How to use this tool
A comprehensive guide to help you navigate the RMA Capability Framework self-assessment tool.
Overview
This tool helps Research Management & Administration (RMA) staff assess their current capabilities, identify development opportunities, and create focused development plans. The process follows three main steps:
Framework Progression Logic
The framework uses a cumulative progression model across four professional levels: Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced, and Exemplar.
Demonstrating capability at a higher level implies competence in all preceding levels within the same capability. For example, competence at Intermediate level assumes the Foundation-level expectations are already met.
In the same way, competence at Exemplar level implies capability across Advanced, Intermediate, and Foundation levels. This progression model supports consistent interpretation of capability development and reinforces that higher-level performance builds on lower-level foundations.
Getting Started
Data Storage
All your assessment data is stored locally in your browser. No information is sent to a server. You can work at your own pace and your progress is automatically saved as you go.
Focus on 1–2 Capabilities
We recommend focusing on 1–2 capabilities per year for your development plan. You should self-assess the capabilities mapped to your current role (or a role you'd like to move into), and you can revisit the self-assessment later in the year or at least annually.
Explore the Framework
Start by identifying the capabilities relevant to your current role (or a role you'd like to move into), and browse them to understand what skills and behaviours are expected at each level.
Click on any capability card from the homepage to view its details in full.
Use the level tabs (Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced, Exemplar) to see descriptors at each proficiency level and understand what competency looks like at each stage.
Use Jump to Capability in Explore and Self-Assessment to move directly between capabilities without returning to the homepage.
Role-based filtering is coming soon. We are currently working on mapping capabilities to specific RMA roles and functions. Once this is complete, you will be able to filter the framework by your role or function to surface the capabilities and levels most relevant to your position. This feature will be available in a future update.
Self-assessment & development focus
Once you have read through the capabilities and proficiency levels, select those statements that you feel confident to demonstrate already (“I can do this”), and select those that you wish to develop (“Want to develop”). Focus on 1–2 capabilities per year to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Click “Start Self-Assessment” from the Explore page, or go directly from the homepage.
For each descriptor, use the two checkboxes:
“I can do this” – behaviours you can competently demonstrate (include previous roles and experiences)
“Want to develop” – areas you want to focus on for your development plan
You can tick both for the same descriptor — if you can already do something but want to develop it further, tick both “I can do this” and “Want to develop”.
Not all descriptors need to be ticked. Some may not be relevant to your role or your development goals — it's perfectly fine to leave them unticked.
Your progress is saved automatically to your browser. You can leave and come back anytime.
Add development notes
Add reflection and action notes for the development focus items you selected during self-assessment.
Go to “Development Plan” – it will show the descriptors you marked as “Want to develop”.
Add development notes with specific actions, e.g., “Shadow colleague on grant applications” or “Attend funder roadshow”.
You can also add personal reflection notes in the text area provided for each capability to capture your thoughts.
Focus on 1–2 specific development actions per capability. These notes will form the basis of your development conversation.
If you have multiple capabilities with development focus, use the tabs to switch between them.
View summary & print
Review your complete assessment and development plan, then print or save as PDF for development conversations.
Go to “My Summary” to see all your assessed capabilities, demonstrated descriptors, development focus areas, and personal reflection notes.
When you click “Print / Save PDF”, you'll be prompted to enter your name. This will appear on the printed report to identify your document.
Your name will be saved for future printing sessions. You can edit it anytime by clicking the “Edit Name” link next to your name on the summary page.
Use your browser's print dialog to save as PDF or print a physical copy for your records or development conversations.
Use “Clear Assessment” to reset all data if you want to start fresh (this cannot be undone).
Tips for effective use
Be honest in your self-assessment. This tool is for your own development, not performance evaluation.
Focus on 1–2 capabilities per year for your development plan. Trying to develop everything at once is less effective.
Add specific actions in your development notes – general goals are harder to achieve than concrete steps.
Review periodically – come back every few months to update your assessment as you develop new skills.
Share if you choose – this assessment is for your own development. You can choose to share your printed summary with your manager to support development conversations and get additional support.
Download the framework document from the homepage for detailed reference material you can review offline.
Ready to get started?
Begin by exploring the framework, then move on to your self-assessment when you're ready.