Skills

The framework has two skill layers. The 356 constructs are the unit of measurement: behavioural anchors, an assessment method and an hrmforce instrument attach there. The 3068 granular skills beneath them are the search layer and inherit that assessment route.

For example account manager, community nurse, pivot tables or stress tolerance

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D1 Cognitive ability and problem solving 28 measurable constructs 220 skills

Brings together the thinking side of work, namely the abilities to process information, the skills to analyse, decide and innovate, and the behaviour that makes careful thinking visible.

D1.1 Cognitive capacity

Covers relatively stable thinking capacities measured with tests, such as reasoning with language, numbers and figures, processing speed, working memory and spatial imagination.

• A Verbal reasoning 5
• A Numerical reasoning 5
• A Abstract and figural reasoning 5
• A Processing speed 4
• A Working memory 5
• A Spatial ability 5

D1.2 Analysis and judgement

Contains the skills and behaviour with which someone dissects problems, evaluates information and sources and reaches a substantiated judgement when data are incomplete.

• V Problem analysis 10
• V Information gathering and filtering 10
• G Judgement under uncertainty 8
• V Critical thinking and source evaluation 10
• V Quantitative interpretation 9

D1.3 Conceptual and systems thinking

Contains thinking at a general level, including seeing coherence, describing systems and models and exploring several futures before a solution direction is chosen.

• G Conceptual thinking 8
• V Systems thinking 9
• V Modelling and abstraction 9
• V Scenario thinking and futures literacy 9

D1.4 Decision making

Contains the process of choosing, including weighing options, estimating risks, using evidence and taking and justifying a decision within the time available.

• G Decisiveness 7
• V Prioritising and weighing options 9
• V Risk assessment 10
• V Evidence-based decision making 8

D1.5 Creativity and innovation

Contains generating ideas and making them usable, from reframing the problem to introducing an innovation that actually works.

• G Creative thinking 7
• V Idea generation 9
• G Innovation capability 8
• V Design thinking 9
• V Problem reframing 7

D1.6 Accuracy and quality of thinking

Contains the care taken in thinking work, including working accurately, testing quality, proceeding methodically and examining one's own thinking errors.

• G Accuracy and attention to detail 8
• V Quality control 10
• V Methodical working 9
• V Reflecting on own thinking errors 8

D2 Communication and influence 30 measurable constructs 252 skills

Groups the skills for conveying information orally, in writing and visually, aligning meaning with others, and influencing decisions and behaviour through both content and relationship.

D2.1 Oral communication

Covers conveying and gathering information in spoken form, from one to one dialogue to presentation, including listening, probing questions and aligning nonverbal behaviour.

• V Clear oral expression 8
• V Conversation management 10
• V Presenting 10
• G Listening and probing 8
• G Nonverbal attunement 6

D2.2 Written communication

Covers structuring, phrasing and editing texts, reports and visual displays so that a defined audience understands the message correctly without further explanation.

• V Written expression 9
• V Business reporting 10
• V Editing and plain language 9
• V Visual communication and data storytelling 9
• V Correspondence and record keeping 9

D2.3 Influencing and persuasion

Covers gaining agreement and movement from others through argument, negotiation and advice, and through deliberate handling of interests and relationships in the wider environment.

• G Persuasiveness 8
• V Negotiating 10
• V Advisory skill 9
• V Reasoning and handling resistance 8
• V Stakeholder management 8

D2.4 Intercultural and language communication

Covers operating in more than one language at professional level and adjusting communication to cultural differences in norms, social conventions and the way meaning is given.

• K Dutch language proficiency at professional level 8
• K English language proficiency at professional level 8
• K Additional modern foreign language 6
• V Intercultural communication 8

D2.5 Client and service communication

Covers contact with clients and users aimed at uncovering their request, keeping agreements made and restoring trust after dissatisfaction.

• G Client focus 7
• V Complaint handling 9
• V Expectation management 7
• V Service calls and telephone contact 9
• V Written client communication 9
• G Empathy in service delivery 6

D2.6 Communication in the public domain

Covers communication to larger groups inside and outside the organisation through media, internal channels, content and narrative, with attention to public perception and reputation.

