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Skills A to Z

Learn about the skills and ascending skill levels (awareness, working, practitioner, expert) in the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework.

Accessibility

Accessibility involves ensuring your service can be used by as many people as possible, including those with impaired vision, motor difficulties, cognitive impairments, learning disabilities and deafness.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand accessibility and that users have different accessibility needs
  • help fix accessibility issues under the direction of others

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand users have different accessibility needs
  • build user interfaces that meet accessibility standards and fix accessibility issues under the direction of others

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • build user interfaces that meet a predefined set of standards
  • champion accessibility to internal stakeholders
  • offer design feedback to mitigate the risk of failing accessibility testing
  • offer recommendations on the best tools and methods to use when accessibility testing

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show a strong understanding of accessibility and be an advocate for users with accessibility needs
  • build user interfaces that meet a predefined set of standards
  • champion accessibility to internal and external stakeholders
  • offer design solutions to mitigate the risk of failing accessibility testing
  • recommend the best tools and methods to use when accessibility testing

Roles that require this skill

Agile and Lean practices

Agile delivery involves encouraging teams to build incrementally, test and iterate their work based on regular feedback and other useful data.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate experience in applying Agile principles in practice
  • provide a clear, open and transparent framework in which teams can deliver
  • show an awareness of Agile tools and are starting to use them intelligently
  • visualise and make visible the work of the team

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify and compare the best processes or delivery methods to use
  • recognise when something does not work and encourage a mindset of experimentation
  • adapt and reflect, be resilient and see outside of the process
  • use a blended approach depending on the context
  • measure and evaluate outcomes
  • help teams to manage and visualise outcomes

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • coach and lead teams in Agile and Lean practices
  • act as a recognised expert and advocate for the approaches, continuously reflecting and challenging the team
  • create or tailor new ways of working, and constantly innovate

Roles that require this skill

Agile working

Agile delivery involves encouraging teams to build incrementally, test and iterate their work based on regular feedback and other useful data.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of Agile methodology and the ways to apply the principles in practice
  • take an open-minded approach
  • explain why iteration is important
  • iterate quickly

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate experience working in Agile, and an awareness of Agile tools and how to use them
  • advise colleagues on how and why Agile methods are used and provide a clear, open and transparent framework in which teams can deliver
  • adapt and reflect and be resilient
  • see outside of the process

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify and compare the best processes or delivery methods to use, including measuring and evaluating outcomes
  • help the team to decide the best approach
  • help teams to manage and visualise outcomes, prioritise work and adhere to agreed minimum viable product (MVP), priorities and scope

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • coach and lead teams in Agile and Lean practices, determining the right approach for the team to take and evaluating this through the life of a project
  • think of new and innovative ways of working to achieve the right outcomes
  • act as a recognised expert and advocate for the approaches, continuously reflecting and challenging the team

Roles that require this skill

Agile working (content design)

Agile delivery involves encouraging teams to build incrementally, test and iterate their work based on regular feedback and other useful data.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate experience of working in Agile teams, including an awareness of Agile tools and how to use them
  • advise colleagues on how and why Agile methods are used and provide a clear, open and transparent framework in which teams can deliver
  • adapt and reflect and be responsive to feedback
  • see outside of the process

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand and demonstrate awareness of Agile methodology, and can apply an Agile mindset to your work
  • work in a fast-paced, evolving environment and use an iterative and flexible approach to enable rapid delivery
  • appreciate the importance of Agile project delivery to digital projects in government
  • be unafraid to take risks and willing to learn from mistakes
  • ensure the team has a situational awareness of one other’s work and how it relates to objectives and user needs
  • use a range of tools and platforms to plan and manage your work

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • coach and lead teams in Agile and Lean practices, determining the right approach for the team or the project
  • evaluate and review the approach through the life of a project and can iterate and pivot accordingly
  • think of new and innovative ways of working to achieve the right outcomes
  • act as a recognised expert and advocate the approaches proposed, continuously reflecting on the work of the team and constructively challenging them to improve processes and delivery
  • regularly assess and review capability within teams and ensure individuals have the skills needed to deliver

Roles that require this skill

Analysis

Analysis involves examining, interpreting and analysing data to help make informed decisions.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply the approach to real problems and consider all relevant information
  • apply appropriate rigour to ensure a full solution is designed and achieves the business outcome

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • monitor the analysis of a technical solution and ensure analysis is reused for similar problem sets
  • review solutions and identify areas for change
  • drive the collection of information that is used and analysed
  • feed back on policy and requirements

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • provide direction and lead on change regarding factors that feed into analysis
  • monitor changes in the technical environment and assess whether risks are still at acceptable levels or whether previous decisions need to be revisited
  • direct and influence others on best practice and policy

Roles that require this skill

Analysis and insight

Analysis and insight involves examining, interpreting and analysing data to help make informed decisions.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand and work with colleagues to apply core techniques for analysis and insight
  • present clear insights that colleagues can understand and use

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand and help teams to apply a range of techniques to analyse data and provide insight
  • be proactive and present compelling findings that inform wider decisions
  • apply innovative approaches to resolve problems

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand, teach and supervise a wide range of analysis techniques
  • help organisations create and learn from strategic insights
  • apply innovative approaches to resolve problems

Roles that require this skill

Analysis and synthesis

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the need for careful analysis of research data to produce clear findings

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand how to apply basic techniques for the analysis of research data and synthesis of findings
  • effectively involve your team in analysis and synthesis
  • present clear findings that colleagues can understand and use

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand and help teams to apply a range of methods to analyse research data and synthesise findings
  • effectively engage sceptical colleagues in analysis and synthesis
  • advise on the choice and application of techniques, and can critique colleagues’ findings to assure best practice

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • help an organisation to adopt a wide range of analysis and synthesis techniques, and to continually assure, improve and innovate their practices to generate clear and valuable findings

Roles that require this skill

Analysis and synthesis (data analyst)

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the need for careful analysis of research data to produce clear findings

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand how to apply basic techniques for the analysis of research data and synthesis of findings
  • effectively involve your team in analysis and synthesis
  • present clear findings that colleagues can understand and use

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand and help teams to apply a range of methods to analyse research data and synthesise findings
  • effectively engage sceptical colleagues in analysis and synthesis
  • advise on the choice and application of techniques, and can critique colleagues’ findings to assure best practice

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • help an organisation to adopt a wide range of analysis and synthesis techniques, and to continually assure, improve and innovate their practices to generate clear and valuable findings

Roles that require this skill

Analysis and synthesis (data ethics)

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • draw together, analyse and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data and information
  • quickly read and interpret complex documents from a range of sources and distil to what is relevant
  • turn research data into clear findings that inform decisions
  • effectively involve colleagues in analysis and synthesis to increase consensus and challenge assumptions
  • advise on the choice and application of techniques, and can critique colleagues’ findings to assure best practice
  • help teams to define their project outcomes and ethical considerations, and to integrate ethical diagnostics and assessment

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • expertly draw together, analyse and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data
  • quickly read and interpret complex documents from a range of sources and distil to what is relevant
  • turn research data into clear findings that inform data ethics decisions for the entire organisation
  • build capacity in analysis and synthesis and involve others to increase consensus and challenge assumptions
  • help teams to define project outcomes and ethical considerations, and to integrate ethical diagnostics and assessment
  • help an organisation continually assure and improve their practices to generate clear and valuable data ethics findings

Roles that require this skill

Applied knowledge of social sciences

Applied social science involves using an understanding of the social sciences to evaluate and challenge assumptions made in relevant projects.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate a working knowledge of social sciences (such as anthropology, economics, sociology, philosophy, psychology or race theory)
  • apply various social science theories to inform data projects, products and policies, and to evaluate and challenge assumptions made in data science projects
  • engage with academics and external researchers and are aware of emerging theories and concepts

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate expert knowledge of social sciences (such as anthropology, economics, sociology, philosophy, psychology or race theory)
  • apply various social science theories to the strategic oversight of data projects, products and policies, and to evaluate and challenge assumptions made in data science projects
  • demonstrate expert knowledge of existing schools of thought and best practice in data ethics
  • work with academics and external researchers and you seek to publish research on applied digital ethics

