Andrea - I work for the Health and Safety Executive, so coming at things from a slightly different angle perhaps. Rather than attempt to describe in detail how we have implemented the competency framework I'll provide my tel. number and you can decide whether a discussion would be worthwhile.

In brief, the hard part was agreeing a core set of competencies for regulators across HSE and the Local Authorities (we each have H&S responsibilities). Once achieved we contracted a company to build a very simple IT system to reflect the competencies. Staff self assess using nthis tool, with the option that their manager also assesses them against them against the competencies.

Re implementation. We firstly secured senior management support and commitment to the CF (at the highest level), then toured the country with a 'road show' (18 in all, averaging about 100 per event) which all managers of regulators attended. In some cases they brought along one of their staff.

The day was a mixture of video clips (Head of HSE and a couple of staff in HSE and an LA who had successfully used the CF), plus some awareness setting, and a whole afternoon consisting of a single role play and several group discussions, managed by facilitators. This was backed up by briefing packs and a direct tel. number and email for support, as well as guidance on our website.

We are now launching the second part of the 'process' - methods to meet development needs and pointers to useful information for each of the skills and knowledge subjects that form part of the CF. This may be of particular interest to you as it will be open to all - dutyholders like yourselves included. It means we are making available much more of our guidance and procedures.

More than happy to discuss if I can be of help.

Gordon Jones 0151 951 3761