Methods and tools METL

(unchanged)

Ensuring methods and tools are adopted and used effectively throughout the organisation.

SFIA 9 is in development

SFIA 9 beta due in early July 2024
SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024

This is a prototype for SFIA 9. It is subject to change before publication.

Moving to SFIA 9

New level 2 added to support entry-level roles
SFIA 8 skill descriptions will remain available for you to use
Previous SFIA assessments are not impacted by this change

Guidance notes

(modified)

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.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

assessing, selecting and implementing methods and tools
measuring, tailoring, improving and automating the use of methods and tools.

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 reponsibilities.

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 with tasks (generic examples are provided by the essence statements for each level)

Where higher levels are not defined...

You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Levels

Defined at these levels:

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.

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.

(new)

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.

(unchanged)

Provides support on the use of existing methods and tools.

Configures methods and tools within a known context.

Creates and updates the documentation of methods and tools.

Methods and tools: Level 4

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

(unchanged)

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

Tailors processes in line with agreed standards and evaluation 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 achieving workgroup objectives and managing work from analysis to execution and evaluation

(unchanged)

Provides advice, guidance and expertise 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.

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, fosters organizational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

(unchanged)

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.

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