Levels of responsibility

This section outlines the generic attributes that characterise SFIA’s seven levels of responsibility and accountability. The structure of the framework ensures that the definitions of professional skills are clearly distinct and aligned with each level of responsibility, providing a progressive, recognisable path from one level to the next.

The power of the levels of responsibility

SFIA's seven levels of responsibility not only support career progression but also provide a foundation for mapping other frameworks and organisational structures to the SFIA framework. The generic attributes make these levels suitable as the basis for core competencies, mapping structures, and career development stages.

Organisations with existing core competencies or values can combine them with SFIA’s professional skills, benefitting from the clarity and structure that the SFIA levels provide.
Organisations, professional bodies, or trade associations that wish to map their own structures to SFIA can use the levels of responsibility, defined by generic attributes, as a foundation for such mappings.

Universal applicability

While SFIA was initially designed for the digital, IT, and software engineering community, its professional skills are relevant beyond these fields. Its universal applicability allows it to be extended into various knowledge-intensive or technical professions. SFIA’s levels of responsibility facilitate the integration of different professional work, providing a common foundation for mapping frameworks or aligning an organisation’s structure with the SFIA framework.

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 - 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Generic attributes, business skills and behavioural factors

All levels 1-7 of the generic attributes and business skills/behavioural factors.

SFIA 9 behavioural factors in SFIA 8 business skills style

SFIA 9 Alternative layout of behavioural factors PDF

Alternative layout of SFIA 9 business skills and behavioural factors.

SFIA offers two layouts of the behavioural factors - one with behavioural factor headings and one without - to accommodate different user needs and preferences.