The positive indicators are intended for use as a guide only and are not exhaustive. Not all indicators will be applicable to all roles within a grade and in some cases may be appropriate to a greater or lesser degree.
Level A
Demonstrates a willingness to take difficult strategic decisions and an ability to resolve complex problems. Provides direction on how to manage conflicting priorities and tensions.
Positive indicators
- Makes decisions by logically evaluating all relevant factors and applying a range of analytical techniques.
- Gathers information and ideas from external sources to benefit the University.
- Considers the impact on the University as a whole when taking difficult decisions.
- Sets stretching performance standards and measures which align with strategic objectives.
- Creates a performance culture in which activity is continuously reviewed and improved.
- Takes ownership for the work within the institution to deliver on time, within budget and agreed quality standards.
- Provides assurance to the most senior members of the University on performance and achievement against the University's priorities.
- Analyses financial and statistical data to identify the University's strategic progress and priorities.
- Considers complex or conflicting data and different perspectives before making a decision on the way forward.
- Makes and sees through sensitive, unpopular or controversial decisions.
- Takes calculated risks and develops an approach for mitigating risk.
Level B
Identifies and manages important issues and problems effectively. Plans and monitors the work of others and takes accountability for their levels of performance and success.
Positive indicators
Some elements of the positive indicators may not apply to roles that do not have line management responsibility.
- Makes decisions following careful analysis of the issue and by challenging assumptions to ensure that information is accurate.
- Produces effective responses in difficult situations and resists pressure to make quick decisions where full consideration is needed.
- Develops strategies for overcoming barriers and seeks opportunities for early resolution of issues.
- Promotes the importance of identifying and managing risk.
- Sets clear goals and milestones, establishing importance and urgency.
- Provides clear direction and ensures that staff know what is expected of them.
- Demonstrates measurable individual and team progress against relevant institution goals.
- Identifies performance issues within area of responsibility and establishes interventions to ensure delivery to plan and targets.
Level C
Solves work-related problems effectively. Provides support and contributes to the performance of the institution. Manages own workload and, where applicable, the workload of others.
Positive indicators
- Systematically gathers information from a range of sources before reaching conclusions on necessary action.
- Checks consistency of information to ensure that it is correct and has not been misunderstood.
- Makes decisions using as much reliable information as possible.
- Conducts research to identify relevant facts that are not immediately available and gathers different versions of events to build a full picture.
- Identifies elements of a problem that can and cannot be changed.
- Refers to policies and procedures as necessary before taking action.
- Shows an ability to identify risk and consider its potential impact on the University.
- Is willing to take on responsibility to overcome obstacles and ensure delivery of targets.
- Takes responsibility for own performance and their contribution to team achievement.
Level D
Gathers information to understand problems and issues, making recommendations and/or taking action as appropriate. Manages own workload effectively.
Positive indicators
- Takes in information quickly and accurately.
- Identifies where to get information when trying to solve a problem.
- Gathers sufficient information to understand issues fully, and consults those with relevant knowledge.
- Reviews all the information gathered to understand the situation and draw logical conclusions.
- Is confident to use initiative where appropriate.
- Resolves issues at an early stage before they become significant.
- Remains impartial and avoids making assumptions.
- Contributes effectively to institutional performance.
- Acts positively and with determination when under pressure.