The conclusion of the three colleges at the end of this pilot has been that HERA does reflect the overall values of the sector, and that only minor modifications to the scheme are necessary. A more substantial rewrite of some of the supporting documents was needed, particularly the notes for guidance. The colleges found that the way in which the scheme was developed within the education context, its reliance on field research and its ability to link HR functions provides a sound basis for development.

They believe its use will help to introduce more robust approaches to the pay and grading and contribute to the modernisation of HR practices. By providing an integrated approach, the use of FEDRA (Further Education Development and Role Analysis) will help to develop a strategic framework for HR and improve its effectiveness.

As a result, ECC, working with the three colleges, has produced a new version of the 14 elements which is called FEDRA. The aim now is to fully implement this at the three colleges involved in the pilot, and to share the learning with other Scottish FE Colleges so they can understand how FEDRA could benefit them. Discussions are taking place with the national representatives of the Trade Unions with a view to gaining their co-operation in this process.