Cognitive skills

The ability to identify, and solve problems, work with information and handle a mass of diverse data, assess risk and draw conclusions.

Analysis - Relates and compares data from different sources, identifying issues, securing relevant information and identifying relationships.

Indicators:

• Understands the meaning of written and verbal information.
• Sees several points of view and weighs up the alternatives accurately.
• Identifies potential problems, issues and risks.
• Seeks out and uses facts where available.
• Identifies the root cause of a problem.
• Breaks down complex data and identifies the key information.
• Relates and compares data from several sources.
• Distinguishes between facts and assumptions.

Judgement - Determines the most appropriate course of action and draws conclusions that are based on logical assumptions that reflect factual information.

Indicators:

• Demonstrates an unbiased/rational approach.
• Uses logical arguments/reasoning.
• Reviews evidence before coming to a conclusion.
• Identifies alternative courses of action.
• Uses all relevant available information.
• Identifies strengths and weaknesses in arguments/situations.
• Draws clear conclusions from complex information.

Attention to detail - Accomplishes tasks through a concern for all areas involved, no matter how small.

Indicators:

• Ensures that minor considerations are not overlooked.
• Checks written work for errors before submitting.
• Plans activities before undertaking them.
• Does not deter others from going into detail.
• Checks facts out (with others or source) where necessary.