• V Media relations and spokesmanship 8
• V Internal and change communication 9
• V Content creation for target audiences 10
• T Social media communication 9
• V Storytelling 8

D3 Collaboration and interpersonal effectiveness 28 measurable constructs 215 skills

Behaviour and skills used to achieve results with others, build relationships, handle tension, take a position and ensure that everyone can contribute on equal terms.

D3.1 Working together

Contributing to shared results by aligning work, sharing information, helping colleagues and keeping agreements, including at a distance and across professional disciplines.

• V working in teams 8
• V aligning and coordinating 8
• G collegiality and helpfulness 7
• V remote and hybrid collaboration 8
• V multidisciplinary collaboration 8

D3.2 Social sensitivity

Noticing signals from other people and from the organisation, interpreting their meaning and taking them into account in one's own behaviour and choices.

• G interpersonal sensitivity 7
• G empathy 7
• G organisational awareness 8
• G external awareness 8
• V social perspective taking 7

D3.3 Conflict and tension

Making differences of opinion and rising tension discussable, exchanging feedback and setting limits without damaging the working relationship.

• V conflict handling 8
• V giving feedback 8
• G receiving feedback 8
• V de-escalating and setting limits 8

D3.4 Taking a position

Taking and justifying a personal position, upholding agreements and standards, and handling interests and moral considerations at work with care.

• G assertiveness 8
• G independence 7
• G integrity and dependability 8
• V moral judgement 7
• V holding others to agreements 7

D3.5 Networking and relationship management

Building and maintaining contacts inside and outside the organisation and using them to obtain information, arrange cooperation and represent interests.

• V networking 8
• V relationship management 8
• V collaborating in chains and alliances 8
• V representing interests 7

D3.6 Inclusive collaboration

Working and communicating so that all participants have equal input and equal opportunity, differences in perspective are used, and the team reflects on its methods.

• V inclusive behaviour 8
• V working with difference and diversity of perspective 7
• V promoting psychological safety 8
• V accessible communication and working 8
• V facilitating team reflection 8

D4 Leadership and organising 36 measurable constructs 316 skills

Setting direction for people and resources, organising work, leading change and accounting for results, policy and personnel decisions within a team, department or organisation.

D4.1 Setting direction

Forming a picture of the future, translating it into strategy and goals, and explaining and sustaining the chosen course when circumstances work against it.

• G Developing vision 7
• V Strategic thinking 9
• V Translating direction into goals 10
• G Staying the course under pressure 6
• V Explaining and connecting organisational goals 7

D4.2 Managing people

Distributing and assigning work, giving room and boundaries, tracking progress and performance, holding conversations about performance and absence, and deciding on the deployment of people.

• G Directing and steering people 8
• V Delegating 7
• V Monitoring progress 9
• V Conducting performance conversations 9
• V Guiding absence and work ability 10
• G Taking difficult personnel decisions 8

D4.3 Developing people

Growing employees and teams by organising coaching, succession and onboarding, and by embedding a culture of learning and feedback in daily work.

• V Coaching 9
• V Talent development and succession 8
• V Guiding onboarding 9
• V Team development 9
• V Building a learning and feedback culture 7

D4.4 Organising and planning

Arranging work, people and resources so agreed results are achievable, through planning, projects, processes, collaboration across the value chain and management of priorities.

• V Planning and organising 10
• V Capacity and resource planning 9
• V Working in projects 11
• V Process management and optimisation 10
• V Organising value chain collaboration 7
• V Portfolio and priority management 8

D4.5 Changing and improving

Initiating and guiding change, making resistance discussable, improving processes step by step, redesigning the organisation and helping new technology take hold in practice.

• V Change management 10
• G Handling resistance to change 7
• V Continuous improvement 10
• V Organisational design 8
• V Guiding adoption of new technology 9

D4.6 Governing and accounting

Preparing and taking decisions in governing bodies, controlling rules and risks, managing budgets and explaining which choices were made to supervisory bodies and stakeholders.

