Coronavirus is changing the way we all do business and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
Businesses, like ours, had to quickly adapt and change the ways they operate – and for some, this was easier to do than others.
At the beginning of the UK lockdown, many sectors froze recruitment drives, made redundancies and relied on using government initiatives, such as the job retention scheme, to make safely through to ‘the new normal’.
It was reported that the number of permanent job vacancies fell at their sharpest rate in April this year, and for job seekers, the future looked bleak.
However, some smart businesses realised a need to maintain their hiring efforts for key roles that would support business continuity and drive them through the toughest times we have ever seen.
This undoubtedly posed a challenge for those looking to recruit – face to face assessments went out of the window and online interviews via Zoom and Microsoft Teams took their place. Removing unnecessary physical meetings and searching for alternative, digital methods of recruitment is now commonplace.
Online assessment functionality is highly useful for recruiters with large volumes of applicants. Early stages of the recruitment process are often already digitised using software, and it likely this could extend to a 100% ‘zero-touch’ process, where candidates are only ever recruited online.
Online assessment platforms can be tailored entirely to your recruitment requirements and take your applicants through a series of assessment questions (compiled by you). Based on these results, you can quite literally ‘whittle down’ your applicants and take the best ones through to the next stages, without the need for face to face communication – perfect for social distancing measures.
Most platforms will also contain some form of reporting dashboard where you can view all your candidates’ results. Here you can measure key competencies and select the best calibre of candidates for your roles in one streamlined solution.
To put it plainly, there is software and technology out there to significantly digitise the recruitment process, enabling you to operate better virtually in these unpredictable times. This software creates time savings, streamlines processes and holds all information centrally.
We know a thing or two about online recruitment/assessment platforms, and our solutions are helping HR and recruitment teams in a variety of sectors better manage their candidates through a mixture of ‘off the shelf’ solutions or bespoke assessment solutions. Get in touch with us today to find out more.
Last month we blogged about our new ISO 9001 compliance certification which, naturally, we’re extremely proud about.
The desire to become more compliant, as discussed, was brought about – initially – by two principle reasons, external and internal:
Externally, there was a requirement from a couple of our larger clients (ironically, to remain compliant to their own internal processes) to ensure that all of their suppliers are compliant and have appropriate and robust quality management systems. This expedited the process for us.
Internally, however, we’d always wanted to become ISO 9001-compliant. As a small business, there’s always a very long list of things that (in an ideal world) you’d have right away. Although we’re a small business – and we don’t purport to be anything other – we have a big business mindset when it comes to process and compliance. After all, many of our clients are large corporate organisations who need the same level of process from their suppliers as they demand on themselves – so we’re delighted to be able to offer that extra level of protection.
This brings about the point of this whole blog: to talk a little bit about the importance of penetration testing for software businesses. From day one, we’ve always wanted to ensure that our platform and internal systems are as robust and secure as they possibly can be.
We’re all patently aware how important cyber security is, today more than ever.
With an increase of in hacking during the pandemic (read this article here), and as a company processing personal data on behalf of our clients – we need to make sure that we’ve taken every step possible, and this meant paying for a company to undertake a penetration test on our systems…
What is penetration testing?
Pen testing is often called ‘ethical hacking’, which probably needs no further explanation. Suffice to say – a process is undertaken by an external company whereby the company tries to expose and exploit any and all vulnerabilities within a system.
How is it carried out?
When you decide on your penetration test partner, there are a few things that need to be ascertained:
Which system(s) are being tested
The pages in the system
User types within the system
The objectives of the penetration test
Once the above has been ascertained, including the agreed testing methodology, the penetration tests are carried out.
Penetration testers will replicate threat actors, such as malicious users and pre-meditated hackers in order to detect system vulnerabilities which could result in data breaches and reputational damage for organisations.
