Equality and Human Rights Commission

This framework is based on the framework used for National Vocational Qualifications. These definitions provide a general guide and are not intended to be prescriptive.

• Levels
• Definitions
• Jobs at each level of skill and knowledge

Foundation skill and knowledge (NVQ Level 1)
The job involves the application of knowledge in the performance of a range of varied work activities, most of which may be routine and predictable.

Intermediate skill and knowledge (NVQ Level 2)
The job involves the application of knowledge in a significant range of varied work activities, performed in a variety of contexts. Some of these activities are complex or non-routine and there is some individual responsibility or autonomy. Collaboration with others, perhaps through membership of a work group or team, may often be a requirement.

Advanced skill and knowledge (NVQ Level 3)
The job involves the application of knowledge in a broad range of varied work activities performed in a wide variety of contexts, most of which are complex and non-routine. There is considerable responsibility and autonomy and control or guidance of others is often required.

Higher skill and knowledge (NVQ Level 4)
The job involves the application of knowledge in a broad range of complex, technical or professional work activities performed in a variety of contexts and with a substantial degree of personal responsibility and autonomy. Responsibility for the work of others and the allocation of resources is often present.

Selecting a sample of jobs for identifying equal value

To help identify sample jobs for any of these methods for estimating equal value:

• You may first find it helpful to set out your pay structures or pay rates on a chart (see example below)
• Choose jobs which are predominantly performed by either men or women rather than mixed gender jobs
• Identify likely vulnerabilities jobs performed mainly by women (or men), which you suspect may be under (or over) valued, compared to those performed mainly by employees of the opposite gender.

Download payment structure chart.