• V Decision making in governing bodies 8
• K Governance and compliance 9
• V Risk management 9
• V Budget and financial accountability 10
• V Accounting to supervisors and stakeholders 8

D4.7 Personnel policy and employership

Planning and carrying out staff inflow, internal movement and outflow within employment law frameworks, and applying reward, job evaluation and selection carefully and traceably.

• V Workforce planning and strategic workforce planning 9
• K Applying basic employment law 12
• V Applying reward and job evaluation 9
• V Recruiting and selecting 11

D5 Self-management, drive and resilience 30 measurable constructs 226 skills

Covers the work behaviour through which someone organises own work, pursues results, handles pressure and change, knows own patterns and steers personal motivation and career.

D5.1 Self-direction and work organisation

Covers behaviour through which someone schedules and prioritises work without external steering, keeps commitments and holds attention on the agreed task.

• G Working independently 8
• V Time management and prioritising 9
• G Discipline and keeping commitments 8
• V Planning own work 8
• G Focus and attention regulation 8

D5.2 Result orientation and drive

Covers behaviour through which someone keeps goals sharp, starts on own accord, persists against resistance and takes responsibility for the outcome.

• G Result orientation 8
• G Perseverance 7
• G Taking initiative 8
• G Ambition and achievement drive 7
• G Demonstrating ownership 8

D5.3 Resilience and pressure regulation

Covers work behaviour through which someone keeps performing under pressure, resumes after setbacks, regulates emotions at work and keeps workload manageable.

• G Stress tolerance 8
• G Recovery after setbacks 7
• G Emotion regulation 7
• G Managing workload pressure 8
• G Mental toughness control 7
• G Mental toughness challenge 7

D5.4 Flexibility and dealing with uncertainty

Covers behaviour through which someone adjusts approach and role when circumstances shift, works on with incomplete information and improvises solutions within boundaries.

• G Flexibility 8
• G Dealing with ambiguity 7
• G Adapting to change 8
• G Switching between tasks and roles 7
• G Improvising within boundaries 7

D5.5 Self-awareness and professional identity

Covers behaviour through which someone names own strengths and limits, processes feedback, sets boundaries and presents professionally towards others.

• G Self-awareness 7
• G Self-confidence 7
• G Using feedback to sharpen self-image 8
• G Managing boundaries and energy 8
• G Professional demeanour and representation 7

D5.6 Motivation and career self-direction

Covers behaviour through which someone names and uses own drivers and work values, initiates career steps and shows engagement with work and organisation.

• G Leveraging intrinsic motivation 7
• V Taking career ownership 8
• V Articulating work values 7
• G Demonstrating engagement and commitment 7

D6 Learning capability and development 20 measurable constructs 151 skills

Covers the capacity and behaviour through which someone absorbs new knowledge and skills, keeps developing, helps others learn and uses learning resources including AI.

D6.1 Learning capacity and learning strategy

Covers the capacity to absorb new material and the behaviour through which someone learns purposefully, reflects, retains knowledge and turns errors into improvement.

• A Learning capability 6
• V Applying learning strategies 8
• V Transfer of learning to work 7
• V Reflecting on own practice 7
• V Retaining and applying knowledge 6
• V Learning from mistakes and incidents 7

D6.2 Self-development and career learning

Covers behaviour through which someone identifies own learning needs, sets and tracks development goals, stays curious and actively keeps the own profession up to date.

• G Self-development 7
• V Setting and tracking development goals 8
• V Recognising learning needs 6
• G Curiosity and exploring 6
• V Professional currency and specialist literature 8

D6.3 Sharing knowledge and developing others

Covers behaviour through which someone makes knowledge available, explains, guides colleagues at work, designs training and acts as a mentor over a longer period.

• V Sharing knowledge 9
• V Instructing and explaining 8
• V Guiding on the job 8
• V Designing training and instruction 11
• V Mentoring 6

D6.4 Learning in and with technology

Covers behaviour through which someone uses digital learning resources and AI to learn, evaluates the learning results and contributes to learning within the organisation.