Reporting
Upon completion of the penetration tests, which are recommended to be undertaken for all aspects of the system, organisations will receive a detailed report identifying any and all risks that have bee identified, which gives the organisation an opportunity to put remedial action in place before re-testing. All risks are identified from Critical to Low.
Evolve is proud to announce that it is now certified as ISO 9001 compliant – an achievement that ensures that our business and its processes meet and exceed the needs of our clients through an effective quality management system.
How did we achieve this?
Our ISO 9001 compliancy journey was hard work – but well worth it.
Our team underwent a comprehensive evaluation process into our current quality management system, including a review of supporting documentation, policies and procedures. This initial diagnostic test was undertaken by an official auditor from the British Assessment Bureau.
We took the auditor’s feedback and worked hard to fine-tune all of our quality management systems and processes. After that, we were audited officially and passed with no non-conformities.
So, what does it mean to be ISO 9001 certified?
In a nutshell, being ISO 9001 certified means that we have a robust quality management system in place that demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality products and services to our clients, which is compliant with industry-recognised standards.
At the heart of the ISO quality standards are several principles that Evolve follows, to ensure that we remain compliant. These include:
Encouraging involvement and knowledge sharing so the team knows exactly what their roles entail and how they fit into our quality management system and beyond.
Developing a strong management team that has a clear vision of our future, and the needs and requirements of our clients.
Creating a process-driven culture within the business to ensure we plan, execute and manage our quality systems effectively to ensure complete compliance with the standard.
Committing to constant improvement and reacting to opportunities in all areas of the business, not just quality.
Making decisions based on facts – not speculation, and making this information readily available to all who require it.
Developing great and mutually-beneficial relationships with our suppliers to build successful business strategies that will ultimately benefit our clients.
Why is it important to us?
Head baffled by all that jargon? Don’t worry.
All we want you to know is that we took the feedback from our clients seriously, and reacted to what many were asking for – and that was for us to be ISO 9001 certified. This is why it is important to us.
It provides our current and new clients with the added assurance that quality and integrity are at the core of our business and everything we do.
A job well done
The business landscape is saturated with negative news, speculation and worry, and our certification is some welcome news in these unique times.
Our hard work, enthusiasm and positive attitude have enabled us to accomplish this fantastic achievement, and we’re excited to see the positive impact this has for all the team at Evolve moving forward.
Want to know more about and how our online assessment solutions can engage your employees or candidates, and maximise your assessment process? Click here to contact us – we’re always available for an informal chat – albeit virtually for now!
We just wanted to write a very short blog post to coincide with the release of our new website. This has been a long-time coming, and we’re delighted to say it’s now here.
Our brand-new website and refreshed branding we now feel, really represent what we’re all about as a business!
Why the change?
As the business has evolved (yes, pun intended), and we approach our fourth year, we wanted to represent what we do as an organisation through the eyes of our diverse client base.
Of course, we’re still a software business at heart and our assessment platform needs to be front and centre stage of everything we do – it’s imperative that we convey a professional image to our clients, who include HR Directors, CEOs, Leadership Consultants and Psychologists. Being professional and personable are not, of course, mutually exclusive – so we wanted to depict our client-centric, personalised approach – with the brand tone of voice and images used throughout the website and on our marketing collateral.
Our full-colour palette uses white as our primary colour, giving us a clean and professional look. The white is contrasted with a dark blue throughout, and – remaining loyal to our orange roots, we’ve retained this as our tertiary.
Our new logo depicts three lines running through a graph, which encapsulates the value we offer: helping clients make data-driven decisions from assessments. We’ve also decided to just use the word ‘Evolve’, rather than ‘Evolve Assess’ – on the logo giving us more identity.
We’re always really keen to take any and all feedback on board, and it was that feedback that supported us making these changes in the first place, so please feel free to get in touch!
Welcome to our Psychometric Spotlight video with Peter Clarke, Head of Learning Performance and Innovation at St James’s Place.