Roles that require this skill

Applied maths, statistics and scientific practices

Applied mathematics and statistics involves applying analytical methods including exploratory data analysis, visualisation and statistical testing to help make accurate recommendations.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an understanding of the benefits of applied mathematics and statistics, and can use this knowledge to carry out data science tasks
  • carry out general analysis techniques for data inspection, exploration and visualisation
  • interpret statistical output effectively and accurately
  • show an awareness of different performance and accuracy metrics for statistical assessment and validation

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply analytical methods including exploratory data analysis and statistical testing to a specific data set, to reach accurate and reliable conclusions
  • understand and use different performance and accuracy metrics for model validation in data science projects, hypothesis testing and information retrieval
  • compare selected applied mathematics and statistical methods and identify their differences
  • access and use the statistical and scientific tools available within the organisation

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply designated quantitative techniques such as time series analysis, optimisation and simulation to create and embed appropriate models for analysis and prediction
  • provide guidance on matching data sources with relevant applied mathematics and statistical techniques to meet analysis goals
  • apply appropriate statistical techniques to available data to discover new relations and offer insight into research problems, helping to improve organisational processes and support decision making
  • access and use the statistical tools available within the organisation

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify opportunities to develop statistical insight, reports and models to support organisational objectives, while collaborating across the organisation effectively
  • critique statistical analyses
  • use a variety of data analytics techniques (such as data mining and prescriptive and predictive analytics) for complex data analysis through the whole data life cycle
  • use model outputs to produce evidence and help design services and policies
  • understand a broad range of statistical tools, particularly those deployed within the organisation, and can use these appropriately and help others to use them

Roles that require this skill

Architecture communication

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of different ways of creating architecture representations for a limited audience, including technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • gather and explain information to be used in architecture representations

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • listen to the needs of technical and business stakeholders
  • create and use different architecture representations to communicate effectively, achieving agreement with technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • provide support in discussions about architectural topics within a multidisciplinary team

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead the communication of complicated, complex or risky architecture topics with technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • communicate with senior stakeholders across your organisation
  • adapt your message and communication techniques to your audience
  • advocate on behalf of a team to other stakeholders
  • manage stakeholder expectations effectively

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels, and across organisations, using architecture communication techniques​
  • mediate between people in difficult architectural discussions
  • gain support from business and technical stakeholders for architectural initiatives with high levels of risk, impact and complexity
  • coach and support others in architecture communication

Roles that require this skill

Architect for the whole context

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify relevant information that can inform your architectural work, such as strategies, roadmaps, policies and technical trends
  • understand how your work supports the team in enabling change​

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • align your work with the work being done by other architects and technical professionals
  • track emerging issues, strategies, roadmaps, patterns and technologies over time to assess opportunities and risks to your work
  • identify how other teams contribute to delivering outcomes through change

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work to support wider organisational objectives beyond your immediate goals​
  • track emerging internal and external issues over time that could affect the work of teams across the organisation
  • take action to solve or mitigate problems by influencing colleagues across the organisation

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • assess how trends in society and industry practices might impact the organisation
  • work with people outside of your organisation to inform policies, strategies and standards
  • anticipate changes to policy and build resilience through your architectural work
  • coach others in identifying important trends

Roles that require this skill

Asset and configuration management

Asset and configuration management involves managing the life cycle of IT assets (such as hardware, software, intellectual property, licences and warranties), and the configuration of their components. Consideration is given to the usage, disposal, compliance, inventory, sustainability, cost optimisation and protection of the IT asset portfolio.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • track, log and correct information to protect assets and components

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • maintain secure configuration and accurate information, controlling IT assets in one or more significant areas
  • verify the location and state of assets

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • manage configuration items, related information, service compliance and risks

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • manage configuration management for the organisation, ensuring value for the business and adherence to company policies
  • ensure that changes to assets are recorded and controlled appropriately
  • advocate organisational commitment to asset control

Roles that require this skill

Availability and capacity management

Availability and capacity management involves ensuring services are available with as little down-time or disruption as possible, whilst making sure we have sufficient resources to support emerging business needs.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of availability and capacity management processes

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • manage service components to ensure they meet business needs and performance targets

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • ensure the correct implementation of standards and procedures
  • identify capacity issues, and stipulate and instigate the required changes
  • initiate remedial action

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • drive policy and strategy for service and capacity management, and the implementation of required changes

Roles that require this skill

Business analysis

Business analysis involves understanding the business needs and translating those requirements into solutions through detailed analysis and feedback.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • support structured approaches to identify, investigate, analyse and communicate complex business problems and opportunities
  • work under supervision to analyse business goals, objectives, functions and processes, using relevant information and underlying data to support the definition of requirements
  • help to ensure a proposed solution meets business and user needs
  • complete task-based, discrete outputs for parts of the project as directed, using predetermined methods and techniques

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply structured approaches to identify, investigate, analyse and communicate complex business problems and opportunities, within a defined project
  • analyse business goals, objectives, functions and processes, using relevant information and data to support the definition of requirements
  • conduct options analysis, assess feasibility and operational impact, quantify potential business benefits and contribute to business case development
  • help to ensure proposed solutions meet business and user needs
  • work with limited direction to complete tasks and defined outputs linked to the project

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • advise on the approach to identify, investigate, analyse and communicate complex business problems and opportunities within a project or programme of work
  • inform tactical decision making and help to define longer-term strategic plans
  • recommend the approach to options analysis, feasibility assessment and operations, and can quantify potential business benefits
  • ensure the proposed solution aligns with business goals and objectives, and business and user needs, and achieves the required outcomes and expected benefits

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set the direction for business analysis within a programme of work, enterprise or wider sector
  • guide tactical decision making and influence the formulation of longer-term strategic plans in an evolving, complex and unpredictable environment
  • give colleagues the means and authority to make decisions about their approach to business analysis activities
  • ensure that the proposed solutions align with the organisational strategy and vision

Roles that require this skill

Business analysis (IT operations)

Business analysis involves understanding the business needs and translating those requirements into solutions through detailed analysis and feedback.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • investigate problems and opportunities in existing processes, and contribute to recommending solutions

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • investigate problems and opportunities in existing processes, and contribute to recommending solutions
  • work with stakeholders to identify objectives and potential benefits

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead investigative work into problems and opportunities in existing processes
  • lead the collection of information and creation of recommendations for improvements
  • absorb large amounts of conflicting information and use it to produce solutions

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • direct business analysis, including the collection of information and evidence and the identification of problems and opportunities
  • ensure that recommendations fit with strategic business objectives
  • communicate recommendations persuasively to important stakeholders
  • identify the simplest of a variety of approaches

Roles that require this skill

Business architecture

Business architecture involves using industry standards to develop integrated views of an organisation that help implement organisational strategy and solve complex problems

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of business architecture frameworks, principles and techniques
  • support the application of frameworks to business change in an organisation, under guidance

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • help support the adoption of business architecture
  • clearly communicate business architecture frameworks, principles, and techniques
  • support the production of a multidimensional view of your organisation
  • assess the impact of strategies on the organisation, highlighting risks and issues

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply and develop business architecture frameworks, principles and techniques in your organisation
  • advise and guide the organisation to inform the implementation of its strategy
  • share the value of business architecture with the organisation
  • produce clear multidimensional views of your organisation to support decision making

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • simplify complex business architecture frameworks into clear actions
  • develop business architecture maturity in your organisation, such as through a community of practice
  • lead or guide others in using best practice for business architecture, such as industry standards
  • identify strategic misalignment within the organisation and make recommendations for improvement

Roles that require this skill

Business modelling

Business modelling involves documenting how your business operates and intends to achieve its goals.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate an understanding of basic business modelling techniques
  • support the representation of business situations, within the defined parameters of a task
  • visualise distinct business processes

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • model various elements of the business with limited direction
  • understand the effect of potential changes and how business processes, systems, structures, data and roles and responsibilities interact with one another

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead on the modelling of processes, systems and data at varying levels of detail or complexity across a project or programme
  • manage the effects of proposed changes

