The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Accessibility and inclusion ACIN

Driving accessibility and inclusion in services and products.

Revision notes

Updates for SFIA 9

  • This is a new skill introduced in SFIA 9.
  • Theme(s) influencing the updates for this new skill: Application of SFIA skills for digital service design and delivery.
  • Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping of other SFIA skills are not impacted by this new skill.

Guidance notes

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • providing expert advice and guidance on accessibility and inclusion 
  • defining policies, standards and guidelines for accessible design, development, user research, auditing and testing
  • conducting accessibility impact assessments and audits to identify potential barriers and areas for improvement
  • keeping up-to-date with the latest industry trends, regulatory developments and established practices related to accessibility
  • collaborating with subject matter experts in areas such as usability, user experience, content design, assistive technology and disability rights
  • advising teams on budgeting appropriately for accessibility activities throughout the service or product development lifecycle
  • promoting a culture of shared responsibility for accessibility by embedding it into the roles and responsibilities of others, such, as designers, developers, researchers and managers.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...
  • Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

  • Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
  • Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
  • Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

2 3 4 5 6

Accessibility and inclusion: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

Assists with basic accessibility testing and gathering information for accessibility reviews.

Supports team members in executing predefined accessibility tests.

Documents test results and contributes to accessibility audit reports.

Accessibility and inclusion: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

Analyses accessibility requirements and technical information.

Designs and executes accessibility tests under direction. Reports findings in a structured way and makes initial recommendations for compliance.

Supports accessibility reviews and audits.

Escalates complex issues to senior colleagues.

Accessibility and inclusion: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

Engages with stakeholders to explain accessibility factors. Influences designs to improve accessibility.

Provides detailed accessibility analysis to inform decisions throughout the product or service lifecycle.

Plans and manages accessibility testing to meet agreed standards.

Evaluates compliance with accessibility regulations. Assesses risks based on test outcomes.

Accessibility and inclusion: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

Leads accessibility governance and assurance activities.

Interprets complex systems to identify opportunities for improved accessibility. Provides expert advice to drive accessibility compliance across products, services and projects.

Defines organisational accessibility testing approaches, aligned with regulations and standards.

Promotes awareness of accessibility and inclusion principles.

Accessibility and inclusion: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

Sets the organisation's strategic direction for accessibility and inclusion in products and services.

Defines and oversees governance processes to ensure compliance. Leads the development of accessibility policies, standards and guidelines.

Engages with industry bodies and experts to develop and implement good working practices.

Drives a culture of proactive accessibility consideration in design and development. Ensures adequate resources and skills for accessibility assurance.

Keywords
New skill