Define the term 'workforce planning'.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Analysing/forecasting the numbers of workers (1)
2. Analysing/forecasting the skills of those workers (1)
3. Required by a business in the future to achieve its objectives (1)
4. [2 marks] Sound definition 2 of the factors listed above
5. [1 mark] Partial definition 1 of the factors listed above
6. [0 marks] No creditable content.
7. Answers could include:
8. A business will identify the existing skills and qualifications of its existing workforce which gives a regular review of how appropriate the workforce is.
9. A business will identify gaps in skills of the existing workforce.
10. A business will analyse and anticipate the future needs of the organisation for particular skilled workers.
11. A business will ensure that in each department and throughout the organisation the numbers and skills of the workforce are appropriate.
12. Avoids the consequences of not having a workforce plan.
13. Assists the business to meet objectives and respond to current/future environmental/competitive situations.
14. Accept any other valid response.
15. [3 marks] Sound explanation of two benefits for a business of workforce planning.
16. [2 marks] Sound explanation of one benefit for a business of workforce planning or partial explanation of two.
17. [1 mark] Partial explanation of one benefit for a business of workforce planning or a list of two benefits or a limited explanation of workforce planning.
18. [0 marks] No creditable content.