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set the direction of scope and methodology for the representation of real world complex situations across a programme or organisation
  • document conceptual models to support strategic planning and decision making

Roles that require this skill

Business process improvement

Business process improvement involves analysing and modifying existing and new processes to make them more efficient.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • provide distinct task-based outputs, working under direction to support the design and implementation of process improvements and efficiencies to business operations and services

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work with limited direction to identify opportunities to improve business performance within a defined project
  • lead the analysis, identification, design, prioritisation and implementation of process and business changes to improve business operations and services
  • support the implementation of proposed business improvements

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify opportunities to improve business performance, within a project or programme
  • lead the analysis, identification, design, prioritisation and implementation of process and business changes to improve business operations and services
  • assess the feasibility of changes and recommend new approaches
  • support the implementation of proposed business improvements

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set the direction within a programme or enterprise to identify opportunities to perform business activities in alternative ways
  • lead the exploration of ways to improve process efficiency and enhance business outcomes
  • enable others to recognise the potential for change in potentially ambiguous and complex settings
  • oversee the implementation of proposed improvements

Roles that require this skill

Business process testing

Business process testing involves confirming that existing or new business processes are efficient and usable, from beginning to end.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work under direction to apply business analysis and evaluation skills to support the design, execution and assessment of business process tests and usability evaluations

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply business analysis and evaluation skills with minimal direction to support the design, execution and assessment of business process tests and usability evaluations within a project

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead on the application of business analysis and evaluation skills to support the design, execution and assessment of business process tests and usability evaluations within a project or programme of work

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • direct the application of business analysis and evaluation skills to support the design, execution and assessment of business process tests and usability evaluations, at an organisational level or within a programme of work

Roles that require this skill

Change management

Change management involves managing changes to services, organisations, suppliers or configuration items, and the associated documentation.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • implement changes based on requests for change
  • apply change control procedures

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • analyse and assess impact, and develop and document change requests
  • implement changes based on requests for change

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • deal with high impact, complex change requests
  • ensure that release policies, procedures and processes are applied

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate broad industry experience in change management and can implement a successful change management process from zero to full maturity
  • champion change management, actively improving and optimising current processes

Roles that require this skill

Coding and scripting

Coding and scripting involves designing, writing and iterating code and scripts from prototype to production.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the scripting tools and software that are available and currently in use

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • interact with and read code
  • carry out baseline repair activities

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Coding and scripting (infrastructure engineer)

Coding and scripting involves designing, writing and iterating code and scripts from prototype to production.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the scripting tools and software that are available and currently in use
  • understand how the internet works

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • interact with and read code
  • write HTML and carry out baseline repair activities

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Commercial management

Commercial management involves exploring commercial opportunities whilst complying with the regulations on how we conduct and manage both internal and third party relationships.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • act as the point of contact for contracted suppliers
  • understand appropriate internal contacts and processes within a government department
  • understand how and when third parties should be brought into digital, data and technology projects

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • take responsibility for complex relationships with contracted suppliers
  • identify appropriate contractual frameworks and identify appropriate suppliers
  • negotiate with contracted suppliers
  • get good value out of contracts and suppliers

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • act as the escalation point and resolve large or high risk commercial management issues
  • coach others in appropriate commercial management

Roles that require this skill

Commercial perspective

Commercial management involves exploring commercial opportunities whilst complying with the regulations on how we conduct and manage both internal and third party relationships.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of government commercial processes
  • show an awareness of legal and compliance rules

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand commercial processes and the appropriate internal contacts within a government department
  • understand different sourcing strategies and when to apply them

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify appropriate contractual frameworks and approaches
  • identify, evaluate and select appropriate suppliers

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • coach others in appropriate commercial, vendor and legal issues

Roles that require this skill

Communicating analysis and insight

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the appropriate media to communicate findings
  • shape and share communications relevant to the audience
  • give tactical recommendations

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • turn complex data into compelling, clear and actionable stories
  • share data communication skills with the team and across government
  • present analysis and visualisations in clear ways to communicate complex messages
  • communicate negative and positive information to stakeholders
  • give tactical and strategic recommendations

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • communicate relevant, compelling stories using the most appropriate medium
  • make complex recommendations at a tactical and strategic level
  • present analysis and visualisations in clear ways to communicate complex messages
  • communicate negative and positive information to stakeholders

Roles that require this skill

Communicating between the technical and non-technical

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the need to translate technical concepts into non-technical language
  • understand what communication is required with internal and external stakeholders

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • support and host discussions within a multidisciplinary team, with potentially difficult dynamics
  • be an advocate for the team externally, and can manage differing perspectives

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • listen to the needs of technical and business stakeholders, and interpret them
  • effectively manage stakeholder expectations
  • manage active and reactive communication
  • support or host difficult discussions within the team or with diverse senior stakeholders

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • mediate between people and mend relationships, communicating with stakeholders at all levels
  • manage stakeholder expectations and moderate discussions about high risk and complexity, even within constrained timescales
  • speak on behalf of and represent the community to large audiences inside and outside of government

Roles that require this skill

Communicating between the technical and non-technical (technical architect)

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • speak on behalf of technical teams and facilitate relationships with indirect stakeholders

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify the needs of business and technical stakeholders
  • effectively manage stakeholder expectations
  • demonstrate excellent communication skills and can manage difficult conversations or negotiations

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • mediate between people and mend relationships, communicating with stakeholders at all levels

Roles that require this skill

Communicating data

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness that data needs to be aligned to the needs of the end user
  • create basic visuals and presentations

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the appropriate media to communicate findings
  • shape communications for the audience

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • turn complex data into clear and well understood solutions, which can be acted upon
  • share data communication skills with the team and organisation
  • understand and communicate different options, taking into account risks and uncertainties

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Communicating information

Communication involves conveying information using the most effective medium and language for the audience.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • listen to the needs of design and business stakeholders and interpret information
  • take part in discussions within a multidisciplinary team

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • listen to the needs of design and business stakeholders and interpret information
  • take part in discussions within a multidisciplinary team
  • be an advocate for the team externally, and can manage differing perspectives
  • shape and share communications relevant to the audience

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work collaboratively in a group and build relationships with others
  • identify issues through Agile 'health checks' and work with others to address them
  • manage stakeholder expectations
  • be flexible and capable of proactive and reactive communication
  • host or moderate difficult discussions within the team or with senior stakeholders

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • mediate between people and mend relationships, communicating with stakeholders at all levels
  • manage stakeholder expectations and host or moderate discussions about high risk and complexity, even within constrained timescales
  • speak on behalf of and represent the community to large audiences inside and outside of government

Roles that require this skill

Communication

Communication involves conveying information using the most effective medium and language for the audience.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the need to translate technical concepts into non-technical language
  • understand what communication is required with internal and external stakeholders

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • support and host discussions within a multidisciplinary team, with potentially difficult dynamics
  • be an advocate for the team externally, and can manage differing perspectives

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • listen to the needs of technical and business stakeholders, and interpret them
  • effectively manage stakeholder expectations
  • manage active and reactive communication
  • support or host difficult discussions within the team or with diverse senior stakeholders

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • mediate between people and mend relationships, communicating with stakeholders at all levels
  • manage stakeholder expectations and moderate discussions about high risk and complexity, even within constrained timescales
  • speak on behalf of and represent the community to large audiences inside and outside of government

Roles that require this skill

Communication (data ethics)

Communication involves conveying information using the most effective medium and language for the audience.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • expertly translate technical concepts to non-technical audiences so they are understood by all
  • demonstrate a good understanding of how technology and data products and services are built
  • understand technical jargon and have sufficient knowledge to hold meaningful conversations with data science experts on issues such as minimising bias in data, or gathering, collecting, cleansing, triangulating, and reusing data
  • effectively support data scientists and engineers in implementing data ethics

Roles that require this skill

Communication (security architect)

Communication involves conveying information using the most effective medium and language for the audience.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate a deep understanding of security concepts and can apply them to a technical level
  • effectively translate and accurately communicate security and risk implications to technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • successfully respond to challenges
  • manage stakeholder expectations and be flexible, adapting to stakeholder reactions to reach consensus

