activ8 Invites Intelligent Argument at Psychometric Testing Debate

activ8 intelligence, pioneers of predictive HR analytic technologies, is calling on HR practitioners from across the UK to take part in a forthcoming debate on the recent rise in popularity of Psychometric Testing. The seminar will take place on 17th September, and activ8 are inviting comment from three key HR industry figures, as well as audience members, to analyse the attraction, benefits and future of this rapidly developing field.

Taking place in central London, the debate will look at the reasons why a majority of blue-chip companies now employ some form of psychometric testing when many HR experts believe it is not currently delivering what it claims to do. The panel will include Nick Hallwood, Director of Product Management at assessment experts SHL; Charles Sutton, a leading Occupational Psychologist and academic; and Geoff Booth, former Head of Lloydís TSB HR Shared Services.

Nick Hallwood will defend psychometric testing. He claims: ìThe psychometric assessment industry must focus on meeting business needs but also has a responsibility to ensure that test standards are maintained. When an organisation understands the characteristics required to do a specific job well, and an assessment provider offers a proven means of measuring individuals against these in a practical, efficient and reliable way, the value of psychometric assessment is indisputable.î

Charles Sutton will highlight the drawbacks of current testing procedures: ìThe commercialisation of psychological principles through the provision of mass market testing products has been one of the greatest mistakes made by the profession over the last 20 years. They offer little in the way of real-life validated evidence of success and mask the real requirements employers have in making a critical selection decision.î

Geoff Booth looks at the future of psychometrics and how they need to fit into the HR landscape in the longer term: ìThe truth is that HR needs to be both faster and smarter when it comes to serving the organisation around its recruitment needs, but unfortunately test providers have offered little in the way of an understanding of the practical and commercial imperatives HR face on a daily basis. Moving forward, HR has to ask itself whether or not to continue the love affair with psychometrics.î



The panel will present their individual viewpoints, following which the floor will be available for questions from the audience and open debate from panellists. The seminar is free to attend and places can be booked by contacting activ8 intelligence on 01623 883656 or emailing info@a8i.co.uk.

The seminar has been organised by activ8 intelligence, a pioneering organisation that uses predictive artificial intelligence to improve its clientsí recruitment and performance management. activ8 intelligenceís CEO, Laurence Collins, explains the importance of debating HR issues in this way: ìAt activ8 intelligence we are committed to advancing the effectiveness of human resources across all sectors. Our human capital management solutions exist to aid decision-making and reporting for HR professionals and we strongly feel that aiding this kind of debate on the key issues within HR will drive the industry forward in an extremely positive way.î