🗘 Last updated on 16th June, 2026

The HR profession looks very different in 2026 than it did just a few years ago.

AI tools are now part of daily HR workflows, people analytics has shifted from a niche specialty to a baseline expectation and hybrid and remote hiring has changed how onboarding, performance, and culture are managed.

According to Zappyhire’s Recruitment Trends 2026 report, 68% of respondents reported increased recruitment efficiency after using AI. So for HR professionals, learning how to use AI responsibly and effectively is becoming increasingly valuable.

And in this day and age of fierce competition, upskilling has become crucial like never before, and you need to keep your eyes peeled to find the right “value for money” learning opportunities.

If you’re an HR professional who has embarked on the quest to find the right HR course for yourself, you’re at the right place as we’ve prepared a list of the top 20 free HR courses for the year 2026 to aid you in this endeavor.

Ready? Let’s dive right in!

List of Top HR Courses in 2026 for Fresher and Experienced Professionals

#	Course	Platform	Cost	Level
1	Generative AI for HR Professionals	Coursera (Vanderbilt University)	Free to audit	Beginner
2	Human Resource Management: HR for People Managers Specialization	Coursera (University of Minnesota)	Free to audit	Beginner
3	Leading People and Teams Specialization	Coursera (University of Michigan)	Free to audit	Beginner
4	Diversity & Inclusion for HR Professionals	Coursera (UC Irvine)	Free to audit	Beginner
5	Human Resources Analytics	Coursera (UC Irvine)	Free to audit	Beginner / Intermediate
6	Diploma in Human Resources (HR)	Alison	Free to study	Beginner / Intermediate
7	Human Resources: Recruitment and Selection	OpenLearn (Open University)	Free	Intermediate
8	The Manager’s Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work	Coursera (Birkbeck, University of London)	Free to audit	Beginner / Intermediate
9	HR Fundamentals	FutureLearn (CIPD)	Paid / Freemium	Intermediate
10	Introduction to AI for HR Professionals	Coursera	Free to audit	Beginner
11	OHSC Free HR Courses	Oxford Home Study Centre	Free to study	Beginner / Intermediate
12	Human Resource Management	Great Learning Academy	Free	Beginner
13	HRCI Human Resource Associate Professional Certificate	Coursera (HRCI)	Approximately $49/month	Beginner
14	SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP Certification	SHRM	$420–$620	Intermediate / Advanced
15	People Analytics Certificate Program	AIHR	Approximately $1,125	Intermediate
16	Generative AI in HR	LinkedIn Learning	Subscription	Beginner / Intermediate
17	People Data & Business Insights Certificate	AIHR	₹45,500	Intermediate
18	SHRM People Analytics Specialty Credential	SHRM	$1,855–$2,205	Intermediate
19	Human Resources Foundations	LinkedIn Learning	Subscription	Beginner
20	Human Resources: Managing Employee Problems	LinkedIn Learning	Subscription	Intermediate

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Top Free HR Courses in 2026

1. Generative AI for HR Professionals

The must-take new course of 2026. Taught by Dr. Jules White of Vanderbilt University, this course teaches HR professionals to use AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Microsoft Copilot for real HR tasks — with zero coding or technical background required. It’s built for practitioners who want to reclaim time from administrative work and focus on strategic, human-centred impact.

Platform: Coursera (offered by Vanderbilt University) Cost: Free to audit; certificate with Coursera Plus

What you’ll learn:

• Prompt engineering for HR workflows (job descriptions, policy drafting, performance reviews)
• Building personalised career development frameworks using AI
• Structuring multi-turn AI conversations for complex HR tasks
• Anticipating employee reactions to policy changes using AI
• Evaluating AI outputs for bias and legal risk

Best for: Any HR professional beginning to use AI in their day-to-day role

⌛ ~6–8 hours, self-paced | 🏆 Shareable certificate | 📈 Beginner — no tech background needed | 🆎 English

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2. Human Resource Management: HR for People Managers Specialization

One of the highest-rated HR programmes on Coursera, offered by the University of Minnesota. This 5-course specialisation covers the full arc of people management — from hiring and onboarding to performance and compensation. Consistently updated and still running in 2026, it remains the strongest choice for managers who’ve landed in HR roles without formal training.

