COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK Trainee Actuary /Actuarial Technician / HEO / SEO Is committed to GAD s organisational values and ensures they are reflected in all undertakings Is solution focused Adopts a flexible management style Persuades as well as informs Involves subordinates when making decisions Coaches and mentors Delegates projects which are interesting and challenging Is available to provide help and support to subordinates Is approachable and open to suggestions Liaises with Senior Management about progress and foreseeable challenges Fosters a culture promoting equality and diversity Acts with honesty and integrity LEADERSHIP Leading by example Fails to lead by example Counts on others to make important decisions Does not praise and motivate subordinates Does not provide a direction in moments of uncertainty Fails to consider the business in a holistic manner Avoids difficult issues and does not defuse conflict Does not notice the emergence of a counter culture within the team or fails to deal with it in an appropriate manner 1 Competency Framework Trainee Actuary / Actuarial Technician/ HEO / SEO
WORKING WITH OTHERS Promoting team work and enhancing team spirit Assists and promotes interpersonal and professional development of all subordinates by means of delegating interesting projects Provides advice, guidance, mentoring and coaching as and when the need arises Meets the standards of behaviours they set for others Behaves towards others with fairness and empathy Provides regular constructive feedback Looks for opportunities to collaborate with colleagues within and in other parts of the Department Readily shares ideas and information with others Is proactive in helping other team members reach their full potential Ensures that communication flows intra and interdepartment by setting up meetings or sending out e mails/newsletter Promptly addresses performance issues/problem behaviours Sees that all employees are treated and rewarded fairly and equally Fails to nurture prolific relationships with colleagues and clients Takes decisions in isolation and fails to consider the wider context or need to consult affected parties Does not take full responsibility for the action of team members Lacks flexibility when trying to accommodate others needs Is vague about reasons for decisions Puts unnecessary pressure on subordinates to meet business objectives Construes feedback and divergent opinions as personal criticism Is not perceived by others as doing their own share of work Blames others instead of looking for a solution 2 Competency Framework Trainee Actuary / Actuarial Technician/ HEO / SEO
DELIVERY Ensuring organisational objectives translate into best practice delivery Ensures that work is being delivered in accordance with the values and ethos of the company and in ways that promote diversity and equality Understands and applies GAD s personnel and financial systems and procedures Meets and liaises with internal and external clients to develop a clear understanding of their requirements and the logistical details of the service delivery Adopts an analytical and forward looking approach when translating clients requirements into an action plan Persuades as well as informs Produces written reports and oral presentations as required Regularly reviews progress and keeps clients/colleagues informed Sets clear targets and agrees achievable delivery timescales with colleagues and clients Commits to delivery regardless of impact on self or the team Does not tailor their message to suit the needs of their audience Poorly manages projects including resources, budget and timescales Fails to liaise with clients to ensure their needs are understood and met efficiently Fails to anticipate challenges and/or tackle problems at an early stage Does not notice an emotional strain on the team and/or to take measures to reduce/prevent it Willing to do anything to benefit own interests Doesn t remain calm, polite and tactful when under pressure or when dealing with confrontation Doesn t challenge unfair or discriminatory behaviour 3 Competency Framework Trainee Actuary / Actuarial Technician/ HEO / SEO
CAREER DEVELOPMENT Developing and Applying professional skills and knowledge Identifies (with line manager) own learning and development needs and agrees actions for having those needs met Takes a proactive approach to keep up to date with knowledge and best practice in their own field by attending the appropriate conferences, training and other CPD courses Identifies key stakeholders, gains their confidence and support and actively maintains long term business relationships Explores new ways to learn and develop, including learning from others Is aware of and makes the best of the balance of skills and experience in the team Is willing to release team members for secondment, shadowing, etc. opportunities Promotes developments in own profession through persuasively argued discussions, presentations and papers Coaches and mentors people both in and beyond the immediate team Gives unclear or contradictory specialist advice Is oblivious to own strengths, weaknesses and motivations Declines or rejects valid opportunities for self or others to work outside of professional area Does not readily accept or give feedback on development needs Fails to develop skills beyond those needed for core activities Does not promote professionalism in their area of work. Disregards advice from more senior team members 4 Competency Framework Trainee Actuary / Actuarial Technician/ HEO / SEO
