Des Squire

There is a need for assessors and moderators to be qualified and registered. Many in the education sector seem to overlook the distinction between these two terms.

Much has been said recently in the press and other forms of media on the subject of racism. What is of concern to me is what appears to be a lack of understanding as to what exactly racism is.

When it comes to assessment some providers and assessors forget what the process of assessment is, resulting in a slip shod approach to the assessment of learner results.

There are four crucial tools that can be used to develop and empower employees in
the workplace. Des Squire discusses the differences between coaching, counselling,
training and mentoring.

Many members of workplace committees have no idea what's expected of them. They
have been elected as members of the committee or have simply been appointed by
management and their role and responsibilities are totally unclear.

South Africa has a legacy of discrimination in relation to race, gender, disability and other diversity issues. Over the years this has denied the majority of South Africans access to opportunities for education, employment, promotion and wealth creation.

Assessment is the process of making judgments about an individual's competence by
matching evidence of their performance to the appropriate outcomes. Assessors need
to have certain skills and expertise in order to judge competently.

Procedural fairness in the workplace is based on company policies yet many managers are ignorant about these guidelines and fail to apply these principles in their management practices. Des Squire highlights the importance of following the proper procedures.

The Department of Labour, with the assistance of International organisations introduced an Organising Framework for Occupations in February 2005 to align all skills development activities in South Africa. Des Squires discusses the functions and operations of this framework.

Company policies are not created for employees alone but apply to senior executives too. Des Squire defines company policies and procedures and sheds light on the purpose of these guiding principles.

The steps leaders take in managing and motivating others in tough times tend to last and endure. Decisions taken and implemented now may well be the difference between surviving and thriving. Which would you prefer?

Government guidelines for the NQF are aimed at "strengthening the nation?s education and human resource base' which will fulfil the overall objective of constructing a high quality responsive South African education training and skills development system.

Is a lack of loyalty or low morale hindering productivity in the workplace? Adequate communication channels and effective employee forums could change the way the workforce performs. Des Squire talks about the functions and benefits of establishing committees and forums in the workplace.

Progressive remedial action rather than 'discipline' is required in the workplace and employers should aim to implement corrrective procedures that include counselling or verbal warnings where possible says Des Squire.

Recognition of Prior Learning is a way of recognising what individuals already know and can do. RPL is based on the premise that people learn both inside and outside formal learning structures. But are RPL candidates being descriminated against? Des Squire raises the possibility of problems in the understanding and interpretation of how RPL assessed.

Des Squire discusses the standard of morals and ethics in South Africa, after a recent call by President Jacob Zuma to advocate discussion around South African morals and ethics.

Most organisations have some kind of policy or code of conduct that defines behaviours that are acceptable and unacceptable. Honest behaviour in the workplace means the extent to which individuals and groups abide by consistent and rational ethical standards, writes Des Squire.

What should managers do in the event of a possible dismissal of an employee? First, establish substantive fairness, second send notification, and third permit reasonable time for the employee to prepare a defence - and to be assisted by a union representative or a colleague, Des Squire explains.

Planning a career is about considering the future with an adult approach, writes Des Squire. Seek guidance from those who know you well, take inspiration from psychological tests and broaden your horizon through part-time and voluntary work.

When a manager delegates he/she retains control and authority, and will still be held responsible and fully accountable. Des Squire argues that many managers are failing today managers must understand what skills are required and at the same time understand who the best people for the job are.