About Test Direct Ltd

In addition to providing training for technical skills, all Test Direct Managers will attend Management and Consultancy in-house training and external courses, such as ISTQB Advanced Test Manager. The company also provide in-house training to all Managers on how to manage and conduct Performance Reviews, complete IDP's, Conflict Management and Delivering Effective Feedback. Test Direct have also just changed their Performance Reviews process so instead of every six months it is now quarterly. The company have done this to make it a simpler, quicker and more meaningful process. There are three quarterly reviews: self-assessment, client feedback and manager feedback, followed by a full detailed annual review. This covers managerial aspects of their roles such as project deliverables, client interfaces etc. Managers are assessed against specific objectives, dependent upon their roles and also based around a set of expected behaviours. Reviews are then countersigned to ensure consistency across the company and also look at utilisation of consultants as a metric of performance.

At Test Direct all new starters undergo a one-week induction course outlining all of the company’s tools and processes, as well as an overview of how Test Direct work as consultants. This is followed up with regular four week reviews during Probation. Following probation quarterly performance reviews then take place. Everyone has an Individual Development plan that is reviewed regularly by their Manager and the People and Talent Director. In addition to external certification courses, Test Direct have their own Training Database where there are 100s of documents, courses and templates for employees to read when they need them. Test Direct have an annual Company Training Plan focusing on the needs of their consultants, remaining at the forefront of technology and tools. Courses are arranged to meet the needs and skills required by both individuals and the business and the company offer external and online courses that lead to certifications and accreditations.

Test Direct run the ‘Star of the Month’ award, where an employee is nominated by fellow peers for doing something over and above the normal expectations of their role. The award comes with a one-off payment of approximately £200. The company will also take their photograph and put the details in their monthly newsletter so all employees are aware of who got the award and why. In addition, Test Direct grant a SPOT award, which is a series of bonus payments of approximately £1000, all to reward employees who exceed expectations. This is normally accompanied by a note from the CEO to recognise their contribution. Test Direct will always listen to what their employees would like and have implemented a number of initiatives to reward them, for example UK Healthcare and Perkbox.