The Assessment Centre Study Group (ACSG) has been a pivotal platform for knowledge-sharing, professional development, and best practice exchange in assessment centre methodologies in South Africa. As a specialist community, the ACSG provides professionals with valuable insights into assessment trends, innovative practices, and scientific advancements, ensuring that the profession remains credible, effective, and aligned with industry needs. The organisation has also played a crucial role in facilitating discussions on assessment validity, fairness, and effectiveness, equipping practitioners with the tools needed to design and implement robust selection, development, and talent management assessments.
However, as the landscape of talent assessment evolves, it is essential to evaluate the ACSG’s effectiveness, relevance, and sustainability. The shift towards virtual assessment centres (VACs), accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has necessitated methodological adaptations to maintain validity and reliability (Tett et al., 2025). Emerging trends in assessment technology, remote and hybrid assessment models, and shifting organisational needs call for a reassessment of ACSG’s offerings to ensure continued value. Additionally, while ACSG events have historically drawn strong attendance, sustaining engagement, enhancing participation, and ensuring long-term growth in a highly competitive learning environment remain key challenges.
Objective
This workshop aims to:
1. Review the current state of the ACSG, examining membership trends, event participation, and engagement levels.
2. Identify key challenges and opportunities within the assessment centre landscape, particularly in the shift towards digital and virtual assessments (Tett et al., 2025).
3. Gather insights from attendees on what aspects of the ACSG’s offerings should be maintained, refined, or changed.
4. Develop actionable strategies to ensure the ACSG remains a leading professional body in the field of assessment centres.
Approach
The session will be highly interactive and structured to facilitate open discussion and collaborative problem-solving, using:
A review of ACSG event attendance and member engagement data, identifying participation patterns and potential gaps.
Live polling and group discussions to capture real-time insights on what aspects of ACSG membership and events are most valuable.
Case study reflections on professional organisations facing similar challenges, drawing lessons applicable to ACSG’s future.
Strategic brainstorming, allowing participants to co-create ideas for membership growth, event relevance, and long-term sustainability.
Practical Application
Participants will gain:
A clear understanding of ACSG’s current engagement, participation, and sustainability challenges.
Actionable insights into how the ACSG can evolve to better serve assessment professionals.
A collaboratively developed roadmap for enhancing membership, event participation, and organisational impact.
Conclusion
To remain a leading organisation in assessment centre methodologies, the ACSG must adapt to the changing professional landscape. As virtual assessment centres and digital methodologies continue to reshape the field, professional bodies must leverage technology, adapt offerings to member needs, and foster sustainable engagement strategies (Tett et al., 2025).
This workshop will provide a collaborative space for attendees to shape the future of the ACSG, ensuring its continued relevance, growth, and contribution to the field of assessment centres.
Marelie Botha is an Industrial Psychologist dedicated to driving positive change and unlocking the full potential of individuals and organisations. As the Managing Director of Inpsyght Consulting, she specialises in workforce development using evidence-based strategies to optimise performance and foster engagement.
Additionally, she is deeply committed to education and youth development. She previously served as Chairperson of the Advisory Board for the Mustard Seed Foundation, where she nurtured young talent through comprehensive support programs, such as the Incubation Program for High Performers.
At the Assessment Centre Study Group and Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology South Africa, Marelie drives impactful projects and initiatives, emphasising innovation and collaboration within the professional community.
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