IMPACT objection to psychometric testing upheld
by Helena Clarke
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IMPACT’s objection to the use of psychometric testing, for the short-listing of applicants to senior posts, has been successful and will prevent this form of evaluation for internal applicants in local government. The posts that had been subject to the testing were those of senior executive officer, senior executive planner and senior executive engineer.
Peter Nolan, national secretary with IMPACT said “The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) and Public Appointments Service had commenced a short-listing process based upon psychometric testing. IMPACT objected vigorously to this proposal which was neither discussed nor agreed with the union.”
Peter added that, following IMPACT’s objections, psychometric testing will not be applied to the confined competition for the posts. “Candidates who applied for the posts and who have been notified that they failed the tests will now be advised that they are eligible to go to the next stage of the competition. The LGMA has advised that the tests will be applied to candidates for public competition” he said.
Peter said the union will raise the issue at the next meeting of the Local Authority National Council scheduled for next week.
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