The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Sustainability SUST

(unchanged)

Providing advice, assistance and leadership to enable the organisation to minimise negative environmental impact.

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.

Guidance notes

(modified)

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • developing policies, standards and guidelines to minimise the negative environmental impact of factors such as, but not limited to, hardware, software, networks, storage, power supply, care, maintenance and disposal of assets, paper, packaging or transport
  • advising on regulations and standards
  • benchmarking and establishing metrics and dashboards
  • communicating and promoting sustainability policies and programmes.

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: 4 5 6

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.

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.

Sustainability: 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)

Assesses and reports on how different tactical decisions affect sustainability.

Evaluates factors and risks (political, legislative, technological, economic, social) that impact on operational processes and strategic direction.

Evaluates and reports on the implementation of sustainability measures in specific areas.

Sustainability: 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 expert advice and guidance on planning, designing and implementing sustainability solutions.

Evaluates and selects sustainability methods, tools, and practices to be used in line with agreed policies and standards.

Identifies and recommends improvements to the organisation's approach to sustainability.

Sustainability: 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 and promotes organisational strategies, policies, standards, and guidelines for sustainability.

Leads the introduction and use of sustainability techniques, methodologies 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.