• V Using digital learning and self study 9
• V Learning with AI assistance 9
• V Evaluating learning outcomes 8
• V Contributing to a learning organisation 7

D7 Digital, data and AI 48 measurable constructs 455 skills

Covers the knowledge and skills with which someone uses digital means, turns data into usable information, builds and manages software and infrastructure and applies AI responsibly.

D7.1 Basic digital skills

Covers daily use of digital devices, office applications, collaboration platforms and online information, including secure management of own accounts.

• V Working with digital devices and applications 8
• T Word processing and document management 9
• T Spreadsheets and worksheets 9
• T Using collaboration platforms 8
• V Searching and evaluating digital information 6
• V Digital identity and password hygiene 7

D7.2 Data analysis and interpretation

Covers preparing, analysing, visualising and interpreting data and reporting outcomes together with their uncertainty.

• V Data analysis 13
• K Basic statistical interpretation 11
• V Data visualisation 10
• V Assessing data quality 9
• V Reporting and dashboard building 11
• V Testing hypotheses 8
• V Psychometric analysis 10

D7.3 Data management and data governance

Covers modelling, storing, protecting and controlling data, including ownership, privacy, classification and retention periods.

• V Data modelling 9
• V Data management and storage 10
• V Data governance and ownership 8
• K GDPR and privacy in practice 9
• V Information security in the work process 8
• V Data classification and retention 8

D7.4 Software and development

Covers designing, building, integrating, testing and documenting software, with or without writing own program code.

• V Programming 14
• V Software design and architecture 10
• T Version control and collaboration workflow 10
• V Software testing and quality assurance 11
• V API integration 11
• V Building low code and no code solutions 11
• V Writing technical documentation 9

D7.5 Infrastructure and operations

Covers setting up and keeping running cloud environments, networks and systems, including monitoring, troubleshooting and rolling out versions.

• V Using cloud platforms 11
• K Basic networking knowledge 9
• V System administration and monitoring 13
• V Incident management and troubleshooting 10
• V Release management and deployment 9

D7.6 Cybersecurity

Covers recognising threats, analysing risks, developing securely, controlling access and acting on security incidents.

• K Information security awareness 10
• V Threat and risk analysis 9
• V Secure development 10
• V Access and identity management 9
• V Security incident response 10

D7.7 Artificial intelligence and automation

Covers understanding AI systems, delegating work to AI, verifying output, adopting applications and managing risk, bias and governance.

• K AI literacy 9
• V Prompting and task delegation to AI 12
• V Evaluating and verifying AI output 9
• K Machine learning fundamentals 9
• V Selecting and implementing AI applications 9
• V Process automation 9
• V AI governance and responsible use 8
• V Recognising AI risk and bias 7

D7.8 Digital transformation and information management

Covers directing digitalisation towards organisational goals and controlling applications, requirements and IT suppliers across their lifespan.

• V Digital strategy and transformation 9
• V Functional and application management 10
• V Defining and managing requirements 9
• V IT supplier and contract management 8

D8 Business operations, commerce and entrepreneurship 44 measurable constructs 415 skills

Brings together the work with which organisations create and sell value, namely serving customers and markets, managing money and resources, seizing opportunities and staying within law and regulation.

D8.1 Commercial capability

Covers finding, convincing and binding customers, from first approach and advisory conversation to negotiation, contract and control of the own sales pipeline.

• G Commercial capability 8
• V Acquisition and lead generation 12
• V Consultative selling 11
• V Account management 10
• V Price negotiation 9
• V Contracting and closing 9
• V Sales forecasting and pipeline management 11

D8.2 Market and customer

Covers reading the market, customer and competitor, choosing target groups and propositions and improving the customer journey, customer value and retention.

