Our Organisational Development team addressed recruitment challenges and pay inconsistencies in a hard to recruit professional group by developing a national library of standardised job descriptions, improving recruitment efficiency and workforce retention.

Background

Recruitment and retention challenges in a hard to recruit professional group within health and social care were exacerbated by inconsistent job descriptions and grading disparities across the NHS. The absence of evaluated job descriptions led to poor recruitment outcomes, inefficiencies in job matching, and pay inequities, increasing the risk of equal pay claims. To address this, a national improvement programme was developed, with one of its eight work streams focused on system workforce.

Action

Using our expertise in the NHS Job Evaluation scheme, we:

• Conducted desktop research on advertised roles within and outside the NHS, alongside client-provided job descriptions.

• Reviewed existing job evaluation processes and profiles used within the profession.

• Mapped key competencies across different role levels using the governance competency framework.

• Developed standardised job descriptions for roles spanning bands 5 to 8c, covering both operational and governance roles.

• Engaged professional stakeholder groups to validate and refine job descriptions.

• Conducted job matching in line with the agenda for change guidelines.

• Created “effort and environment” factor sheets to ensure job descriptions accurately reflected role demands.

• Developed guidance materials and an accessible job description library to support ongoing use.

Impact

The development of standardised job descriptions has led to:

• Easier job description development, reducing administrative burden.

• More efficient job matching, ensuring fair and consistent grading.

• Streamlined recruitment processes, improving efficiency across the NHS.

• Better recruitment outcomes, helping address workforce shortages.

• Pay equity across NHS roles, mitigating the risk of equal pay claims.

• Greater job transparency, supporting retention by providing clear career pathways.

Feedback

“Thank you for your work on the job description library. The lead in NHS England spoke very highly of your work and was over the moon with what you achieved.” Programme Director

For more information

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