On a regular basis RPD verifies and audits many competence management systems and it is frustrating to see how much time and effort is placed on the input and output of information, rather than getting on with their core role.

It is clear that either database or human resource experts or in some cases knowledgeable IT-savy individuals have developed a database.  The problem is they often only see things from their perspective and so what may work for managers does not work for assessors or vice-versa.

As a result RPD, in conjunction with a specialist database developer, are in the process of developing a small and uncluttered web-based competence management database that will work for both managers and assessor alike – consciously leaving out many of the peripheral bells and whistles that hinder a database from being effective and efficient to use.

Assessment records will be able to be completed in minutes wherever there is an internet connection and managers will be able to review individual or global progress in real time at the touch of a button, making verification and audit take just minutes rather than days.

Once beta testing and reporting have been proven, we will be offering a number of cost effective ways for organisations to benefit from it.  This will include a licence to operate from a secure server or to purchase the database outright for use on in-company server. 

RPD’s Paul Durrant says “In this current financially tight climate, freeing up management time and resource makes running the organisation cheaper. We will ensure options for owning, using and adapting the database are very relevant and extremely cost effective”.

We expect to have packages available within weeks.  Organisations interested in this database to use for a 6 month free period should contact Paul Durrant pd@rpd.co.uk for more information.