• G Market orientation 7
• V Market research and competitor analysis 11
• V Customer segmentation and targeting 9
• V Value proposition development 8
• V Improving customer journey and experience 10
• V Managing customer value and retention 10

D8.3 Marketing and brand

Covers planning and running marketing through content, advertising, brand and automation, and measuring the effect of that effort on leads and revenue.

• V Marketing strategy 9
• V Content marketing 12
• T Managing digital advertising campaigns 12
• V Applying brand positioning and visual identity 9
• V Marketing analytics and attribution 11
• T Email and marketing automation 10

D8.4 Financial management of the business

Covers understanding and controlling money flows, from budget, bookkeeping and invoicing to reading reports, investment analysis and main tax rules.

• K Financial awareness 9
• V Budgeting and cost control 10
• K Reading and interpreting financial reports 10
• V Business case and investment analysis 10
• V Basic bookkeeping 12
• V Invoicing and accounts receivable 10
• K Applying basic tax knowledge 10

D8.5 Entrepreneurship and value creation

Covers spotting and seizing opportunities, validating ideas, accepting entrepreneurial risk, mobilising resources and building business models.

• G Entrepreneurship 7
• G Spotting and seizing opportunities 6
• V Valuing and validating ideas 10
• G Taking entrepreneurial risk 5
• V Mobilising resources 9
• V Developing business models 10

D8.6 Procurement, supply chain and operations

Covers purchasing from suppliers, managing contracts, inventory and logistics, planning operational processes and safeguarding quality and service levels.

• V Purchasing and supplier selection 10
• V Contract management 9
• V Inventory and logistics management 11
• V Planning of operational processes 9
• V Applying a quality management system 10
• V Managing service levels and performance indicators 9

D8.7 Legal and compliance in business operations

Covers the legal and ethical frames of doing business, namely contracts, procurement, privacy, sector rules, code of conduct and liability with insurance.

• K Basic contract law knowledge 10
• K Applying procurement law 9
• K Complying with privacy and data protection 10
• K Complying with sector regulation 7
• G Applying the code of conduct 7
• K Insurance and liability awareness 8

D9 Professional knowledge domains 60 measurable constructs 568 skills

Covers the sector specific knowledge and occupational skills with which someone performs the work in a given branch, from care and education to engineering, finance, law and public service.

D9.1 Care and welfare

Covers the knowledge and skills for delivering care and support to clients, from nursing procedures and medication to record keeping and consultation with other disciplines.

• V Nursing and personal care practice 14
• V Medication safety 10
• V Methodical care process and record keeping 10
• V Support in disability care 8
• V Safe lifting and moving in care 7
• V Multidisciplinary care consultation 7

D9.2 Education and pedagogy

Covers teaching, guiding and assessing learners and designing education, including contact with parents and carers about development and behaviour.

• V Instructional practice 11
• V Pedagogical practice 10
• V Assessment and grading 10
• V Instructional design and curriculum 9
• V Pupil guidance 11
• V Communication with parents and carers 8

D9.3 Engineering and technology

Covers understanding, maintaining, designing and measuring machines, electrical systems and installations according to technical principles, standards and safety rules.

• K Technical understanding 8
• V Mechanical maintenance 12
• V Electrical engineering work 11
• V Mechanical design engineering 9
• V Building services engineering 9
• V Measurement and calibration 8

D9.4 Construction and installation

Covers preparing, executing and reviewing construction work on the basis of drawings, specifications and regulations, with attention to sustainability and site safety.

• V Construction craft work 9
• V Construction work preparation 9
• V Reading and applying technical drawings 9
• K Applying building regulations and standards 8
• K Sustainable and energy efficient construction 9
• V Site supervision on construction projects 8

D9.5 Finance and administration

Covers recording, reporting and analysing financial data, from daily entries and payroll to annual accounts, controlling, audit and liquidity management.

• V Financial administration 12
• V Preparing annual accounts 8
• V Payroll administration 9
• V Controlling and management information 9
• V Audit and internal control 9
• K Treasury and working capital management 7

D9.6 Law and public governance

Covers analysing and applying law and regulation in individual decisions, objection procedures and grants, and preparing public policy and decision making.

