Writing job descriptions

If you are starting to write a job description and person specification for a completely new role, you will find it helpful to refer to the Role Profiles documents we have in place. They will also be helpful if you are amending a job description and person specification and it may provide an indication that it needs to be graded at a different level.

The University has developed a series of role profiles that set out the type of activity that can reasonably be expected from colleagues at every level within Grades 1-8 (inclusive)

It is important to note that the role profiles are generic and will not explicitly describe a particular job. The activities are representative and staff will not necessarily carry out all of the activities described at a particular level and some staff may carry out additional duties.

The role profiles are not:

• A replacement for job/individual specific objectives;
• A job description;
• A self-evaluation grading tool. All jobs will continue to be evaluated using HERA to determine the appropriate grade.
• An exhaustive list of requirements at each grade. Role holders are not expected to match the role profile in every respect.

To download a copy of the latest job description and person specification template, go to the Recruitment and Selection page, and it is stored under Useful Forms under Things to do now