills required at each grade level.

These grade descriptors were used on the second phase of the job evaluation project, which looked at all remaining jobs at the University. This was done by job matching.

What is job matching?

The purpose of job matching was to 'match' individual jobs into the new grading structure.

Every individual not involved in the benchmark exercise had to complete a brief role description form. Once this was been agreed by the line manager, it was looked at by a matching panel to see if it could be 'matched' against one of the role descriptors developed as part of the benchmark exercise.

If a match could not be found, the job was referred to a full Hay Evaluation Panel.

The details of the job matching exercise were developed in close consultation with trade unions following two pilot exercises, and trade union representatives were fully involved in the job matching process. Academic (teaching and research) roles were being handled separately.