Platform: Coursera (offered by University of Minnesota) Cost: Free to audit; certificate with Coursera Plus

Courses included:

1. Preparing to Manage Human Resources
2. Recruiting, Hiring, and Onboarding Employees
3. Managing Employee Performance
4. Managing Employee Compensation
5. HR for People Managers Capstone

What you’ll learn: Performance management, onboarding, interviewing, incentive design, HR strategy

Best for: New managers, entrepreneurs, first-time HR leads

⌛ ~2 months at 10 hrs/week | ⭐ 4.8 | 🏆 Specialisation certificate | 📈 Beginner | 🆎 English, Spanish, French, Arabic + more

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3. Leading People and Teams Specialization

“Recruitment has never been a one-person show. It is a collective effort, and the value comes from how well everyone involved collaborates.”

— Anushree Madhugiri, Leadership & Talent Advisory – Reliance Group, What Will Break First in 2026 Webinar

Offered by the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, this specialisation develops leadership capabilities alongside HR skills — particularly useful for HR professionals transitioning into HRBP or people leadership roles. Features guest insights from Jeff Brodsky, Global Head of HR at Morgan Stanley.

Platform: Coursera (offered by University of Michigan) Cost: Free to audit; certificate with Coursera Plus

Courses included:

1. Inspiring and Motivating Individuals
2. Managing Talent
3. Influencing People
4. Leading Teams
5. Leading People and Teams Capstone

What you’ll learn:

• Vision alignment and team performance management
• How to motivate and influence without direct authority
• Talent development and coaching frameworks
• Michigan Model of Leadership for goal alignment

Best for: HR business partners, people managers, team leads

⌛ ~4 months | ⭐ 4.8 | 🏆 Specialisation certificate | 📈 Beginner | 🆎 English, Spanish, Korean, Arabic + more

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4. Diversity & Inclusion for HR Professionals

Offered by UC Irvine via Coursera, this course provides a structured, practical approach to developing and implementing a DEIB plan — moving beyond awareness into actionable strategy. One of the most reviewed DEI courses on the platform.

Platform: Coursera (offered by University of California, Irvine) Cost: Free to audit; certificate with Coursera Plus

10 Types of Hiring Biases Recruiters Should Be Aware of

What you’ll learn:

• How conscious and unconscious bias impacts the workplace
• Frameworks for thought diversity and psychological safety
• How to develop a DEIB strategy tailored to your organisation
• Measuring and communicating the business impact of DEI

Best for: HR professionals, business leaders, D&I practitioners

⌛ ~16 hours | ⭐ 4.7 | 🏆 Certificate | 📈 Beginner | 🆎 English

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5. Human Resources Analytics

Offered by the University of California, Irvine, this course introduces HR professionals to data-driven decision making — connecting people metrics to business outcomes. One of the most popular standalone HR analytics courses on Coursera.

Platform: Coursera (offered by UC Irvine) Cost: Free to audit; certificate ~$59/month or $399/year (Coursera Plus)

What you’ll learn:

• HR metrics lifecycle and how to build a business case
• Staffing, training, and compensation analytics
• Connecting HR strategy to organisational strategy
• Approaches to talent management measurement and employee relations data

Best for: HR generalists building analytics literacy, new HR professionals

⌛ ~5 hours | ⭐ 4.6 | 🏆 Certificate | 📈 Beginner / Intermediate | 🆎 English

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6. Diploma in Human Resources (HR)

Alison’s HR Diploma remains one of the best completely free comprehensive HR qualifications available. With CPD accreditation and no cost barrier, it’s a solid CV booster for people entering the profession. Covers the full HR management lifecycle including recruitment, training, motivation, managing performance, and managing change.

