Levels of responsibility
Generic levels
This section describes the standard levels of responsibility and accountability used in the framework.
The underlying structure of the framework ensures that the definitions of professional skills are defined in a way that makes their different levels recognisably distinct.
Core competencies
The nature of these generic definitions makes them suitable for use as the basis of core competencies.
An organisation that already has a set of core competencies my wish to use them in combination with SFIA’s professional skills. The organisation will still benefit from the sensible spacing of levels that the framework provides.
Existing levels
It may be required to map SFIA’s professional skills on to an established structure of levels within an organisation. In that case, the generic levels can be used as a transition aid in order to establish the basis of the mapping.
Level 1: follow
Autonomy
Works under close supervision. Uses little discretion. Expected to seek guidance in unexpected situations.
Influence
Complexity
Performs routine activities in a structured environment. Requires assistance in resolving unexpected problems.
Business skills
Uses basic information systems and technology functions, applications, and processes. Demonstrates an organised approach to work. Capable of learning new skills and applying newly acquired knowledge. Basic oral and written communication skills. Contributes to identifying own development opportunities.
Level 2: assist
Autonomy
Works under routine supervision. Uses minor discretion in resolving problems or enquiries. Works without frequent reference to others.
Influence
Interacts with and may influence department. May have some external contact with customers and suppliers. May have more influence in own domain.
Complexity
Performs range of varied work activities in variety of structured environments.
Business skills
Understands and uses appropriate methods tools and applications. Demonstrates a rational and organised approach to work. Awareness of health and safety issues. Identifies and negotiates own development opportunities. Sufficient communication skills for effective dialogue with colleagues. Able to work in a team. Able to plan, schedule and monitor own work within short time horizons. Can absorb technical information when it is presented systematically and apply it effectively.
Level 3: apply
Autonomy
Works under general supervision. Uses discretion in identifying and resolving complex problems and assignments. Specific instruction is usually given and work is reviewed at frequent milestones. Determines when problems should be escalated to a higher level.
Influence
Interacts with and influences department/project team members. Frequent external contact with customers and suppliers. In predictable and structured areas may supervise others. Decisions may impact work assigned to individual/phases of project.
Complexity
Broad range of work, sometimes complex and non routine, in variety of environments.
Business skills
Understands and uses appropriate methods tools and applications. Demonstrates analytical and systematic approach to problem solving. Takes initiative in identifying and negotiating appropriate development opportunities. Demonstrates effective communication skills. Contributes fully to the work of teams. Can plan, schedule and monitor own work (and that of others where applicable) competently within limited time horizons and according to health and safety procedures. Is able to absorb and apply new technical information. Is able to work to required standards and to understand and use the appropriate methods, tools and applications. Appreciates wider field of information systems, how own role relates to other roles and to the business of the employer or client.
Level 4: enable
Autonomy
Works under general direction within a clear framework of accountability. Substantial personal responsibility and autonomy. Plans own work, to meet given objectives and processes.
Influence
Influences team, and specialist peers internally. Influences customers at account level and suppliers. Some responsibility for work of others and allocation of resources. Participates in external activities related to specialisation. Decisions influence success of projects and team objectives.
Complexity
Broad range of complex technical or professional work activities, in a variety of contexts.
Business skills
Selects appropriately from applicable standards, methods, tools and applications and use. Demonstrates analytical and systematic approach to problem solving. Communicates fluently orally and in writing and can present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences. Is able to plan, schedule and monitor work activities in order to meet time and quality targets and in accordance with health and safety procedures. Is able to absorb rapidly new technical information and apply it effectively. Good appreciation of wider field of information systems, its use in relevant employment areas and how it relates to the business activities of the employer or client. Maintains awareness of developing technologies and their application and takes some responsibility for personal development..
Level 5: ensure, advise
Autonomy
Works under broad direction. Full accountability for own technical work or project/supervisory responsibilities. Receives assignments in the form of objectives. Establishes own milestones, team objectives and delegates assignments. Work is often self-initiated.
Influence
Influences organisation, customers, suppliers and peers within industry on contribution of specialisation. Significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of resources. Decisions impact on success of assigned projects i.e. results, deadlines and budget. Develops business relationships with customers.
Complexity
Challenging range and variety of complex technical or professional work activities. Work requires application of fundamental principles in a wide and often unpredictable range of contexts. Understands relationship between specialism and wider customer/ organisational requirements.
Business skills
Advises on the available standards, methods, tools and applications in own area of specialisation and can make correct choices from alternatives. Can analyse, diagnose, design, plan, execute and evaluate work to time, cost and quality targets. Communicates effectively, formally and informally, with colleagues, subordinates and customers. Demonstrates leadership. Clear understanding of the relationship between own area of responsibility/specialisation to the employing organisation and takes customer requirements into account when making proposals. Takes initiative to keep skills up to date. Maintains awareness of developments in the industry. Can analyse user requirements and advise users on scope and options for operational improvement. Demonstrates creativity and innovation in applying solutions for the benefit of the user.
Level 6: initiate, influence
Autonomy
Has defined authority and responsibility for a significant area of work, including technical, financial and quality aspects. Establishes organisational objectives and delegates assignments. Accountable for actions and decisions taken by self and subordinates.
Influence
Influences policy formation on contribution of specialisation to business objectives. Influences significant part of own organisation and influences customer or suppliers and industry at senior management level. Decisions impact work of employing organisations, achievement of organisational objectives and financial performance. Develops high-level relationships with customers, suppliers and industry leaders.
Complexity
Highly complex work activities covering technical, financial and quality aspects and contributing to formulation of IS strategy. Work involves creative application of wide range of technical and/or management principles.
Business skills
Can absorb complex technical information and communicate effectively at all levels to both technical and non-technical audiences. Is able to assess and evaluate risk and to understand the implications of new technologies. Demonstrates clear leadership skills and the ability to influence and persuade. Has a broad understanding of all aspects of information systems and deep understanding of area(s) of specialisation. Understands and communicates the role and impact of information systems in the employing organisation. Takes initiative to keep both own and subordinates’ skills up to date and to maintain awareness of developments in the information systems industry.
Level 7: set strategy, inspire, mobilise
Autonomy
Has authority and responsibility for all aspects of a significant area of work, including policy formation and application. Is held fully accountable for actions taken and decisions made, both by self and subordinates.
Influence
Decisions critical to organisational success. Influences developments within information systems industry at highest levels. Advances exploitation of information systems within one or more organisations and/or the advancement of knowledge. Develops long-term strategic relationships with customers and industry leaders.
Complexity
Leads on formulation and application of strategy. Work involves application of highest level management and leadership skills. Has deep understanding of information systems industry and emerging technologies and implications for the wider business environment.
Business skills
Full range of strategic management and leadership skills. Understands, explains and presents complex technical ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences at all levels up to the highest in a persuasive and convincing manner. Has a broad and deep knowledge coupled with equivalent knowledge of the activities of those businesses and other organisations who use and exploit information systems. Is able to understand and communicate the potential impact of emerging technologies on organisations and individuals and can analyse the risks of using or not using such technologies. Takes initiative to keep both own and subordinates’ skills up to date and to maintain awareness of developments in the IS industry and, in own area(s) of expertise.