New AI Tools Support Universities and Colleges with Job Evaluation
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
7 July, 2026
Written by Suzanne Daley
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way organisations work, but when it comes to HR processes that directly impact people's careers, trust, fairness and transparency have to come first.
That's the thinking behind a new partnership between ECC and Propel Tech, which has resulted in what is believed to be the first AI-powered role scoring tool designed specifically for the higher and further education sectors.
Launching for ECC members in July 2026, the new functionality has been built to support, not replace, the expertise of trained job evaluation analysts.
Making job evaluation more efficient
Job evaluation plays a vital role in universities and colleges, helping determine grading, pay and organisational structures. It's a process that demands consistency, evidence-based decision-making and careful professional judgement.
The new AI-powered functionality has been integrated directly into ECC's existing job evaluation platform, ECC Online. It works alongside the long-established HERA and FEDRA schemes, providing a suggested response and evidence-based rationale measured against the recognised job evaluation criteria.
Importantly, every final evaluation, score and grading decision remains entirely in the hands of trained practitioners.
AI that supports professional expertise
As organisations increasingly explore the potential of AI, this project demonstrates how technology can be introduced responsibly into complex HR processes.
The focus has been on enhancing consistency and improving efficiency, while ensuring that human oversight remains central throughout the evaluation process. By supporting analysts with evidence-based suggestions, the tool provides an additional perspective to inform professional judgement without compromising accountability.
Strong support from the sector
Interest from ECC members has already been highly encouraging.
During testing, more than 70% of participants said they would like to use the new HERA-AI and FEDRA-AI tools as part of future job evaluation exercises, highlighting a clear appetite for technology that supports practitioners in their work.
A milestone for higher and further education
Nicholas Johnston, Chief Executive of ECC, believes the launch represents an important step forward for the sector.
"Job evaluation is one of the most important and closely scrutinised HR processes within higher and further education. Institutions need confidence that outcomes are fair, transparent and evidence-based, while also finding ways to manage increasing workloads and complexity.
We believe this is the first AI-powered tool developed specifically to support role scoring in the higher and further education sector. Working with Propel Tech has enabled us to create a solution that helps practitioners carry out their work more efficiently and consistently while ensuring that human judgement remains central to every decision. The response from members during testing has been extremely encouraging and demonstrates a clear appetite for technology that supports, rather than replaces, professional expertise."
Wil Jones, Technology & Solutions Director at Propel Tech, says the project showcases a practical approach to adopting AI in areas where trust and accuracy are essential.
"This project demonstrates how AI can be introduced responsibly into complex business processes where accuracy, transparency and trust are critical. By combining rapid prototyping, AI expertise and deep integration with ECC's existing platform, we were able to deliver a practical solution that supports users, enhances consistency and creates a foundation for future innovation."
Looking ahead
As universities and colleges continue exploring the role of AI across teaching, research and professional services, HR is becoming another area where carefully designed technology can deliver meaningful benefits.
The partnership between ECC and Propel Tech offers a practical example of responsible AI in action, using technology to support better, more consistent outcomes while keeping people firmly at the centre of every decision.
The new AI-powered role scoring functionality will be available to ECC members from July 2026 as part of a phased rollout programme.
For further information on the HERA-AI and FEDRA-AI rollout for members please log in to the Members' Area of our website below, and go to the ECC Online tab.