CLIENT SERVICE Achieving value for money and results EFFECTIVE BEHAVIOUR Prioritises work to deliver to time, budget and agreed quality standards Takes personal responsibility for management of own project(s) Agrees realistic and achievable objectives with people, then allows them to get on with the task, providing support when needed Takes personal responsibility for the accuracy of the work issued to clients Takes steps to ensure improvements in the quality of work Applies experience in a practical way to achieve results Puts internal/external customers needs first Is orientated towards the achievement of work goals and is not easily side tracked Keeps up to date with developments in procedures and practice that affect own area of work Seeks continuously to improve performance of self and others in team Thinks on their feet and can respond to unexpected questions coherently and effectively Acts in a professional manner so as to ensure that all work performed complies with the requirements of the actuarial profession s standards, technical and practice notes issued by GAD, regulatory guidance and meets the requirements on professionalism as set out in the staff handbook. INEFFECTIVE BEHAVIOUR Does not manage own time, prioritise or delegate effectively to achieve results Does not maintain a regular contact in person with clients on progresses and foreseeable challenges Is reluctant to deal with higher profile/riskier tasks Is risk adverse and resistant to change Concentrates on the quality of the process above the quality of the results Is unable to see beyond the immediate circumstances Does not get to the root of problems quickly Puts own concerns before those of customers or colleagues 5 Competency Framework Trainee Actuary / Actuarial Technician/ HEO / SEO
SKILLS COMPETENCE Develops an understanding of the wider context in at least one special field (e.g. public sector pensions, pensions policy, insurance, social security, demography, health, investment, risk) Gets acquainted with at least two other areas Develops a non technical expertise (e.g. sales, marketing, member of Institute Council, press relations, knowledge of Civil Service, employee motivation) Is able to complete GAD s exam hurdles within the agreed timeframe (not applicable to Actuarial Technicians) Develops IT skills to allow the use of up to date software Defines calculations and develops an understanding of their context in final advice Drafts written material based on sound evidence under instruction and works towards an understanding of the end product Delivers written material in area(s) where competent subject to internal peer review Proactively seeks guidance and review of material as and when required Fails to provide effective support to junior staff on bulk/individual calculations (Senior trainees only) Does not strive for accuracy/ has a poor attention to detail Does not seek support/input from more senior staff on larger/higher risk case or cases outside area of competence Advises/ acts as signatory outside area of competence without further recourse to more senior colleagues Does not represent GAD externally effectively in client contacts Poorly manages own objectives/projects including resources, budget and timeframe Is not proactive towards own CPD and other development needs 6 Competency Framework Trainee Actuary / Actuarial Technician/ HEO / SEO
BEING PROFESSIONAL Takes a professional approach to work and client service EFFECTIVE BEHAVIOUR Understands the team s goals and organisational priorities Thinks clearly and is able to work though unusual situations Values the working benefits offered by GAD and does not abuse them Takes account of the wider needs of the team when making a decision Ensures own contribution adds value and does not duplicate others effort Knows when it is not for them to make a decision Listens carefully and asks relevant questions to check understanding Passes on important information to all concerned promptly and clearly Communicates own point of view clearly and confidently. Is professional when making contact with clients under instruction and representing GAD in any other client contact Acts in a professional manner so as to ensure that all work performed complies with the requirements of the actuarial profession s standards, technical and practice notes issued by GAD, regulatory guidance and meets the requirements on professionalism as set out in the staff handbook. Complies with policies and protective procedures relating to all elements of security, including personnel, information, data and physical security, and takes steps to improve their understanding of security issues. INEFFECTIVE BEHAVIOUR Works only from own perspective or assumptions Focuses solely on the detail Comes in late and/or works less hours than supposed to do Is not concerned by the quality of own work produced Focuses on ideas and discussion at the expense of action Is not willing to learn from others Fails to consider the needs of the team Is uncomfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds 7 Competency Framework Trainee Actuary / Actuarial Technician/ HEO / SEO
8 Competency Framework Trainee Actuary / Actuarial Technician/ HEO / SEO