Release and deployment RELM

Applying the processes, systems and functions required to make new and changed services and features available for use.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

Updates for SFIA 9

There is an updated version of this skill for SFIA 9.
Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Application of SFIA skills for cloud-based working, Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions), Making SFIA easier to consume (updates to skill name/skill description), Making SFIA easier to consume (new levels).
Skill split into two skills: Release management and Deployment
New level 2 added to support entry-level roles.
Content changes have been made to levels 3, 4, 5, and 6.
You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping may be impacted by this change. See also Deployment

Guidance notes

Activities may include — but are not limited to:

packaging and deploying software changes and updates for release into a live environment
managing continuous delivery/deployment using automation tools for containerisation and orchestration
using package management tools or application lifecycle management tools for software dependency, version and library control
combining changes to form a release that delivers a new service or updates an existing service
adhering to established safety, security and quality standards
enabling the controlled and effective handover to operational management and the user community.

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.

Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

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.

Release and deployment: 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.

Uses approved tools and techniques for specific deployment activities.

Administers the recording of activities, logging of results and documents technical activities undertaken.

Release and deployment: 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.

Assesses and analyses release components for input to release scheduling.

Maintains and administers tools and methods for software delivery, deployment and configuration.

Maintains release processes and procedures.

Release and deployment: 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 the assessment, analysis, planning and design of release packages, including assessment of risk.

Liaises with business and technology teams on release scheduling and communication of progress. Conducts post-release reviews.

Ensures that release processes and procedures are applied and that releases can be rolled back as needed.

Identifies, evaluates and manages the adoption of appropriate release and deployment techniques, processes and automation tools.

Release and deployment: 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 release policy for the organisation in the context of both development and production/operations.

Implements processes, tools, and resources to ensure that the transition of services, service components and packages are planned and compliant.

Ensures that test, validation and configuration management are included in all release and deployment activities.

Provides authorisation for critical release activity and point of escalation.

Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.