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate expert understanding of security concepts and can apply them to a technical level, at the highest levels of risk complexity
  • effectively translate and accurately communicate security and risk implications at the most senior levels across technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • successfully respond to challenges
  • manage stakeholder expectations across high risk and complexity or under constrained timescales

Roles that require this skill

Community collaboration

Collaboration in the DDaT Profession typically involves working in a multidisciplinary project team, and contributing to working groups and wider professional communities. It requires a broad understanding of the technologies, principles and perspectives of related professions.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the work of others and the importance of team dynamics, collaboration and feedback

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • contribute to the work of others
  • motivate and empower teams
  • create the right environment for teams to work in, and can identify the best team makeup depending on the situation
  • recognise and deal with issues

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work collaboratively in a group, actively networking with others
  • adapt feedback to ensure it’s effective and lasting
  • use your initiative to identify problems or issues in the team dynamic and rectify them
  • identify issues through Agile ‘health checks’ with the team, and help to stimulate the right responses

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • solve and unblock issues between teams or departments at the highest level
  • understand the psychology of the team and have strong mediation skills
  • coach the organisation on team dynamics and conflict resolution, while also building and growing the community

Roles that require this skill

Community collaboration (frontend developer)

Collaboration in the DDaT Profession typically involves working in a multidisciplinary project team, and contributing to working groups and wider professional communities. It requires a broad understanding of the technologies, principles and perspectives of related professions.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the work of others and the importance of team dynamics, collaboration and feedback

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • contribute to the work of others
  • motivate and empower teams
  • create the right environment for teams to work in, and can identify the best team makeup depending on the situation
  • recognise and deal with issues

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work collaboratively in a group, actively networking with others
  • adapt feedback to ensure it’s effective and lasting
  • use your initiative to identify problems or issues in the team dynamic and rectify them
  • identify issues through Agile ‘health checks’ with the team, and help to stimulate the right responses

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • solve and unblock issues between teams or departments at the highest level
  • coach the organisation on team dynamics and conflict resolution, while also building and growing the community

Roles that require this skill

Consultancy

Consultancy involves providing specialist advice to address stakeholder and business needs.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an understanding of the need for consulting in your role, and its purpose
  • work under guidance to identify what advice, guidance and recommendations might be appropriate, usually by referring to previous work by others
  • show an understanding of how to frame problems that need to be solved

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • provide advice, guidance and recommendations based on your specialist knowledge and experience
  • propose methodologies to follow and approaches to implementation
  • frame problems so they can easily be understood, and troubleshoot where required, to support the business in operating more effectively

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • provide advice and recommendations to stakeholders based on your significant specialist knowledge and experience
  • lead the definition of guidance and inform how the organisation approaches delivery

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Consultancy (business analysis)

Consultancy involves providing specialist advice to address stakeholder and business needs.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • provide advice, guidance and recommendations based on your specialist knowledge and experience
  • propose methodologies to follow and approaches to implementation
  • frame problems so they can easily be understood, and troubleshoot where required, to support the business in operating more effectively

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • provide advice and recommendations to stakeholders based on your significant specialist knowledge and experience
  • lead on the definition of guidance and inform how the organisation can use business analysis services more effectively

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Content concepts and prototyping

Prototyping a service or product involves exploring, testing and sharing different concepts before committing to the final design.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of prototyping and explain why and when to use it
  • understand how to work in an open and collaborative environment (by pair working, for example)

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand different prototyping techniques, from paper sketches to coded prototypes, and can use them to visualise content in context
  • choose the best option to make content understandable to different audiences and to demonstrate a proposed approach to content changes or improvements
  • show the value of prototyping to the team

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • build and create a variety of different prototypes, from paper sketches to coded prototypes
  • choose the most appropriate option to visualise content in context for different audiences
  • effectively combine prototypes with other content and design outputs to test with users and show to stakeholders
  • establish content patterns, and test and iterate them

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Continual service improvement

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of developing process efficiency and common ways in which processes are optimised
  • support specific activities to improve development processes
  • spot or identify obvious deficiencies

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify process optimisation opportunities with guidance, and contribute to the implementation of proposed solutions

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • analyse current processes, and identify and implement opportunities to optimise them
  • lead and develop a team of experts to deliver service improvements
  • help to evaluate and establish requirements for the implementation of changes by setting policy and standards

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Continuity management

Continuity management involves clearly defining processes and remediation plans to ensure the availability of systems and services in the event of unplanned downtime.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the IT standard continuity management processes and procedures

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • manage the runbooks for service continuity
  • manage the processes around service continuity and test the runbooks to ensure that service availability can be maintained in any event

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Customer service management

Customer service management involves managing customer service functions, such as responding to issue reports, information and access requests.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • resolve user requests to a minimum of the agreed service level agreement
  • empathise with the end user
  • use customer-focused metrics to achieve a satisfying outcome

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • maintain a high level of customer service and have the confidence to deal with complex complaints
  • use empathy to satisfy customer demands

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • translate ‘lessons learnt’ from complaint cycles into continual service improvement
  • take responsibility for the full range of customer service functions, including reviewing customer service satisfaction
  • investigate which processes can be automated and the ways to do so

Roles that require this skill

Data analysis and synthesis

Analysis and insight involves examining, interpreting and analysing data to help make informed decisions.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • undertake data profiling and source system analysis
  • present clear insights to colleagues to support the end use of the data

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand and help teams to apply a range of techniques for data profiling
  • source system analysis from a complex single source
  • bring multiple data sources together in a conformed model for analysis

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Data development process

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design, build and test data products based on feeds from multiple systems, using a range of different storage technologies, access methods or both
  • create repeatable and reusable products

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design, build and test data products that are complex or large scale
  • build teams to complete data integration services

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • establish enterprise-scale data integration procedures across the data development life cycle, and ensure that teams adhere to them
  • manage resources to ensure that data services work effectively at an enterprise level

Roles that require this skill

Data engineering and manipulation

Data engineering involves ensuring the correct systems are available to enable the collection, analysis and extrapolation of data.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the need for engineering support to design and deliver products into the organisation
  • appreciate the need to cleanse and prepare data before including it in data science products and can put reusable processes and checks in place
  • show an awareness of different architectures (including cloud and on-premise) and data manipulation and transformation tools

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify and engage with the appropriate engineering support to design and deliver products into the organisation
  • understand the reasons for cleansing and preparing data before including it in data science products, recognise the processes and tools involved, and put reusable processes and checks in place
  • access and use different architectures (including cloud and on-premise) and data manipulation and transformation tools deployed within the organisation

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work with data engineers and data scientists to design and deliver products into the organisation effectively
  • understand the reasons for cleansing and preparing data before including it in data science products and can put reusable processes and checks in place
  • access and use a range of architectures (including cloud and on-premise) and data manipulation and transformation tools deployed within the organisation

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • help to identify the data engineering requirements for any data science product, while working with data engineers and data scientists to design and deliver those products into the organisation effectively
  • understand the need to cleanse and prepare data before including it in data science products and can put reusable processes and checks in place
  • understand a broad range of architectures (including cloud and on-premise) and data manipulation and transformation tools deployed within the organisation, and can use these tools appropriately and help others use them

Roles that require this skill

Data governance

Data governance involves the set of standards, processes and policies that ensures your data is consistent and reliable throughout the data life cycle.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate up-to-date knowledge of data governance theory, standard methodology and the practical considerations
  • develop an end-to-end data governance framework (the processes, operational policies and standards needed to support data management)
  • work effectively with technical teams and other stakeholders to implement a data governance framework, and make recommendations to ensure compliance

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • implement and monitor data governance using standard methodology throughout the data life cycle, within a large organisation
  • meet the requirement for relevant data governance accreditation
  • take responsibility for specific parts of a data governance framework within the organisation

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • define the data governance strategy for the organisation, and connect it with the wider organisational strategy
  • design, implement and monitor data governance within a large organisation, throughout the data life cycle
  • set the strategy for applying end-to-end data governance frameworks, processes, operational policies, standards, compliance and assurance
  • engage and work effectively with technical leaders and senior stakeholders to implement data governance and ensure compliance

Roles that require this skill

Data governance (data architect)

