Vince Whittle - Laing O’Rourke plc

When selecting candidates for our accelerated talent programme we looked for a process that would give insight into an individual’s potential to deal with analysing and acting on complex issues. We wanted to see how the candidates could look beyond the obvious and make connections between the forces acting on a problem.

Brevis provided the solution we were looking for. Through a structured conversation the candidates revealed their underlying typical thinking patterns and gave insight into the fields of thinking with which they were most comfortable and an indication of the potential to stretch into areas less familiar.

We integrated Brevis into a comprehensive assessment process that included intellectual and competence testing. The telephone interviews provided a realistic simulation of having to deal with a complex issue whilst “thinking on their feet”. The topics chosen for discussion encompassed a range of topical concerns but without the likelihood of giving anyone a particular advantage through specialist knowledge.

The flexibility of the process was useful, the assessors were available at the end of a phone and the candidates booked mutually convenient appointments – no waiting for other exercises to finish or an excess of assessors at the centres - this enabled a very efficient use of time.

It also proved objective, the assessment being made solely on the basis of the responses to the structured interview process.

The selection process was made simpler by considering the balance of thinking and acting on a problem, something that the intellectual reasoning tests could not identify in isolation.

In summary using Brevis gave us:

• An insight into the dimensions of thinking that we wanted
• Flexibility and efficiency of delivery
• A robust approach with accessible reports
• Cost effective assessment from objective assessors

Brevis will form part of our on-going assessment regime.

Vince Whittle - Group People Development Manager

Laing O’Rourke plc is the largest privately owned construction firm in the UK. It has offices in the UK, Germany, India, Australia and United Arab Emirates and over 31,000 employees worldwide.