Here you’ll discover how St James’s Place used their Leadership Blueprint Framework to create accessible tools that have been used by the whole organisation. If you’d like to learn more about what St James’s Place do, click here.
Welcome to our Psychometric Spotlight video with Jim Bloomfield, Director of Bloojam.
Here you’ll discover how Bloojam developed the Acuity model and used it to create a diagnostic and development tool for B2B sales roles. If you’d like to find out more about the Acuity Assessment, click here.
Welcome to our Psychometric Spotlight video with Juliette Alban-Metcalfe, the Chief Executive of Real World Group.
Here you’ll discover how Real Wold Group created their self-assessment, the Real World Leader. If you’d like to find out more about the Real World Leader, click here.
NatWest required a robust assessment platform to support implementing and integrating their bank-wide skills and behaviour frameworks.
Ensuring the security and privacy of their data in addition to usability was a top priority for the bank. With Evolve, NatWest has since developed multiple tools, truly making it a partnership from start to end.
The following case study has been drawn from an interview held between Richard Anderson (Commercial Director at Evolve Assess) and Martin Mason (Founder and CEO of Unleashed).
Introduction:
Evolve Assess is a leading company specialising in bespoke psychometric, assessment and 360° feedback technology. With a unique approach to delivering customised solutions, Evolve Assess stands out in an industry dominated by off-the-shelf products. This case study explores the experience of Martin Mason (Founder of Unleashed, a consultancy focused on diversity and inclusion), a satisfied client who found Evolve Assess after an extensive search for the perfect solution.
Background:
Martin wanted to create You Unleashed, a bespoke psychometric tool that measures management and leadership potential in recruitment and development.
Before partnering with Evolve Assess, Martin had conducted thorough research to find a solution that aligned with his specific needs. He had explored various options, seeking a platform that would allow him to keep the tool development in-house. However, he couldn’t find anything that matched his requirements until he was referred to Evolve Assess by Ben from Sten10. Intrigued by the recommendation, Martin scheduled an initial call with the Evolve Assess team.
Exceptional Service and Customisation:
During his first interaction, Martin was impressed by the level of service and the personalised approach of Evolve Assess. The team understood Martin’s vision and requirements, and they guided him through the solution step by step. Unlike other software providers that offered rigid, one-size-fits-all solutions, Evolve Assess stood out as a partner willing to go the extra mile. Their commitment to customisation and flexibility resonated with Martin’s goals, making the decision to work with them an easy one.
Effortless Collaboration and Seamless Integration:
One of the key factors that set Evolve Assess apart was the seamless collaboration and integration with Martin’s team. Unlike previous experiences where great technology was marred by poor service, Martin found working with Evolve Assess effortless and enjoyable. From the early stages, the partnership felt like an extension of his own team. Communication was smooth, and the Evolve Assess team was always available to address any questions or concerns. The ease of doing business with Evolve Assess made the entire process efficient and stress-free.
“It feels like the guys at Evolve are part of our team because of the way that we work with you.”
Martin Mason – Unleashed
A Small Business Approach with a Partnership Mindset:
Evolve Assess understood the unique challenges faced by small businesses. They treated Martin’s company as a partner, rather than just another client. Evolve Assess’s philosophy emphasised collaboration, ensuring a genuine partnership where both parties work together towards success. This resonated with Martin, who appreciated the value Evolve Assess placed on long-term relationships and mutual growth. The partnership felt like a true collaboration, where everyone was invested in each other’s success.
Clear Communication and Technical Expertise:
Martin found the communication with Evolve Assess refreshing and straightforward. They effectively translated complex technical concepts into layman’s terms, allowing Martin to easily understand the solutions presented. This clear communication built a strong foundation of trust and ensured that Martin was actively involved in the decision-making process. Evolve Assess’s technical expertise combined with their ability to explain things in simple terms made them an ideal partner for Martin’s team.