Data governance involves the set of standards, processes and policies that ensures your data is consistent and reliable throughout the data life cycle.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand what data governance is required
  • take responsibility for the assurance of data solutions and make recommendations to ensure compliance

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • evolve and define data governance
  • take responsibility for supporting and collaborating around wider governance
  • assure and integrate data services to meet the needs of multiple business services
  • work proactively to ensure the organisation designs architecture that considers data

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • ensure data governance supports changes to the organisational strategy
  • align data governance with wider governance (for example, budget)
  • assure corporate services by understanding important risks and providing mitigation through assurance mechanisms

Roles that require this skill

Data innovation

Keeping actively informed of industry developments to make creative and cost-effective use of emerging technologies and tools, aligned with business goals and user needs.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of opportunities for innovation with new tools and uses of data

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the impact on the organisation of emerging trends in data tools, analysis techniques and data usage

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify areas of innovation in data tools and techniques, and recognise appropriate timing for adoption

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • investigate emerging trends in data-related approaches, perform horizon-scanning for the organisation and introduce innovative ways of working

Roles that require this skill

Data integration design

Data integration involves combining data from different sources to provide a centralised view to help produce, transform and test data related products.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • deliver data solutions in accordance with agreed organisational standards that ensure services are resilient, scalable and future-proof

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • select and implement the appropriate technologies to deliver resilient, scalable and future-proofed data solutions

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • establish standards, keep them up to date and ensure adherence to them
  • keep abreast of best practice in industry and across government

Roles that require this skill

Data life cycle

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand and apply data governance over a data life cycle, ensuring best practice at each phase

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand and apply data governance structures and principles over a data life cycle, ensuring best practice at each phase
  • demonstrate knowledge of data governance industry standards
  • design and implement continuous improvements to optimise data governance over a data life cycle
  • work with internal and external stakeholders to build organisational capacity and capability in data governance

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • take responsibility for data governance structures and principles, and ensure that they’re defined and applied with best practice throughout a data life cycle
  • direct continuous improvements to optimise data governance over a data life cycle

Roles that require this skill

Data literacy improvement

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • raise awareness of the need for data literacy within the organisation
  • support data literacy training and development by enabling data consumers to understand what they can and cannot do with data

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • recommend data literacy as a valuable skill across all levels of the organisation
  • identify employee training courses and other opportunities to improve the organisation’s data literacy skills and data-driven culture

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • take responsibility for improving the organisation’s data literacy
  • encourage a data-driven culture within the organisation by strengthening data literacy skills among all employees
  • persuade senior decision-makers that data literacy is a vital part of a data-driven culture, enabling effective decision-making at all levels

Roles that require this skill

Data management

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of organisational data governance, and how it works in relation to other organisational governance structures

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand data governance and how it works in relation to other organisational governance structures
  • participate in or deliver the assurance of a service

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • advocate data governance and data management standards and guidelines within your team’s products and services
  • continually communicate and improve data management practices in your teams
  • help define and support the use of common toolsets
  • seek to automate data management activities where possible
  • develop processes to enable good data management practices and compliance with data governance policies

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • ensure data management and governance processes are in place and adhered to for the products and services your teams provide
  • ensure data management responsibilities are clearly defined and training is in place to enable the execution of data management practices
  • define strategies to enable continual improvement of data management practices and compliance with data governance policies

Roles that require this skill

Data maturity models

Data maturity involves measuring how set up your organisation is to make the best use of its data.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the different data maturity models available
  • measure data maturity across different domains, implement best practice and describe the benefits of potential improvements

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead the implementation of data best practice, measure data maturity across different domains and communicate opportunities for improvement
  • take responsibility for monitoring and improving certain areas of organisational data maturity

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • oversee the implementation of the organisation’s data maturity model
  • work with the organisation’s most senior stakeholders to provide data assurance, report assessment findings to boards or committees, and communicate improvement plans

Roles that require this skill

Data modelling

Data modelling involves producing visual representations of information systems to communicate the relationship between different data types.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • explain the concepts and principles of data modelling
  • produce, maintain and update relevant data models for an organisation’s specific needs
  • reverse-engineer data models from a live system

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • produce relevant data models across multiple subject areas
  • explain which models to use for which purpose
  • understand industry-recognised data modelling patterns and standards, and when to apply them
  • compare and align different data models

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the concepts and principles of data modelling and can produce relevant data models
  • work across government and industry, recognising opportunities for the reuse and alignment of data models in different organisations
  • design the method to categorise data models within an organisation

Roles that require this skill

Data modelling, cleansing and enrichment

Data modelling involves producing visual representations of information systems to communicate the relationship between different data types.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of different data models and tools, and understand when they could be used
  • show an awareness of industry-recognised data modelling patterns and standards

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • produce data models and understand where to use different types of data models
  • understand different tools and can compare different data models
  • reverse-engineer a data model from a live system
  • understand industry-recognised data modelling patterns and standards

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • build and review complex data models, ensuring adherence to standards
  • use data integration tools and languages to integrate and store data, and advise teams on best practice
  • ensure data for analysis meets data quality standards and is interoperable with other data sets, enabling reuse
  • work with other data professionals to improve modelling and integration patterns and standards

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand different ways to model data to maximise its use and value
  • ensure data is modelled appropriately, and modelling standards exist and are complied with
  • understand a number of data integration tools and patterns, and ensure your teams have the support and training needed to use the most appropriate methods
  • build relationships with other senior data professionals (in fields such as data architecture, data engineering and data science) to share best practice and continually improve data modelling and integration processes and standards

Roles that require this skill

Data quality assurance, validation and linkage

Data preparation involves sorting and cleansing information so it's available for more detailed analysis.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand basic data issues and can check that the data and analysis look right
  • understand the concept of data being fit for purpose
  • understand the context of the data
  • show that you know the right questions to ask, and apply a curious and analytical mindset when approaching a problem
  • perform data preparation and cleansing with guidance

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify appropriate ways to collect, collate and prepare data
  • decide if data is accurate and fit for purpose
  • prepare and cleanse data with limited guidance

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set up a system to get data ready for use and specify how data should be cleansed and prepared
  • bring data together from different sources
  • communicate the limitations of data
  • peer review colleagues’ outputs to ensure quality

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show a deep understanding of relevant data sources, tools and systems
  • use appropriate approaches for verifying and validating data and analysis
  • influence senior stakeholders in data approaches
  • coach and mentor others

Roles that require this skill

Data regulation and ethics

Data protection and ethics involves understanding the ethical and legal obligations of storing and protecting business critical information, and encouraging responsible data use.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply relevant data and ethical frameworks and standards to your work
  • understand all aspects of data governance and use, ensuring these are maintained in-line with laws, regulations, codes of practice and ethical requirements
  • demonstrate an awareness of emerging best practice in areas such as data ethics, and an understanding of the changing landscape

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate a good understanding of relevant data laws, regulations, codes of practice and ethical requirements, and can apply these to your work
  • understand how the law and ethical considerations relate to one another
  • monitor the landscape and legislation to ensure you understand and can implement best practice in new areas of thought such as data ethics

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • effectively manage data governance issues
  • oversee the implementation of relevant data and ethical frameworks and standards to the work of the organisation
  • direct continuous improvement activity to optimise data governance practices
  • work effectively with internal and external stakeholders to build the organisation’s capability in data regulation and ethics

Roles that require this skill

Data science innovation

Data science involves examining data through statistical analysis and data mining, to identify patterns and uncover insights that can inform decision-making.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • adopt an inquisitive and curious approach to data
  • be receptive to learning about data science and its techniques
  • be unafraid to ask questions and discover what there is to learn

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • adopt an inquisitive and curious approach to data
  • seek out and research new data science techniques to support learning
  • ask questions to improve your knowledge and learn about data science norms
  • see possibilities for improvements and innovation

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate practical knowledge of data science tools and techniques
  • develop data science solutions that maximise insight
  • identify opportunities for how data science can improve data practices

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • be a leader in the data science space
  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge of data science tools and techniques, which you can use to solve problems creatively and to create opportunities for your team
  • act as a coach, inspiring curiosity and creativity in others
  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge of your chosen profession and keep up to date with changes in the industry
  • challenge the status quo and always look for ways to improve data science