• V Legal analysis 10
• K Applying legislation 10
• V Public governance decision making 10
• V Handling objections and appeals 10
• K Knowledge of grants and schemes 9
• V Policy development 10

D9.7 HR and labour market

Covers designing and applying personnel policy, labour relations, absence, recruitment, selection and organising learning and development in the organisation.

• K HR policy and instruments 11
• K Labour relations and works councils 9
• K Working conditions and absence policy 10
• V Employer branding and recruitment 11
• K Assessment and selection methodology 10
• V Organising learning and development 9

D9.8 Logistics and transport

Covers planning, managing, transporting and documenting goods flows, including stock, customs formalities, systems and safety when loading and carrying.

• V Logistics planning 10
• V Operational inventory management 9
• V Executing transport and distribution 10
• K Customs and international trade documentation 10
• T Using warehouse management systems 9
• V Load securing and transport safety 9

D9.9 Hospitality, retail and guest service

Covers serving and advising guests and customers, handling payment, food hygiene, floor presentation and the delivery of events.

• V Hospitality service 10
• V Point of sale and payment handling 9
• K Applying food safety and hygiene codes 10
• V Managing shop floor and presentation 9
• V Controlling stock and shrinkage 9
• V Delivering events and banqueting 9

D9.10 Government, safety and public service

Covers the delivery of public tasks towards citizens, from service and enforcement to public order, crisis organisation and the management of information and archives.

• V Public service delivery to citizens 10
• V Carrying out enforcement and inspection 10
• V Supporting public order and safety 9
• V Emergency and crisis organisation 10
• V Information management and archiving 10
• V Citizen contact in the public domain 9

D10 Execution, craft, safety and sustainability 32 measurable constructs 250 skills

Covers the capacities, skills and knowledge with which someone performs physical and executing work, uses machines and tools, works safely and treats material and environment sustainably.

D10.1 Physical and psychomotor capacity

Covers the work related capacities for movement, strength, balance, reaction and perception that someone applies when carrying out manual and machine bound tasks.

• A Fine motor skill and manual dexterity 5
• A Hand-eye coordination 5
• A Physical strength and endurance 5
• A Static and dynamic balance 4
• A Reaction speed 5
• A Visual and auditory perception at work 5

D10.2 Machines and tools

Covers operating, setting, monitoring and maintaining machines and selecting and using tools in production, engineering, care and logistics.

• V Operating machines 9
• V Selecting and using tools 9
• V Recognising and resolving machine faults 9
• V Performing preventive maintenance 9
• V Setting up and changing over production equipment 9
• V Process monitoring on the line 9

D10.3 Manual skill and craft

Covers making and finishing products by hand to trade standard, applying materials knowledge and carrying out work in an orderly way and at pace.

• V Applying craftsmanship 9
• V Delivering custom work and finishing 9
• K Applying materials knowledge 9
• G Sustaining pace in repetitive work 7
• V Applying workplace organisation and 5S 8

D10.4 Occupational safety

Covers recognising and controlling workplace risks, using protective equipment, reporting and investigating incidents and acting in emergency situations.

• G Safety awareness 9
• V Carrying out workplace risk assessment 9
• V Using personal protective equipment correctly 8
• V Working safely at height and in confined spaces 9
• V Reporting and investigating incidents and near misses 9
• V Emergency response and first aid 9

D10.5 Sustainability and environment

Covers acting sustainably at work, lowering energy and material consumption, waste separation and circular working, complying with environmental rules and supporting reporting.

• G Acting sustainably in the workplace 8
• V Reducing energy and material consumption 8
• V Waste separation and circular working 8
• K Complying with environmental regulations 8
• V Supporting sustainability reporting 8

D10.6 Physical working conditions and ergonomics

Covers the working methods and work organisation with which someone arranges work under physical load, changing shifts and special conditions such as heat, cold and noise.

• V Working ergonomically 8
• V Working with shift work and irregular hours 8
• V Working in extreme conditions 8
• V Handling physically demanding and repetitive work 8