In July 2008 the Talent Map concept and how it might look in use was endorsed by Gordon Brown and Ministers who subsequently agreed to support a next phase of development work - Phase 2.

Under Phase 2 work the Commission was specifically asked to produce:

• detailed specifications for the Talent Map and the roving brand, incorporating the requirements for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales
• a ‘proof of concept version’ to reflect that specification and test the data mining aspects, working with business.gov.uk
• a detailed analysis and recommendation on funding and delivery models
• detailed costs for full roll out
• a programme plan for roll out based on the preferred model. 

Due to the fixed and short (12 weeks) timescales involved, the three main streams of work had to be run broadly in parallel instead of a more usual sequential approach.  In addition, the investigative and developmental nature of the phase meant that product definitions were only themselves developed as each work stream progressed. An agile approach involving a repeated, frequent review of products and progress across the project enabled the necessary flexibility whilst ensuring that the overall objectives were met.

Link to: UK Talent Map Project Website (opens in new window)