Roles that require this skill

Data standards

Data standards involve established practices to make it easier and more effective to share and use data across government.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate an understanding of best practice data policies, processes and standards, and can implement them effectively
  • understand which standards need to be applied where
  • work effectively with subject matter experts to develop the rules, policies and guidance needed to safeguard the organisation’s data assets
  • work within a team to monitor how data policies and standards are applied and complied with, taking action where necessary

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • define data governance policies, processes and standards, and can ensure these are understood at senior levels throughout organisational programmes and projects
  • work effectively with subject matter experts from across programmes to introduce best practice
  • independently monitor how policies and standards are applied and complied with, taking action where necessary

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • advocate and oversee the implementation of best practice data policies, processes and standards, taking remedial action where necessary
  • ensure that best practice data policies, processes and standards are understood at senior levels throughout the organisation’s programmes and projects
  • develop relationships and positively influence strategic decision-makers across government

Roles that require this skill

Data standards (data architect)

Data standards involve established practices to make it easier and more effective to share and use data across government.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • develop data standards for a specific component
  • analyse where data standards have been applied or breached, and undertake an impact analysis of that breach

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • develop and set data standards across multiple subject areas
  • act as the escalation point for breaches of data standards and make recommendations about how the organisation should resolve them

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • develop and set data standards for an organisation
  • communicate the business benefit of data standards, championing and governing them across the organisation
  • understand where standards need to be set across an organisation, and how to set the standards within an organisation in the wider context of government

Roles that require this skill

Data visualisation

Data visualisation involves producing graphical representations that communicate data, such as charts and graphs.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work under direction to use the most appropriate medium to visualise data to tell a story, relevant to the fully defined goals and able to be acted upon
  • present, communicate and disseminate analysis and recommendations appropriately, under direction

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • use the most appropriate medium to visualise data to tell compelling stories that are relevant to business goals and can be acted upon
  • present, communicate and disseminate data appropriately and with influence

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate skill in a number of data visualisation tools and techniques
  • apply standards and best practices to present, communicate and disseminate data appropriately and with influence
  • review, advise and support more junior members, and establish processes, standards and templates for others to follow, improving the efficiency and quality of visualisations

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set the strategy to enable your teams to produce effective and influential visualisations
  • ensure adherence to organisation-wide standards and guidelines, and suggest appropriate ways to improve them
  • ensure your team has the training, skills and support required to produce high quality data visualisations that are insightful and can be acted upon
  • implement feedback gathering to support continuous improvement

Roles that require this skill

Government Digital and Data perspective

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate a basic understanding of design, technology and data principles
  • understand the range of available technology choices

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate a working understanding of design, technology and data principles
  • understand the variety and complexity of users’ digital needs, and how the product will meet those needs
  • show an awareness of assisted digital support and can explain why it’s important
  • design services and make decisions to meet user needs

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate an advanced understanding of design, technology and data principles
  • identify and implement solutions for assisted digital
  • apply knowledge to work with other roles and groups in Government Digital and Data

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show knowledge of the wider digital economy and advances in technology
  • understand Agile working at an organisational level
  • create the environment for success
  • initiate and support working with other roles and groups in Government Digital and Data

Roles that require this skill

Delivering business impact

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an understanding of the organisation and the benefits of data science
  • develop data science products as part of a team
  • create basic visuals and presentations to communicate data science effectively
  • show knowledge of data and analysis and can discuss how to align them to meet user needs

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an understanding of the organisation and the benefits of data science
  • collaborate to help identify user needs and develop and deliver data science products
  • communicate effectively and present analysis and visualisations tailored to your audience

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead and support your organisation area by using data science to create change
  • identify opportunities to develop data science products to support organisational objectives, while collaborating across the organisation to fulfil goals
  • show an understanding of the role of user research, and can design and manage processes to gather and establish user needs
  • communicate relevant and compelling stories effectively and present analysis and data visualisations clearly to get across complex messages
  • work with colleagues to implement scalable data science products, and to understand maintenance requirements

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • champion the role of data science within the organisation
  • understand and champion user research, and can design and manage processes to gather and establish user needs
  • identify and create opportunities to develop and deliver data science products to support organisational objectives, while collaborating across the organisation to fulfil meaningful goals
  • take responsibility for delivering scalable data science products into the organisation, and establishing maintenance support

Roles that require this skill

Designing secure systems

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design and review system architectures through the application of patterns and principles

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design and review system architectures through the development of patterns and principles

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead design and review solutions to complex problems with system architectures by defining and challenging patterns and principles
  • create precedents and set direction

Roles that require this skill

Developing data science capability

Training and capability improvement involves identifying and advocating ways to develop the skills, knowledge and performance of individuals or organisations.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of various sources of training and self-directed learning for data science
  • create a CPD (continuous professional development) plan with support from your manager
  • demonstrate a basic understanding of key data science techniques, such as machine learning, and how they can be used

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • manage your CPD (continuous professional development) and can link your learning to objectives and organisational goals
  • confidently talk about the benefits of data science approaches to existing and potential customers
  • demonstrate a good understanding of key data science techniques, such as machine learning, and you can use them to build data science solutions, including reports, models and dashboards

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • manage your CPD (continuous professional development) and can link your learning to objectives and organisational goals
  • support data science capability building across the team and wider organisation
  • confidently talk about the benefits of data science approaches to existing and potential customers
  • demonstrate a good understanding of a range of data science techniques, such as machine learning and natural language processing, and you can use them to build data science solutions, including reports, models and dashboards

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • act as a leader or technical specialist, providing detailed support and guidance within the organisation and helping colleagues to develop skills
  • set the direction of CPD (continuous professional development) within your team
  • keep up to date with new developments in data science and can match those to opportunities in your organisation
  • talk confidently about the benefits of data science approaches to existing and potential customers
  • demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a wide range of data science techniques, such as machine learning and natural language processing, and detailed knowledge of at least one specialism
  • use these techniques to build data science solutions, including reports, models and dashboards

Roles that require this skill

Development process optimisation

Process optimisation involves ensuring your processes are accurately defined and capture the most efficient way to complete a task by monitoring modified procedures.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • explain the importance of developing process efficiency and the common ways in which processes are optimised
  • support specific activities to improve development processes
  • spot or identify obvious deficiencies

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify process optimisation opportunities with guidance and contribute to the implementation of proposed solutions

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • analyse current processes
  • identify and implement opportunities to optimise processes
  • lead and develop a team of experts to deliver service improvements
  • help to evaluate and establish requirements for the implementation of changes by setting policy and standards

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Development process optimisation (management)

Process optimisation involves ensuring your processes are accurately defined and capture the most efficient way to complete a task by monitoring modified procedures.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work under guidance to identify process optimisation opportunities
  • contribute to the implementation of proposed solutions

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • analyse current processes
  • identify and implement opportunities to optimise processes
  • lead and develop a team of experts to deliver service improvements
  • help to evaluate and establish requirements for the implementation of changes by setting policy and standards

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set the strategy and manage resource allocation for solution development programmes
  • work with client functions to establish business requirements and identify, propose, initiate and lead these programmes

Roles that require this skill

Digital perspective

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of design, technology and data principles
  • demonstrate engagement with trends in design and can set relevant priorities
  • understand the internet and the range of available technology choices

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate responsiveness to changes in technology, adapting your approach accordingly
  • make decisions to meet user needs in the government context
  • understand the importance of assisted digital and can design services and make decisions to meet user needs

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply a digital understanding to your work
  • identify and implement solutions for assisted digital

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate knowledge of the wider digital economy and advances in technology, and understand how these impact in a government context
  • make decisions that set the standards for others to follow
  • understand working using Agile methodology at an organisational level
  • create an environment for success

Roles that require this skill

Empathy and inclusivity

Inclusion involves including everyone to incorporate disparate views and requirements, whether developing products and services or internal policies.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • incorporate a wide variety of views from underrepresented groups into product and policy work, using in-depth consulting and outreach strategies
  • be involved in the wider organisational diversity and inclusion plan
  • draw on your multidisciplinary background and personal experience to understand the consequences of data systems on a diverse range of stakeholders
  • demonstrate a thorough understanding of social issues, types of bias and discrimination different groups can face, and you can use this knowledge to inform your data ethics work

