Dear All

A quick note of thanks to everyone who responded to my posting in June. The 
subject of skills shortages certainly generated a lot of discussion off-
list and it was notable how many could relate to the issue or had recently 
experienced difficulties recruiting skills staff.

It was very pleasing to get replies from colleauges in many different 
industry sectors - government, corporate and consultancies - and notable 
than no one suggested a single magic solution for success; many had tried 
range of solutions where they didnt succeed first time.

For info, I'll try and summarise some of the key themes in colleagues 
responses:

1 Lots of central & local govt contacts had tried to recruit to 
Records Mgt posts since mid-2004 and more than half echoed my own 
experiences.  Some authorities, particularly across north west england, 
reporting even more challenging situation than we had at Coventry.

2 Many contacts mentioned projects that had been thwarted by lack of 
candidates, or particularly candidates offered a post who then declined in 
favour of a better offer from another employer.  Some authorities reported 
delays of as long as 24 months before they had found a suitable candidate 
who actually wanted to work for them.

3 Regarding the Coventry project post. List members view was that 
salaries were about right for role in west midlands but that the fixed 
appointment term would be likely to disuade applicants.  Most skilled 
people are working in permanent roles and candidates unlikely to consider 
switching to fixed term without additional benefits.

4 Advertising through a range of press, websites and agencies could 
increase number of applicants but not necessarily quality candidates

5 Some projects have succeeded by specifying lower skilled posts, but 
this reliant upon experienced colleagues or consultancy resource able to 
effectively coach and train the new recruit.

6 Positive suggestions included forging stronger links with 
universities, lecturers & professors, not for student placements, but 
rather to gain early contact with newly qualified candidates.

A quick update on situation at Coventry. Progress since June has been 
somewhat frustrating . We re-specified some roles and did find suitable 
candidates, some internal, to take on the work or develop into the roles.  
Then at 11th hour, our HR dept intervened insisting we go through further 
formalised recruitment. This increased the focus on in-house candidates, 
but also this put considerable delay on overall project, meaning key census 
dates could be missed. Now, last week I find out project itself has been 
suspended, with adverse impact on the project team and even my own role now 
redundant.  Naturally a dissapointing end, having tried to move a project 
past 'start-up' for many months, but I am hopeful the experience will put 
me in good position for next career opening.

Once again thanks to everyone who replied. I feel I have made a number of 
good contacts and certainly seen the power of JISC Mail discussion groups. 
Happy to keep in touch and I'm sure will meet some of you at future RMS 
events

Regards

 Colin Tyc

Colin Tyc
Corporate Record Management Officer
Coventry City Council

T:  024 7683 3305
F:  024 7683 3395
E:  [log in to unmask]