Platform: Alison Cost: Free to study; optional paid certificate on completion

What you’ll learn:

• The 8 core roles of HR management and strategic HRM planning
• The recruitment process and selection methods
• Training and development frameworks and their impact on retention
• Managing poor performance and employment termination procedures
• Organisational culture, change management, and motivational theories

Best for: Career switchers entering HR, early-career HR professionals

⌛ 10–15 hours | 🏆 CPD-accredited diploma (paid option) | 📈 Beginner / Intermediate | 🆎 English | 💰 Free to study

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7. Human Resources: Recruitment and Selection

The Open University’s rigorous, completely free guide to fair and systematic hiring. This OpenLearn course — an extract from the Open University’s Professional Certificate in Management — takes you through the full recruitment cycle with a strong emphasis on objectivity and legal compliance. Confirmed active as of May 2026.

Platform: OpenLearn (Open University) Cost: Free; optional Statement of Participation on completion

What you’ll learn:

• How to maintain objectivity throughout recruitment and selection
• Person-job vs person-organisation approaches to recruitment
• Writing job descriptions and defining person specifications
• Structured interview design and fair assessment methods

Best for: Hiring managers, HR coordinators, anyone responsible for recruitment

⌛ ~12 hours | 🏆 Free Statement of Participation | 📈 Intermediate | 🆎 English | 💰 Free

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8. The Manager’s Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work

Offered by Birkbeck, University of London via Coursera, this course brings academic rigour and evidence-based research to everyday management challenges. Suitable for both first-time managers and seasoned practitioners who want a more structured framework for their HR thinking.

Platform: Coursera (offered by Birkbeck / University of London) Cost: Free to audit; certificate with Coursera Plus

What you’ll learn:

• Interview design and structured hiring decision-making
• Conflict management and resolution frameworks
• Performance management and appraisal techniques
• Team motivation and day-to-day leadership decisions

Best for: Line managers, first-time HR managers, team leads

⌛ ~28 hours | ⭐ 4.7 | 🏆 Certificate | 📈 Beginner / Intermediate | 🆎 English, Arabic, French, Spanish + more

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9. HR Fundamentals

Created by the CIPD — the UK’s professional body for HR and people development, with over 100 years of history — this FutureLearn course is one of the cleanest and most structured introductions to HR practice available. Designed specifically for new and aspiring HR professionals, it covers the fundamentals with practical, discussion-led learning.

Platform: FutureLearn (offered by CIPD) Cost: Paid and Freemium

What you’ll learn:

• HR professionalism and the evolving role of HR
• Principles of workforce planning and employee recruitment
• Retention strategies and performance management
• How HR supports organisational strategy and objectives

Best for: New HR professionals, people operations coordinators

⌛ ~5 weeks | ⭐ 4.8 | 🏆 FutureLearn certificate | 📈 Intermediate | 🆎English

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10. Introduction to AI for HR Professionals

Part of the AI for HR Specialization on Coursera, this course by AI Business School offers the most hands-on AI literacy experience for HR teams. Unlike abstract AI theory courses, it puts learners directly into HR-focused applications and helps them experiment safely with real tools.

“You need structured guidance to build new habits. AI usage must become part of the culture, not a one-off event.”

— Krishna Kumar, CEO, GreenPepper + AI, Rise and Impact of AI Adoption in Recruitment Webinar

Platform: Coursera Cost: Free to audit; certificate with Coursera Plus

What you’ll learn:

• Generative AI foundations and key risks specific to HR
• Prompt engineering using the CLEAR framework for HR tasks
• Advanced prompting techniques: role-based, chain-of-thought, iterative refinement
• AI ethics, bias awareness, and compliance considerations for HR
• How to experiment safely with AI in your HR workflows

Best for: Any HR professional beginning their AI literacy journey

⌛ ~4–6 hours, self-paced | 🏆 Certificate | 📈 Beginner | 🆎 English

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11. OHSC Free HR Courses

Oxford Home Study Centre (OHSC) offers a range of completely free HR courses covering recruitment, HR management fundamentals, and talent acquisition — including a newly added AI in Recruitment module. All courses are self-paced, with optional CPD-accredited certificates available for a small fee. OHSC’s 2026 updates have added content on how AI is reshaping recruitment and HR workflows.

