Methods and tools METL

Leads the adoption, management and optimisation of methods and tools, ensuring effective use and alignment with organisational objectives.

Revision notes

Updates for SFIA 9

Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions), Making SFIA easier to consume (new levels), Making SFIA easier to consume (updates to skill name/skill description).
New level 2 added to support entry-level roles.
Content changes have been made to levels 3, 4, 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 are not impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

There is a wide range of methods and tools supporting areas such as, but not limited to, planning, development, testing, operation, management and maintenance of systems.

The focus is on ensuring these methods and tools are not just available but are appropriately managed, refined and applied across the organisation to enhance efficiency, quality and consistency.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

assessing, selecting and implementing methods and tools
stewardship of methods and tools to enable effective use by others
measuring, tailoring, improving and automating the use of methods and tools
developing and maintaining documentation and user guides for methods and tools
providing guidance, support and training for the adoption of new methods and tools
evaluating the effectiveness of implemented methods and tools
staying informed about industry developments related to methods and tools
aligning methods and tools with organisational standards and good practices.

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.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

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.

Methods and tools: 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.

Provide routine support using agreed guidelines on the use of well-established methods and tools.

Assists in configuring and maintaining methods and tools under routine supervision.

Supports the creation and updating of documentation related to methods and tools.

Methods and tools: 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.

Provides support on the use of existing methods and tools.

Configures and maintains methods and tools within a known context.

Creates and updates the documentation of methods and tools.

Identifies and resolves basic issues related to tool usage.

Methods and tools: 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 understand requirements and recommends appropriate solutions.

Provides advice and guidance to support the adoption of methods and tools and adherence to policies and standards.

Tailors processes to meet specific needs while ensuring they align with established standards and are informed by evaluations of methods and tools.

Reviews and improves usage and application of methods and tools.

Methods and tools: 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.

Provides authoritative advice and leadership to promote adoption of methods and tools and adherence to policies and standards.

Evaluates and selects appropriate methods and tools in line with agreed policies and standards. Contributes to organisational policies, standards and guidelines for methods and tools.

Implements methods and tools at programme, project and team levels including selection and tailoring in line with agreed standards.

Manages reviews of the benefits and value of methods and tools. Identifies and recommends improvements that support broader organisational goals.

Methods and tools: 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.

Develops organisational policies, standards and guidelines for methods and tools.

Sets direction and leads in the introduction and use of techniques, methodologies and tools, to meet business requirements.

Leads the development of organisational capabilities for methods and tools to ensure consistent adoption and adherence to policies and standards.

Secures organisational commitment and resources to methods and tools. Drives continuous improvement and innovation in methods and tools.

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.

New level Guidance notes