GEM’s Competency Framework is a tool for the whole sector, that can be used to assess your professional skills, and track progress as you complete CPD activities.

GEM’s Competency Framework was initially developed in 2014, as part of our strategy to develop a highly skilled and respected heritage learning workforce. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic hastened the development of new digital learning opportunities, and GEM identified the need to update the framework for a changing sector.

Competencies are different behaviours, attributes, skills and knowledge that are considered necessary to perform effectively at work. Within GEM’s competency framework, these are specialised for learning and education roles in museums, heritage sites and other cultural settings, although job titles may vary.

In 2021, freelance museum educator Thomas Briggs worked with the GEM team to update the competencies, building on the digital competencies for museum educators he developed during his Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Leadership. A wide consultation took place, including a survey of sector professionals and requests for feedback from those who use the competencies most often. As the updated framework was developed it was reviewed by leaders in the sector, GEM Trustees, and GEM mentors to enhance its useability and relevance.

The updated Competency Framework has expanded to include a new set of digital competencies and has seen each statement carefully reviewed for relevance. Users can now download three different versions of the framework; a Reference Version and an interactive Self-Assessment Version, both of which can be downloaded in Google Sheets or Excel, and an accessible, scaled down Print Version for those who prefer a physical copy.

During March 2022, museum educators and other sector colleagues are invited to join our free workshops, led by Thomas Briggs, which examine the updated framework and demonstrate the benefits of this free tool for individuals and organisations.

Individuals can join ‘Using GEM’s Competency Framework: A Guide for Individuals’, to learn how to benchmark their own skills against the framework and plan future CPD using the new self-assessment tool. This session is being offered twice, for participant convenience.

Thursday 17 March 2022, 10:00-11:30 GMT

Wednesday 23 March 2022, 19:30-21:00 GMT

To learn more about how GEM’s Competency Framework can be used within organisations for recruitment, learning plans, and appraisal systems for multiple employees, please join us for ‘Using GEM’s Competency Framework: A Guide for Organisations and Line Managers’.

Thursday 31 March 2022, 10:00-11:30 GMT

GEM thanks Thomas Briggs for his dedication and efforts in this endeavour, alongside all who took part in the Competency Framework consultation during 2021.