Insight Strategy has experience of working with retailers to develop their own bespoke Assessment Centres which measure the range of skills and capabilities within their organisation. Jane will design and write the relevant material in conjunction with the client and can include the input of a qualified psychometric expert if required. The programmes include a range of practical exercises which test technical buying and merchandising skills, together with interviews and tests to analyse behavioural skills and interpersonal ability. Such Assessment Centres can be organised for junior levels or more senior personnel and are typically conducted over a period of 1-2 days.

The output is a clear evaluation of the individuals within the organisation and their relative strengths and weaknesses.

Organisations benefit from conducting Assessment Centres with external experts because they are more objective and can rate candidates on a wider external scale.

Assessment centres are often used as a means of understanding the true training needs and skills gaps within an organisation and can be an effective tool to ensure the most efficient use

of the training budget. Jane has worked
with a major supermarket both in the UK
and in Europe and with niche retailers, to successfully develop and deliver their own specific Assessment Centres.