Platform: Oxford Home Study Centre Cost: Free to study; optional CPD certificate for a small fee

What you’ll learn (across their HR course range):

• HR management fundamentals and the role of the HR manager
• Recruitment processes and candidate assessment
• Training and development principles
• How AI is reshaping talent acquisition (new 2026 content)

Best for: Aspiring HR professionals wanting structured, free, self-paced learning

⌛ Varies by course (20–200 hours) | 🏆 Optional CPD certificate | 📈 Beginner / Intermediate | 🆎 English | 💰 Free to study

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12. Human Resource Management

Great Learning Academy’s free HRM course is one of the only beginner-level programmes that includes a dedicated module on using AI (specifically ChatGPT) for HR tasks — alongside all core HR foundations. Updated for 2026 with GenAI content, it has enrolled over 268,000 learners and has a 4.6 rating. Completely free with a certificate on completion.

Platform: Great Learning Academy Cost: 100% free, including the certificate

What you’ll learn:

• HRM basics, manpower planning, and job analysis
• Recruitment and selection processes
• Compensation, benefits, and performance management
• Training and development using the ADDIE model
• Employee engagement fundamentals
• Introduction to using ChatGPT for HR tasks (2026 update)

Best for: HR beginners wanting a modern, practical, and free starting point

⌛ ~3 hours | ⭐ 4.6 (268,000+ learners) | 🏆 Free certificate | 📈 Beginner | 🆎 English | 💰 Completely free

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Top Paid HR Courses in 2026

1. HRCI Human Resource Associate Professional Certificate

The gold-standard entry point for anyone starting in HR in 2026. Built by HRCI — the HR Certification Institute, with over 50 years of credentialing history — this 5-course programme on Coursera prepares you directly for the aPHR (Associate Professional in Human Resources) exam, the only globally recognised HR credential that requires zero prior experience.

With 130,000+ learners already enrolled and a 4.8 rating, it’s the most career-relevant beginner HR programme available today.

Platform: Coursera (offered by HRCI) Cost: Auditable free; full certificate ~$49/month (Coursera Plus)

What you’ll learn:

• Talent acquisition, job analysis, and interviewing
• Onboarding and employee policy development
• Performance management and employee relations
• HR compliance, risk, and legal fundamentals
• Training design and organisational culture

Benefits:

• Shareable Coursera certificate + direct prep for the aPHR exam
• Self-paced, mobile-friendly
• 4 peer-reviewed real-world projects
• Backed by HRCI, a globally respected credentialing body

Best for: Career switchers, fresh graduates, HR coordinators

⌛ ~5 months at 6 hrs/week | ⭐ 4.8 (2,700+ reviews) | 🏆 Certificate + aPHR prep | 📈 Beginner | 🆎 English

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2. SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP Certification

The industry benchmark for working HR professionals. The Society for Human Resource Management’s two-tier credential system — Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) for early-career practitioners and Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) for strategic leaders — remains the most widely recognised HR certification globally. SHRM-certified professionals earn approximately 23% more than their non-certified peers.

Platform: SHRM (direct).

