Skills Framework For The Information Age (Sfia) Levels Of Skills And Responsibility

 

The SFIA Framework consists of seven levels of responsibility from Level 1, the lowest, to Level 7, the highest. The SFIA levels describe the behaviors, values, knowledge, and characteristics that an individual should have in order to be identified as competent at the level.

 

Here’s the summary of the SFIA levels and a summary of the level of responsibility

 

Level 1 – Follow

 

The lowest in the SFIA levels. Those whose level is under this level work under close supervision to perform routine activities in a structured environment and will require assistance in resolving unexpected problems, able to demonstrate an organized approach to work and learn new skills. Able to understand and complies with organizational standards.

 

Level 2 - Assist

 

Under this level, employees work under routine supervision and use minor discretion in resolving problems or inquiries. They can work without frequent reference to others and may be able to perform a range of varied work activities in a variety of structured environments. They can identify and negotiate their own development opportunities and has sufficient digital skills for their role.

 

Level 3 - Apply

 

Employees whose competency is under this level work under general supervision and uses discretion in identifying and resolving complex problems and assignments. They usually require specific instructions with their work being reviewed at frequent milestones but can determine when issues should be escalated to a higher level. They can perform a broad range of work, sometimes complex and non-routine, in a variety of environments. They understand and use appropriate methods, tools, and applications and can demonstrate an analytical and systematic approach to problem-solving. They take the initiative to absorb new information and apply it effectively.

 

Level 4 - Enable

 

Employees with these skills work under general direction within a clear framework of accountability and can exercise substantial personal responsibility and autonomy. They can plan their own work to meet given objectives and processes and can influence their team and specialist peers internally. They are capable of selecting appropriately from applicable standards, methods, tools, and applications and demonstrate an analytical and systematic approach to problem-solving. They plan, schedule and monitor their work to meet time and quality targets in accordance with relevant legislation and procedures, rapidly absorbing new technical information and applying it effectively.

 

Level 5 – Ensure and Advise

 

Employees with skill level 5, work under broad direction, being fully accountable for their own technical work and/or project/supervisory responsibilities, and receiving assignments in the form of objectives. Their work is often self-initiated and they can establish their own milestones, team objectives, and delegate responsibilities. They can also analyze, diagnose, design, plan, execute, and evaluate work to time, cost, and quality targets, communicating effectively, formally, and informally, with colleagues, subordinates, and customers. They can demonstrate leadership, mentor more junior colleagues, and take the initiative in keeping their skills up to date. Takes customer requirements into account and demonstrates creativity and innovation in applying solutions for the benefit of the customer.

 

 

Level 6 – Initiate and Influence

 

These employees have a defined authority and responsibility for a significant area of work, including technical, financial, and quality aspects. They can establish organizational objectives and delegate responsibilities, being accountable for actions and decisions taken by themselves and their subordinates. They make decisions that impact the work of employing organizations, achievement of organizational objectives and financial performance, and develop high-level relationships with customers, suppliers, and industry leaders. They absorb complex technical information and communicate effectively at all levels to both technical and non-technical audiences, assess and evaluate risk, and understand the implications of new technologies. They take the initiative in keeping both their own and subordinates' skills up to date and maintain an awareness of developments in the IT industry.

 

 

Level 7 - Set Strategy, Inspire, and Mobilize

 

The highest of the SFIA levels, employees under this level have the authority and responsibility for all aspects of a significant area of work, including policy formation and application. They are fully accountable for actions taken and decisions made, by both themselves and their subordinates. They make decisions critical to organizational success and influence developments. They apply the highest level of management and leadership skills, having a deep understanding of the IT industry and the implications of emerging technologies for the wider business environment. They have a full range of strategic management and leadership skills and can understand, explain and present complex technical ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences at all levels up to the highest in a persuasive and convincing manner. Communicates the potential impact of emerging technologies on organizations and individuals and analyses the risks of using or not using such technologies. They also assess the impact of legislation and actively promote compliance.