Human Resources

Competency Frameworks Design and Implementation

Competency frameworks describe the skills and behaviours that drive performance and underpin recruitment, development and promotion. This course explains how to design technical and behavioural competency frameworks, define proficiency levels, validate them with stakeholders and embed them in HR processes.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

A good framework creates a common language for talent; a poor one becomes a forgotten document. You will learn to build frameworks that people use.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Framework design workshops, behavioural indicator writing, validation exercises and integration planning.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain uses of competency frameworks
Identify core, leadership and technical competencies
Define proficiency levels and behavioural indicators
Validate frameworks with stakeholders
Embed competencies in HR processes
Maintain and update frameworks

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

HR and talent professionals
Learning and development managers
Organisational development specialists
Recruitment managers
Line managers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Framework design
Behavioural indicators
Stakeholder validation
HR integration
Governance

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Competency Foundations

09:00–10:08What competencies are
10:08–11:00Uses in HR
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Uses in HR (continued)
11:45–12:53Framework types
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Identifying Competencies

09:00–10:08Job analysis
10:08–11:00Critical incident techniques
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Critical incident techniques (continued)
11:45–12:53Stakeholder input
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Levels and Indicators

09:00–10:08Proficiency scales
10:08–11:00Writing indicators
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Writing indicators (continued)
11:45–12:53Avoiding overlap
12:53–14:00Practice

Day 4Validation

09:00–10:08Testing with managers
10:08–11:00Pilots
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Pilots (continued)
11:45–12:53Refinement
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 5Embedding

09:00–10:08Recruitment and assessment
10:08–11:00Development and promotion
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Development and promotion (continued)
11:45–12:53Maintenance
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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