2026 Early-Bird Fees:

SHRM-SCP: $520 (SHRM members) / $620 (non-members)

SHRM-CP: $420 (SHRM members) / $520 (non-members)

What you’ll learn (BASK Framework):

• HR strategy and policy development
• Talent acquisition and workforce management
• Employee engagement and organisational effectiveness
• Employment law, risk management, and compliance
• Leadership and navigational competencies

Best for: HR generalists with 1–3+ years experience (CP); senior HR leaders (SCP)

⌛ Self-study; 4-hour exam, 134 questions | 🏆 Globally recognised certification | 📈 Intermediate / Advanced | 🆎 English

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3. People Analytics Certificate Program

The most comprehensive people analytics course available for HR professionals. AIHR (Academy to Innovate HR) has built a global reputation for practical, skills-based training, and this certificate is their flagship analytics programme. No prior statistics or technical knowledge required as it’s built for HR practitioners, not data scientists.

Platform: AIHR (direct) Cost: ~$1,125 standalone; also included in Full Academy Access

What you’ll learn:

• HR data fundamentals and people metrics
• Building dashboards in Microsoft Excel and Power BI
• Data visualisation and storytelling for business leaders
• Predictive analytics and attrition modelling
• Translating data insights into organisational decisions

Benefits:

• Earns 35 SHRM PDCs and 35 HRCI recertification credits
• Recognised by SHRM, HRCI, HRPA, and CPHR globally
• 100% money-back guarantee
• Access to a worldwide HR community

Best for: HR professionals moving into data-driven roles, HRBPs, talent managers

⌛ 38 hours, self-paced | 🏆 AIHR certificate (with SHRM/HRCI credits) | 📈 Intermediate | 🆎 English

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4. Generative AI in HR

A sharp, practitioner-focused introduction to AI in HR, taught by Dr. Terri Horton — work futurist, consultant, and author. Part of a LinkedIn Professional Certificate, this course covers how generative AI is already changing talent acquisition, employee development, DEI, and overall workforce preparation — including the legal and ethical responsibilities that come with it.

Platform: LinkedIn Learning Cost: LinkedIn Learning subscription (free trial available)

What you’ll learn:

• How GenAI catalyses talent acquisition and onboarding
• AI applications for leadership development and employee experience
• DEI and Gen AI — opportunities and risks
• Legal, ethical, and compliance considerations for HR
• How to prepare your workforce for AI adoption

Best for: HR managers, people partners, L&D professionals

⌛ ~1.5 hours | 🏆 LinkedIn Professional Certificate | 📈 Beginner / Intermediate | 🆎 English

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5. People Data & Business Insights Certificate

🔗 aihr.com/courses/people-data-business-insights-certification

AIHR’s more focused, 30-hour programme designed for HR professionals who work with data but aren’t analytics specialists. It emphasises practical skills: using HR data tools, calculating key metrics in Excel and Google Sheets, building basic dashboards, and communicating insights to business partners.

Platform: AIHR (direct) Cost: Paid – ₹45,500

What you’ll learn:

• HR and people data basics and data tools
• Calculating core HR metrics using Excel and Google Sheets
• Introduction to Power BI for HR data visualisation
• Telling a clear data story to business stakeholders

Best for: HRBPs, HR coordinators, and generalists building confidence with data

⌛ 30 hours, self-paced | 🏆 AIHR certificate (SHRM/HRCI credits) | 📈 Intermediate | 🆎 English

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6. SHRM People Analytics Specialty Credential

For SHRM-certified professionals who want to add formal analytics credibility to their existing qualification. This credential focuses on analytics literacy — understanding what the numbers mean, how to read HR data, and how to communicate insights to executives. It’s not a deep statistical dive, but it’s the right tool for HR leaders who need to speak the language of data with confidence.

Platform: SHRM (direct) Cost: $1,855 (SHRM members) / $2,205 (non-members)

What you’ll learn:

• Connecting people analytics to organisational outcomes
• Assembling metrics to test hypotheses
• Consulting with stakeholders on HR data findings
• Foundational analytics literacy for strategic HR decisions

Additional benefit: Earns 22 PDCs toward SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification; credential does not expire once earned

Best for: SHRM-certified HR professionals, senior HR leaders wanting analytics credibility

⌛ Varies | 🏆 SHRM Specialty Credential (evergreen, never expires) | 📈 Intermediate | 🆎 English

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7. Human Resources Foundations

A concise, expert-led overview of the HR function taught by Wayne Cascio, one of HR’s most respected academics and authors of 30+ books on human resource management. In under an hour, this LinkedIn Learning course covers the complete scope of an HR professional’s core responsibilities.

