Socpo challenges public sector on talent tactics

The public sector’s approach to talent management will be challenged in a major piece of research to be launched next February.

The Society of Personnel Officers in Government Services (Socpo), which is behind the research, hopes the findings will equip public sector employers with new ways to recognise potential talent.

Alan Warner, Socpo’s new head of talent management, said: “Employers need to start thinking about talent that goes further than looking at competencies – I feel we’re starting to drown in lists of competencies. What we want to find out is: what is it that makes some people better at their job?”

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Warner, who is also director of people and property at Hertfordshire County Council, is trying to debunk the myth that talent management is just about looking at future leaders.

“It’s about making sure everyone at all levels works to their [full] potential,” he said.