Roles that require this skill

Enabling and informing risk-based decisions

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work with risk owners to advise and give feedback
  • advise on risk impact and whether it's within risk tolerance
  • describe different risk methodologies and how these are applied, as well as the proportionality of risk

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work with higher impact or more complex risks, advising on the impact and whether it's within risk tolerance
  • apply different risk methodologies in proportion to the risk

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • act as a point of escalation
  • be trusted by senior risk owners as an expert in security
  • apply risk methodologies at the most complex levels of risk

Roles that require this skill

Enterprise and business architecture

Enterprise architecture involves analysing how to achieve an organisation's objectives by designing and aligning its IT applications and technologies. Business architecture involves defining the business strategy, governance and most important processes of the organisation.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • support the translation of business drivers, goals and constraints into business objectives
  • work under supervision to define required capabilities and support organisational changes to create operating models that meet business objectives

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work with limited direction to translate business drivers, goals and constraints into business objectives
  • help to define required capabilities and support organisational changes to create operating models that meet business objectives

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • support and advise on the development of a future state architecture aligned to strategy
  • lead on the translation of business drivers, goals and constraints into business objectives
  • define the capabilities required to create or develop operating models that meet business objectives

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set the direction to develop a future state architecture aligned to strategy
  • influence relationships between organisational structures, processes, technology, people and skills within and outside of an enterprise, to achieve transition to the new state

Roles that require this skill

Enterprise and business architecture (business analyst)

Enterprise architecture involves analysing how to achieve an organisation's objectives by designing and aligning its IT applications and technologies. Business architecture involves defining the business strategy, governance and most important processes of the organisation.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work with limited direction to translate business drivers, goals and constraints into business objectives
  • help to define required capabilities and support organisational changes to create operating models that meet business objectives

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Ethics and privacy

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the ethical considerations of potential data science approaches
  • show an awareness of the legislation applicable in this area, such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act (DPA)
  • show an awareness of existing data and AI ethics frameworks in and outside government

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • expertly set and identify the ethical considerations of potential data science approaches
  • demonstrate a good working knowledge of the legislation applicable in this area, such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act (DPA)
  • demonstrate expert knowledge of existing data and AI ethics frameworks in and outside government and can advise others seeking ethical guidance

Roles that require this skill

Ethics and privacy (data science)

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show that you know the appropriate channels to discuss ethical issues

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an understanding of the ethical implications of using data science in your projects
  • identify the person within the organisation to raise concerns or suggestions with regarding ethical considerations and compliance

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an understanding of how ethical issues fit into a wider context and can work with relevant stakeholders
  • stay up to date with developments in data ethics standards and legislation frameworks, using these to improve processes in your work area
  • identify and respond to ethical concerns in your area of responsibility

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • oversee compliance with data ethics standards and legislation
  • develop and manage the ethical framework for how data, machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques are used across the organisation, ensuring data governance complies with relevant legislation and standards
  • embed a culture of data ethics and explain why this is so important
  • ensure ethics guidance is appropriately applied to the formulation, implementation and evaluation of policies and programmes
  • assess and constructively challenge proposed policies and programmes

Roles that require this skill

Evidence- and context-based design

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the value of evidence-based design, and that design is a process

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • generate and test multiple solutions to a problem

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • absorb large amounts of conflicting information and use it to produce simple designs

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design systems for use across multiple services and can identify the simplest of a variety of approaches

Roles that require this skill

Financial management

Financial management involves planning, organising and monitoring financial resources.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the financial impact of the work you do and how cost and budgets are created

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • balance cost versus value
  • consider the impact of user needs
  • report on financial delivery
  • monitor cost and budget
  • understand how and when to escalate issues

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • negotiate, influence or set budgets in complex environments
  • write or input into business cases and can communicate business-value propositions

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • influence or create complex budgets across an organisation, programme or product view
  • manage the budget you are given and make it work

Roles that require this skill

Financial ownership

Financial management involves planning, organising and monitoring financial resources.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • handle numbers confidently
  • collate information ensuring the accuracy of financial and performance data

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the marketplace
  • realise the benefit of a product and persuade others that it's the right one to use
  • integrate a product with other services
  • ensure that products get used
  • realise benefits by linking work in progress back to the business case
  • build business cases based on user needs

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • develop an Agile business case and own and iterate it throughout the product life cycle
  • develop benefits with others within the portfolio
  • understand the granularity of financial costs per sprint and the value delivered

Roles that require this skill

Functional testing

Testing involves ensuring that requirements have been fully met by using appropriate tools and techniques to verify that a product or service works.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of functional testing techniques
  • execute test scenarios and identify defects, raising awareness of them
  • run tests others have written and know the processes to do so
  • show an understanding of a range of standard testing techniques

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design and execute test cases using standard testing techniques
  • come up with different business scenarios for a feature, working with others in the team

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design and execute a wide range of testing techniques and communicate test results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • make decisions on the environment for testing, and can coach others
  • identify defects, alert the business to them, and help to prioritise them based on defect severity

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • advise on up-to-date functional testing techniques
  • assess and peer-review the work of others
  • coach and mentor others
  • write test approaches for major projects and provide guidance on risk approaches
  • devise new test techniques and provide recommendations

Roles that require this skill

Governance and assurance

Governance and assurance involves defining and ensuring adherence to an organisation's quality control and compliance processes.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand technical governance
  • participate in the assurance of a service

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand how governance works and what governance is required
  • take responsibility for the assurance of a service and know what risks need to be managed

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • evolve and define governance
  • take responsibility for working with and supporting other staff in wider governance
  • assure services across sets of services
  • use tools such as standards, guardrails and principles to effectively govern delivery

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand how technical governance works with wider governance (such as budget)
  • assure corporate services by understanding important risks and mitigating them through assurance mechanisms

Roles that require this skill

Governance and assurance (accessibility)

Governance and assurance involves defining and ensuring adherence to an organisation's quality control and compliance processes.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • analyse and provide feedback on governance and project documents, and on governance boards, according to a predefined framework, assessing them against accessibility standards

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • challenge teams, make full use of existing arrangements and build strong relationships to reduce or remove risk associated with not meeting accessibility standards

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • analyse governance and assurance systems and add appropriate measures to ensure accessibility is built into all project, programme and change activity

Roles that require this skill

Incident management

Incident management involves coordinating the response to incident reports, ensuring effective prioritisation, investigation and resolution.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify and register incidents, gathering the required information and allocating it to the appropriate channel

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • diagnose and prioritise incidents, investigate their causes and find resolutions

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead the investigation and resolution of incidents

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Inclusive research

Inclusion involves including everyone to incorporate disparate views and requirements, whether developing products and services or internal policies.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate some awareness of the diversity of users of government services and the need to make government services usable and accessible for everyone

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the diversity of users of government services and the need to make services usable and accessible for everyone
  • work with colleagues to include many kinds of users in appropriate research activities

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • help teams understand the diversity of users of government services
  • effectively include all kinds of users in appropriate research activities
  • advocate inclusive practices and help teams design and deliver accessible services that work for all users

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • help organisations understand the diversity of users of government services
  • guide organisations to adopt inclusive practices and apply what they learn to design and deliver accessible services that work for all users

Roles that require this skill

Information security

Information security involves maintaining the security, confidentiality and integrity of information.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • discuss information security and the security controls that can be used to mitigate security threats within solutions and services

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate an understanding of information security and the types of security controls that can be used to mitigate security threats within solutions and services

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand information security
  • design solutions and services with security controls embedded, specifically engineered with mitigation of security threats as a core feature

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge of information security
  • design, quality review and quality assure solutions and services with security controls embedded, specifically engineered with mitigation of security threats as a core feature

Roles that require this skill

IT and mathematics

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of IT and mathematical skills
  • appreciate how they are applied in the environment

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply your knowledge and experience of IT and mathematical skills, including tools and techniques
  • adopt those most appropriate for the environment

