The process of becoming an SCQF Inclusive Recruiter is simple and our support is free.
The qualifications landscape in Scotland has changed significantly over the last decade. The SCQF is Scotland's national qualifications framework and provides a way of recognising, describing and comparing the difficulty and notional time taken to achieve of a whole range of qualifications and learning programmes. In addition to mainstream qualifications, the SCQF also contains vocational and skills-based qualifications, and learning programmes developed and delivered in the workplace or community.
How does SCQF Inclusive Recruiter Work?
The aim of SCQF Inclusive Recruiter is to help employers understand that many different qualifications have the same worth and to encourage the use of SCQF Levels in the recruitment process to offer clarity around skills and experience.
In this challenging climate it’s even more important to put the right person with the right skills in the right job.
93% of qualifications on the SCQF at Level 6 are NOT Highers
Why should SCQF levels be included in recruitment?
When recruiting staff, how you specify the level of skill or competence that you need applicants to have is important. Job adverts often ask for applicants to have a 'degree or equivalent', or a specific number of Highers or equivalent. Understanding what that ‘equivalent’ might be is essential to maximising the range and diversity of potential applicants. For example, a Higher sits at level 6 on the SCQF, however 93% of qualifications at level 6 on the SCQF are not Highers. By using the SCQF levels in your recruitment processes instead of specific qualifications, you can significantly widen your pool of applicants, who may have a variety of qualifications or skills and experience at the required level, ensuring that employers get the best range of suitable candidates for their roles.
Example
Using SCQF Level 9 as a requirement rather than 'Degree or Equivalent' offers clarity around the skills and experience required to do the job and opens up the application process to a wider group.
Qualifications recognised at SCQF Level 9 include:
Professional Development Awards
Bachelors/Ordinary Degree
Graduate Diploma
Graduate Certificate
Graduate Apprenticeship
Technical Apprenticeship
SVQ
Skills and Experience at SCQF Level 9
To find out what skills and experience would suggest someone is working at SCQF level 9 (even if they do not hold a qualification at this level) have a look at our Know Your Level – Job Roles tool.
Benefits to Employers:
Access to a diverse talent pool
Confidence that you can satisfy your skills needs
Bring new skills and knowledge into your business
A better understanding of the broad range of Scottish qualifications and how they compare
Compliance with government policy e.g 2010 Equality Act
Benefits to Individuals:
A clearer understanding of the skills required for the job
Confidence that you have the skills to make a successful application (saving time when searching vacancies)
Confidence that you can meet employer expectations
Assurance that the employer has up-to-date knowledge of qualifications
Recognition by the employer of a range of relevant qualifications, both academic and vocational
We are building a library of case studies from our Inclusive Recruiters - view our collection to date.
Inclusive Recruiter Wall
See what organisations have already made the commitment to use SCQF Levels in the Recruitment Process.
The Process
The process of becoming an SCQF Inclusive Recruiter is simple and does not cost anything. Firstly we will talk you through how to properly level your job roles and help you find the best wording to use in recruitment materials. Upon completion of a Memorandum of Understanding all staff involved in the recruitment process will receive access to some short online training. This includes:
- an introduction to the SCQF
- an understanding of the broad range of qualifications on the Framework
- how to level your existing job descriptions
- an overview of SCQF resources and tools
In addition, you will receive materials that will enable you to display the SCQF Inclusive Recruiter logo on your website, job adverts, and applications, letterheads and anywhere else you deem appropriate.
Simply complete the form below, or contact us on info@scqf.org.uk, or give us a call on 0141 225 2922
Sign up for our Newsletter for Employers
Sign up to our quarterly e-zine for employers and receive updates direct to you inbox on how the SCQF can support your business.