I wanted to write to you to give you an update on where we are with the Skills Matrix. I am very pleased to share that after our consultation, 2 webinars and session at IRMS Conference we have received a lot of positive feedback and engagement on the matrix. There is definitely a lot of interest in it and the buzz is building. However, we shall not get ahead ourselves so we have been reflecting on the feedback we received and I wanted to share some of it with you as we move to the next phase.
Below are the questions we asked and some of the responses we received with some added comments from us as to what we are planning to do with the feedback, or have already actioned!
From the materials both at www.irms.org.uk/skillsmatrix and on the introduction page on the matrix, is it clear how you can use the matrix for your own personal development?
95% said it is clear
5% said it is sort of clear
Further comms and training will therefore be developed for members and a year-round comms plan for how the matrix is growing and how it can be used to support your learning and development.
One of the purposes of the Society is to support the professional development of it's members. We see this as being one of the ways to do that, and eventually develop further training and opportunities off of the back of this if it is successful. However, as a member of the Society, do you agree that the IRMS should have and maintain such a skills matrix?
95% agreed
5% neither agreed nor disagreed
A business case is therefore being put to the Trustees for them to approve publication of version 1.0 and to develop a working group to help develop the matrix further. We are hoping (assuming it is approved of course) to be published in September and recruitment for volunteers in the working group around the same time.
Looking at the Matrix itself, do you agree with the main categories or headers that we have divided the individual skills into?
95% agreed and provided some feedback on minor edits to the categories, specifically about having dedicated tabs for Information Security and Data Management. This has been changed and the tabs will then be developed as part of the development plan for the matrix.
We also received feedback on comparing the levels to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (and similar frameworks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland). This has been added to the development plan to research further and see how this can be incorporated and sustained.
Looking at just the Soft Skills Tab, what feedback (if any) do you have for the skills listed here? Do you feel any are missing that you would like to see? Please remember that it is not practical to list every single possible soft skill, so we have limited it to just those that relate to the other areas. If you feel any are missing, please outline what these are for consideration.
All responses were positive with some minor suggestions for edits to soft skills.
Either on a specific skill or in general, what are your thoughts on the levels outlined and the 'demonstratable actions' for each one?
All responses were positive with some minor suggestions including changing ‘none’ level to ‘entry’ and adding in examples in each area as the tool develops. The title has been changed and the examples has been added to the development plan for the matrix.
Looking at just the Records Management Tab, what feedback (if any) do you have for the skills listed here?
All responses were positive with some minor suggestions including adding in a skill around supporting users of RM software. This will be added to the development plan for the Matrix.
Looking at just the Information Management Tab, what feedback (if any) do you have for the skills listed here?
All responses were positive with some suggested edits to terms used, bringing in elements of AI and having a separate tab for Data Management. Various edits have therefore been made and the elements of AI and Data Management are on the development plan for the matrix.
Looking at just the Information Law Tab, what feedback (if any) do you have for the skills listed here?
All responses were positive with some feedback on the title and what to include. Overall members supported the title of Information Law (Governance) however there was a clear need for ‘Governance’ skills. It has therefore been added to the development plan to see if ‘Governance’ as a skill covering all areas needs it own tab or is listed as a soft skill.
Looking at just the Knowledge Management Tab, what feedback (if any) do you have for the skills listed here?
All responses were positive, including an additional comment around highlighting knowledge management as a key element of organisational change. This has been added to the development plan as to how and if the skills matrix can accommodate this good point.
Either in this form or in a form that you or your organisation builds a personal development framework on, do you believe this is a 'wireframe' framework that you can use to write and manage your professional development?
100% of respondents said yes.
Some additional comments provided included:
Thank you to all those that have contributed to the development of the matrix to date! We have a wealth of feedback to look at as part of the Matrix’s development, with more to come I suspect! Keep an eye out for news of our next stage and how you can get involved in this exciting initiative!
All the best,
Scott Sammons
Chair, Accreditation & Fellowship Subcommittee
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