Job families/Generic role descriptors

Job families/Generic role descriptors

Job Families provide a means of grouping posts together that share similar characteristics/traits, the use of which can help articulate career and development routes, with the writing of job descriptions and further particulars, and when considering development/training needs. Each job family is made up of a number of grade levels (corresponding with the grades on the University's pay structure).

Generic role descriptors

Each grade level within a job family is represented by a role descriptor, the purpose of which is to outline the representative work activities and responsibilities / demands associated with roles at that level, together with the type of knowledge, skills and experience required to undertake the post effectively.  Each role descriptor within a family builds on the previous descriptor.

These descriptors are classified as 'generic' as they are not specific to a particular job.  It is, therefore, unlikely that any one job will encompass all the activities mentioned in the descriptor.  Also, as role analysis considers the overall demands and responsibilities of a post, staff at a particular grade may be required to carry out a small number of duties / activities which are covered by a higher or lower role descriptor in their family.  Similarly, staff may be required to undertake certain activities that are not explicitly described within the descriptor.

It should be noted that role descriptors at any given level, regardless of job family, are broadly comparable in terms of job size, for example, the Management, Specialist & Administrative Level 5 is viewed as equivalent in terms of responsibility / demand to the Technical Level 5.

Each role descriptor consists of a role summary, the 14 HERA elements and a list of the typical skills, abilities and behavioural traits that a role holder would require in order to fulfil the role. 

Using job families / role descriptors

  • Role descriptors do not replace job descriptions / person specifications - each post should still have its own job description which is specific to that particular role.
  • The job families / role descriptors should be used for guidance purposes only.  For example, staff looking to have their grading reviewed or who are considering promotion may use the descriptors as a reference point for grade levels, however they must still adhere to the appropriate policy/procedure when submitting an application. For professional services staff and those academic staff up to grade 5, please view the Grading Review Policy and Procedure. For academic staff seeking promotion to grades 7 to 9, please view Academic promotions.
  • The role descriptors will be subject to review and modification as required.
  • Career progression need not be restricted to one particular job family.  For example, if a role has developed into the next grade, but the key characteristics of that post are now more closely aligned to another job family, a request can be made (via Human Resources) to transfer to the more appropriate family. Please note, role holders can also apply for posts outwith their own job family.

The University, in consultation with the Trade Unions, has developed 4 job families to represent its key job groups, these are:

  1. Academic (Teaching and research; Research; Teaching).
  2. Managerial, Specialist and Administrative.
  3. Technical
  4. Operational and Facilities

Information on the use of Job Families and generic role descriptors can be found in the Guidance Notes.