Introduction to Job Evaluation

Here is where you can find out how job evaluation works and what to do if you want to evaluate a role. You can also find out more about University’s job evaluation methodology and where to find existing job descriptions.

  1. How does the University of Bristol’s Job Evaluation Scheme (UBJESS) work?
  2. How can I get a role evaluated?
  3. What is the Korn Ferry Hay method
  4. Where can I find existing job descriptions
  5. Where can I find guidance and all the forms I need

1. How does the University of Bristol Job Evaluation Scheme (UBJES) work

The University uses its own evaluation scheme (UBJES). The scheme is based on the Korn Ferry Hay Group method and determines the correct grade for all roles. This means that the University pays fairly and consistently in relation to job size.
Clear and accurate job descriptions are key to job evaluations. Each role has either a unique job description or a generic one (used by several people doing the same role).

Panels use job descriptions to evaluate each role, so it’s important that they are accurate and up to date.
UBJES job evaluation applies to mainly Professional Services roles. Academic roles follow established role profiles. They have already been evaluated by UBJES and are not evaluated individually.

How the Job Evaluation method works

Each role at the University is given a grade, based on a structured process called job evaluation. This evaluation assesses the job itself, not the individual doing the role. Job evaluation does not consider personal performance or length of service. The Korn Ferry method provides consistency. It also provides an evidence-based method of comparing roles across the University.

Our aims

2. How can I get a role evaluated?

Please contact your HRBP if you’ve identified the need for a new role, or if you want to review an existing role. They will talk to you about the role and will be able to guide you. Whether a new role needs evaluation or whether your role(s) might fit with a generic job description.

There are two main types of role evaluation:

3. What is the Korn Ferry Method?

The Korn Ferry system is a well- established Job Evaluation method. It's used widely across the Higher Education Sector, including other Russell Group Universities.

It is the size of a job in 'job units' which gives the job an overall score. This score is matched against the University’s pay spine to determine the job grade. Here is where you can find out more about the method in detail.

4. Where can I find existing job descriptions

Here is where you can find the Job Description Repository.

5. Where can I find all the forms I need?

You can find the help you need on our Guidance and Forms pages.

 

 

If you have a query, please contact us reward-team@bristol.ac.uk.

This page was last updated: March 2026