Platform: LinkedIn Learning Cost: LinkedIn Learning subscription (free trial available)

What you’ll learn:

• Attracting, interviewing, and hiring the right candidates
• Establishing a pay strategy and compensation fundamentals
• Creating systems for internal training and development
• Performance management and the role of HR in career development

Best for: Anyone new to HR or refreshing their foundational knowledge

⌛ ~47 minutes | ⭐ 4.7 (2,000+ ratings) | 🏆 LinkedIn certificate | 📈 Beginner | 🆎 English

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8. Human Resources: Managing Employee Problems

Every HR professional will face difficult employee situations. This LinkedIn Learning course covers the full arc of employee problem management — from anticipating issues before they surface to resolving them strategically. Practical, concise, and immediately applicable to real-world HR work.

Platform: LinkedIn Learning Cost: LinkedIn Learning subscription

What you’ll learn:

• Conflict management frameworks
• Effectively using the employee handbook as a tool
• Defining, documenting, and addressing workplace problems
• Managing difficult conversations and conversational trouble spots
• Digital HR tools for case management

Best for: HR managers, people partners, operations leads

⌛ ~1 hour | ⭐ 4.7 | 🏆 LinkedIn certificate | 📈 Intermediate | 🆎 English

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How to Choose the Right Course

Your situation	Best starting point
New to HR, no experience	HRCI on Coursera (#1) or Great Learning (#20)
Working in HR, want a credential	SHRM-CP (#2)
Senior HR leader	SHRM-SCP (#2) or AIHR People Analytics (#3)
Want to use data and analytics	AIHR People Analytics (#3) or UC Irvine Analytics (#9)
Want to use AI in your day job	Vanderbilt GenAI for HR (#4) or LinkedIn Learning (#8)
Free, self-paced, deep learning	Alison Diploma (#11) or OpenLearn Recruitment (#12)

Frequently Asked Questions About HR Courses

1. Which HR course is best for beginners in 2026?

The HRCI Human Resource Associate Professional Certificate on Coursera is a strong option for beginners because it requires no previous HR experience and prepares learners for the aPHR exam. Free courses from Great Learning and Alison are also suitable for those exploring HR before investing in a paid certification.

2. Are there any free HR courses with certificates?

Yes. Great Learning Academy offers a free Human Resource Management course with a certificate. Alison, OpenLearn and Oxford Home Study Centre also provide free HR courses, although some platforms may charge separately for a printed or accredited certificate.

3. Which HR certification is most recognised by employers?

SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP are among the most widely recognised HR certifications for working professionals and senior HR leaders. HRCI certifications, including the aPHR, are also globally recognised and can be particularly useful for early-career professionals.

4. What is the best HR course for people analytics?

The AIHR People Analytics Certificate Program is suitable for HR professionals seeking comprehensive training in HR metrics, dashboards, Power BI, data visualisation and predictive analytics. Beginners looking for a shorter introduction can consider the Human Resources Analytics course from UC Irvine on Coursera.

5. Which courses teach AI applications in HR?

Courses such as Generative AI for HR Professionals from Vanderbilt University, Generative AI in HR on LinkedIn Learning and Introduction to AI for HR Professionals on Coursera cover AI-assisted HR workflows, prompting, recruitment, employee development, ethics and bias.

6. Can I start a career in HR without a degree?

Yes. Entry-level courses and certifications can help you build foundational knowledge in recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management and HR compliance. However, employer requirements vary depending on the role, location and level of responsibility.