In order to achieve this multiple consultation phases were conducted throughout the project to ensure a global focus to the framework. In total, we gathered 3,821 lines of data to build the competence register, 1,557 comments through the consultation phases and engaged with 160 international experts representing 11 governments, 35 universities and institutes, 30 NGOs, 9 IUCN bodies and 70 IUCN specialist groups. The consultation phases included:
Scoping: A rapid review was conducted of competence frameworks and registers from within the conservation and other sectors. This led to the determination that the Competence Register would follow closely the structure (i.e. how the competences are defined and organised) of a global register of competences for protected areas practitioners (Appleton, 2016). The Conservation Measures Partnership Conservation Actions Classification Scheme was also used to guide the design of the overall structure.
Data collation: A wide set of published and unpublished literature likely to contain information relevant to competences in threatened species recovery were searched and reviewed. This included systematic internet searches of job descriptions, training needs assessments, and capacity development plans within the species conservation sector. Relevant best practice and technical guidelines, such as those published by the IUCN, were reviewed for competence-related information along with existing competence registers/frameworks from outside the conservation sector. These raw data were then reviewed and sorted to facilitate review and refinement at expert workshops.
Expert workshops: Two workshops were conducted with a set of international experts to review and refine the rough competence statements, identify gaps and provide additional information on the skills, knowledge and personal attributes required by threatened species recovery practitioners.
Targeted consultation: The draft Competence Register was shared for consultation with selected Chairs of the disciplinary IUCN SSC Specialist Groups and targeted user groups; in-situ conservation programmes, ex-situ facilities, government departments, training/ educational institutes, human resource departments and early career practitioners. The aim was to review the content and functionality of the draft Competence Register within real life circumstances, for multiple taxonomic groups and in line with existing IUCN documents and guidelines.
Review and refinement: The draft Competence Register was systematically reviewed and refined by the core team. During group sessions the structure, categories and each individual competence were reviewed and standardised, generating a near-final structure and set of competences.
Wider consultation: Finally, the Competence Register was sent for review by the wider conservation community, targeting the IUCN SSC and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums member networks. The consultation was hosted on an online platform to ensure accessibility and international participation.