Delivering Results with Speed and Reliability:
The streamlined and efficient nature of Evolve Assess’s platform stood out to Martin. Compared to other products and services he had used, Evolve Assess’s solution required minimal effort to get results. Martin could effortlessly send links to clients, knowing that they would receive the reports as planned. This expediency and professional service provided Martin with peace of mind, allowing him to focus on other aspects of his business.
Continuous Improvement and Future Enhancements:
Evolve Assess actively seeks feedback from their clients and values their input. They prioritise continuous improvement and listen to client needs when developing new features and functionalities. Martin had a specific request regarding link expiration for gifting reports and a pay-as-you-go option for clients. Evolve Assess demonstrated their commitment to meeting client needs by exploring solutions for these requirements, showing their willingness to adapt and enhance their platform accordingly.
Conclusion:
Martin’s experience with Evolve Assess exemplifies the company’s commitment to delivering customised psychometric tools with unparalleled service. From the initial consultation to ongoing collaboration, Evolve Assess provided exceptional support, clear communication, and technical expertise. The seamless integration with Martin’s team and the emphasis on partnership made the entire process efficient and enjoyable. Martin and the team at Unleashed appreciated the ability to customise the platform to meet their specific needs and the attentive, personalised support they received exceeded his expectations.
By choosing Evolve Assess, Martin not only found a solution that perfectly aligned with his requirements but also gained a long-term partner invested in his success. Evolve Assess’s small business approach, partnership mindset, and commitment to delivering top-notch service set them apart in the industry.
Mind³/TeamUp, a company seeking a customised assessment tool, partnered with Evolve Assess to meet their unique requirements. Emma Ferrier, the Operations Director at Mind³/TeamUp, commends Evolve Assess for their understanding, flexibility, and commitment to delivering a tailored solution. This case study was provided by Emma Ferrier.
Challenge and Requirements:
Mind³/TeamUp had a highly specialised vision for their assessment tool and needed a company that could accommodate their unique requirements. The tool needed to attract website traffic while delivering a visually appealing and intellectually engaging experience for participants. TeamUp sought a partner who could adapt to their evolving needs and budgetary restrictions, understanding the ambitious goals they aimed to achieve with a small team.
A Collaborative Approach:
Evolve Assess demonstrated their commitment to TeamUp’s success by actively engaging in discussions and asking the right questions. They prioritised understanding TeamUp’s needs and building a solution around them, rather than forcing their requirements to fit an existing product. This collaborative approach, coupled with Evolve Assess’ honesty and responsiveness, fostered a strong partnership with TeamUp.
Partnership and Support:
Throughout the project, Evolve Assess exhibited a genuine understanding of TeamUp’s vision and limitations. The level of support provided went beyond addressing challenges promptly; it involved being available for assistance whenever required. The partnership was built on trust, with TeamUp confident that Evolve Assess would deliver exceptional results and appreciative of their honesty and responsiveness.
Value and Results:
The biggest value TeamUp derived from their partnership with Evolve Assess was not only the bespoke assessment tool but also the personalised service they received. Evolve Assess embraced their role as an extension of TeamUp’s team, offering support and expertise for both complex and straightforward queries. The partnership extended to time-sensitive situations, where Evolve Assess consistently had TeamUp’s back, ensuring a smooth project delivery.
Three Key Attributes:
TeamUp summarised their experience working with Evolve Assess using three key attributes: responsive, flexible, and positive. Evolve Assess consistently displayed a proactive approach, promptly addressing questions and providing solutions. Their flexibility in accommodating future requests and their positive attitude towards problem-solving contributed to a productive collaboration.
Conclusion:
The partnership between TeamUp and Evolve Assess exemplifies a successful collaboration driven by understanding, flexibility, and mutual trust. Evolve Assess not only delivered a bespoke assessment tool but also provided exceptional personalised service throughout the project. Their responsiveness, adaptability, and positive approach helped TeamUp achieve their goals, creating a lasting partnership based on shared success.
