The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Levels of responsibility: 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.

Guidance notes

SFIA Levels represent levels of responsibility in the workplace. Each successive level describes increasing impact, responsibility and accountability.

  • Autonomy, influence and complexity are generic attributes that indicate the level of responsibility.
  • Business skills and behavioural factors describe the behaviours required to be effective at each level.
  • The knowledge attribute defines the depth and breadth of understanding required to perform and influence work effectively.

Understanding these attributes will help you get the most out of SFIA. They are critical to understanding and applying the levels described in the SFIA skill descriptions.

Autonomy

Works under general direction to complete assigned tasks. Receives guidance and has work reviewed at agreed milestones. When required, delegates routine tasks to others within own team.

Influence

Works with and influences team decisions. Has a transactional level of contact with people outside their team, including internal colleagues and external contacts.

Complexity

Performs a range of work, sometimes complex and non-routine, in varied environments.

Knowledge

Applies knowledge of a range of role-specific practices to complete tasks within defined boundaries and has an appreciation of how this knowledge applies to the wider business context. 

Business skills / Behavioural factors

Decision-making
  • Uses discretion in identifying and responding to complex issues related to own assignments. 
  • Determines when issues should be escalated to a higher level. 
Planning
  • Organises and keeps track of own work (and others where needed) to meet agreed timescales.
Collaboration
  • Understands and collaborates on the analysis of user/customer needs and represents this in their work.
Problem-solving
  • Applies a methodical approach to investigate and evaluate options to resolve routine and moderately complex issues. 
Improvement mindset
  • Identifies and implements improvements in own work area.
  • Contributes to team-level process enhancements.
Creativity

  • Applies and contributes to creative thinking techniques to contribute new ideas for their own work and for team activities.

Communication
  • Communicates with team and stakeholders inside and outside the organisation clearly explaining and presenting information.
  • Contributes to a range of work-related conversations and listens to others to gain an understanding and asks probing questions relevant to their role.
Leadership

  • Provides basic guidance and support to less experienced team members as needed.

Adaptability
  • Adapts and is responsive to change and shows initiative in adopting new methods or technologies.
Learning and development
  • Absorbs and applies new information effectively with the ability to share learnings with colleagues.
  • Takes the initiative in identifying and negotiating their own appropriate development opportunities. 
Digital mindset
  • Explores and applies relevant digital tools and skills for their role.
  • Understands and effectively applies appropriate methods, tools, applications and processes. 
Security, privacy and ethics
  • Applies appropriate professionalism and working practices and knowledge to work.