Competence Debt Diagnostic

Identify hidden workforce risk in 10 minutes

Many organisations rely on assumed capability — outdated frameworks, incomplete assessments, or training records used as proof of competence.

Over time, this creates competence debt: a growing gap between what an organisation believes its workforce can do and what can actually be demonstrated.

This short diagnostic helps you identify where competence debt is building, and where to focus first — without complexity or scoring models.

In this downloadable diagnostic, you'll find:

• 13 targeted questions covering roles, competencies, skills and evidence
• Clear guidance on how to interpret your responses
• Four common competence debt profiles explained in plain language
• Practical next steps for each profile
• A starting point whether you have good data, poor data, or no structured data at all

This diagnostic is designed for organisations that:

• have competency frameworks but limited assessment data
• rely on training completion as a proxy for competence
• struggle to demonstrate readiness for progression, mobility or succession
• operate in regulated, technical or high-risk environments
• are reviewing workforce structures for 2026 planning
• It applies equally to clinical, technical and professional roles.

❌ not a maturity model
❌ not a scored assessment
❌ not a benchmarking exercise
❌ not a long survey

It is a practical clarity tool, not a judgement.