Determination of pay grades by HAY evaluation (FOI)

Request

I would like to know how civil service pay grades are determined under the HAY evaluation scheme.

I have requested this information at the people hub and have been told that to provide such information would compromise the HAY evaluation.

I am not asking the peoples hub to disclose any personal information and just want know how HAY is evaluated and how gradings are decided.

Response

The Hay evaluation process is complex and depends on a good understanding of the scheme and an ability to be analytical and strictly objective. It requires detailed formal training, observation and induction to operate effectively.

The summary in the following link has been designed to provide a guide and general overview of the mechanics of the Hay scheme and may be useful in demonstrating the complexity of the evaluation criteria.

Job evaluation - The Korn Ferry Hay Group Scheme

Any further information in relation to how the HAY assessment influences the grading of roles is withheld under Article 39 of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011.

Article applied

Article 39 Employment

Information is qualified exempt information if its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice pay or conditions negotiations that are being held between a public authority and –

(a) an employee or prospective employee of the authority; or

(b) representatives of the employees of the authority.

Public Interest Test

The Scheduled Public Authority (SPA) would withhold this information as it believes that to release it could prejudice ongoing evaluations which take place as part of the day to day management of employment conditions within the States of Jersey. The SPA would also be concerned that any future evaluations may be affected due to the release of information.

Article 39 is a qualified exemption, which means that a public interest test is required to be undertaken by the SPA. It is therefore necessary for the scheduled public authority to examine the circumstances of the case. Following assessment, the SPA has to decide whether, on balance, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information. Although there is a need for transparency, accountability, and good decision making by public authorities this information relates to negotiations between the States of Jersey and their employees. On balance, it is our view that the public interest does not outweigh the potential prejudice of release.