Case Study: Environment Canterbury builds a robust competency model with OPRA Psychology Group

Competency Modelling

Environment Canterbury, the regional council responsible for managing Canterbury’s air, water, and land, wanted to build a competency model to support recruitment, performance management, employee development, succession planning, and training. OPRA Psychology Group was engaged to help create a robust, objective foundation for these HR initiatives.

OPRA Psychology Group used a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, including job analysis, behavioural clustering, a competency questionnaire, and factor analysis, to develop and validate the model. The result was a six-factor competency model that captured the majority of variance in performance and was quickly applied to performance management, then extended to 360-degree feedback, recruitment, and training, with the competencies viewed as highly valid and defensible.

Environment Canterbury

Neville Gurr

Human Resources Manager