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • share your knowledge and experience of IT and mathematical skills with others, including tools and techniques
  • define those most appropriate for the environment

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate knowledge and experience of the application of IT and mathematical skills
  • be a recognised specialist and adviser in these skills, including relating to user needs, generation of ideas, methods, tools, and leading or guiding others in best practice

Roles that require this skill

IT infrastructure

IT infrastructure involves ensuring systems and processes are available, adaptable, reliable and secure.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • support infrastructure solutions and services, and other computer, storage, networking, physical infrastructure, software, commercial-off-the-shelf software (COTS) and open source packages and solutions
  • support virtual and cloud computing, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS)

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • build, configure, administer and support infrastructure technologies and solutions. These technologies and solutions can include computing, storage, networking, physical infrastructure, software, commercial-off-the-shelf software (COTS), and open source packages and solutions. They can also include virtual and cloud computing such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS)

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design, implement, administer and support infrastructure technologies, solutions and services. These can include computing, storage, networking, physical infrastructure, software, commercial-off-the-shelf software (COTS), and open source packages and solutions. They can also include virtual and cloud computing such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS)

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead teams and departments in the design, implementation, administration and support of infrastructure solutions and services

Roles that require this skill

IT infrastructure (network architect)

IT infrastructure involves ensuring systems and processes are available, adaptable, reliable and secure.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • build, configure, administer and support infrastructure technologies and solutions. These technologies and solutions can include computing, storage, networking, physical infrastructure, software, commercial-off-the-shelf software (COTS), and open source packages and solutions. They can also include virtual and cloud computing such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS)

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • create, design and implement infrastructure technologies, solutions and services. These can include computing, storage, networking, physical infrastructure, software, commercial-off-the-shelf software (COTS), and open source packages and solutions. They can also include virtual and cloud computing such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS)

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead teams and departments in the design, implementation, administration and support of infrastructure solutions and services

Roles that require this skill

Leadership and guidance

Leadership and guidance involves providing effective leadership and management through team motivation, decision making, risk management, mediation and professional development

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show commitment to agreed good practice for the team, teaching new starters and challenging substandard work by peers
  • recommend decisions and describe the reasoning behind them
  • identify and articulate technical disputes between direct peers and local stakeholders
  • show an understanding of the importance of team dynamics, collaboration and feedback

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • contribute to best practice guidelines
  • understand the sustainability and consequences of your decisions and can make decisions characterised by managed levels of risk and complexity
  • resolve technical disputes between wider peers and indirect stakeholders, taking into account all views and opinions

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • make decisions characterised by medium levels of risk and complexity and recommend decisions as risk and complexity increase
  • build consensus between services or independent stakeholders
  • identify problems or issues in the team dynamic and rectify them
  • engage in varying types of feedback, choosing the right type at the appropriate time and ensuring the discussion and decision stick
  • bring people together to form a motivated team and help create the right environment for a team to work in
  • facilitate the best team makeup depending on the situation

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • change organisational structures to fixable and sustainable designs
  • lead on the strategy for the whole organisation, marrying business needs with innovative analysis
  • make and justify decisions characterised by high levels of risk, impact and complexity
  • build consensus between organisations (private or public) or highly independent and diverse stakeholders
  • solve and unblock issues between teams or departments at the highest level
  • understand the psychology of a team and have strong mediation skills
  • coach the organisation on team dynamics and conflict resolution

Roles that require this skill

Leadership and guidance (frontend developer)

Leadership and guidance involves providing effective leadership and management through team motivation, decision making, risk management, mediation and professional development

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • follow agreed good practice for the team
  • show an awareness of the importance of team dynamics and collaboration
  • understand the importance of feedback

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the impact of decisions and can make decisions characterised by different levels of risk and complexity
  • resolve technical disputes between wider peers and indirect stakeholders, taking into account all views and opinions
  • make decisions characterised by medium levels of risk and complexity, and can recommend decisions as risk and complexity increase
  • contribute to best practice guidelines

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • change organisational structures to fixable and sustainable designs
  • lead on the strategy for the whole organisation, marrying business needs with innovative analysis
  • make and justify decisions characterised by high levels of risk, impact and complexity
  • build consensus between organisations (private or public) or highly independent stakeholders
  • solve and unblock issues between teams or departments at the highest level
  • understand the psychology of a team and have strong mediation skills
  • coach the organisation on team dynamics and conflict resolution

Roles that require this skill

Life cycle perspective

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand how the needs of the team and the product vary across the stages of the product life cycle

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • recognise when to move from one stage of a product life cycle to another
  • ensure the team is working towards the appropriate service standards for the relevant phase
  • manage the delivery of products and services at different phases

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply experience in multiple parts of the product life cycle
  • recognise when it is right to move forward and when it is right to stop
  • recognise the appropriate deliverables and the right people to meet them
  • work with other Agile delivery operations throughout the product life cycle
  • plan and engage with the appropriate stakeholders at a particular stage in the project

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • successfully lead teams through the full product life cycle
  • identify which tools and techniques should be used at each stage
  • develop sustainable support models
  • identify and deal with potential risks across or between all stages of the product life cycle
  • coach others
  • contribute to the assessment of other teams, providing guidance and support as they move through stages of the product life cycle

Roles that require this skill

Logical and creative thinking

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify problems in databases, data processes, data products and services, with an understanding of the level of a problem (for example, strategic, tactical or operational)
  • contribute to the implementation of remedies and preventative measures

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • respond to problems in databases, data processes, data products and services as they occur
  • initiate actions, monitor services and identify trends to resolve problems
  • determine the appropriate remedy and assist with its implementation, and with preventative measures

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • ensure that the most appropriate actions are taken to resolve problems as they occur
  • co-ordinate teams to resolve problems and implement solutions and preventative measures

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • anticipate problems and know how to prevent them
  • understand how problems fit into the larger picture
  • describe problems and help others to do so
  • build problem-solving capabilities in others

Roles that require this skill

Maintaining delivery momentum

Delivery management involves improving the speed and efficiency with which products and services are developed.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • actively address internal risks and issues and know when to escalate them
  • set the team cadence and tempo, ensuring it is sustainable
  • track, manage, escalate and communicate dependencies
  • actively remove or minimise risks, issues or dependencies where possible
  • understand how the risks, issues or dependencies impact the work of a team

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • facilitate the delivery flow of a team, managing the pace and tempo
  • actively address internal and external risks, issues and dependencies including where ownership exists outside the team

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • optimise the delivery flow of teams
  • actively address the most complicated risks, issues and dependencies including where ownership exists outside the team or no clear ownership exists
  • identify innovative ways to unblock issues

Roles that require this skill

Making a process work

Process optimisation involves ensuring your processes are accurately defined and capture the most efficient way to complete a task by monitoring modified procedures.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • guide teams to focus on the output rather than the process
  • help the team to find a process that works for them
  • support teams in establishing a process

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify and challenge organisational processes of increasing complexity and those processes that are unnecessarily complicated
  • add value and can coach the organisation to inspect and adapt processes
  • guide teams through the implementation of a new process

Roles that require this skill

Making and guiding decisions

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • recommend decisions and describe the reasoning behind them
  • identify and articulate technical disputes between direct peers and local stakeholders

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • make decisions characterised by managed levels of risk and complexity, and recommend decisions as risk and complexity increase
  • resolve technical disputes between wider peers and indirect stakeholders, considering all views and opinions

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • make decisions characterised by medium levels of risk and complexity, and recommend decisions as risk and complexity increase
  • build consensus between services or independent stakeholders

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • make and justify decisions characterised by high levels of risk, impact and complexity
  • build consensus between organisations (private or public) or highly independent and diverse stakeholders

Roles that require this skill

Managing decisions and risks

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify technical disputes and describe them in ways that are relevant both to direct peers and to local stakeholders
  • work collaboratively while recommending decisions and the reasoning behind them

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • generate multiple solutions to a problem and test them

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work with consequential or complex risks
  • build consensus between services or independent stakeholders
  • lead others to make good design decisions
  • apply different risk methodologies in proportion to the risk

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • make and justify decisions characterised by high levels of risk, impact and complexity
  • build consensus between organisations (private or public) or highly independent and diverse stakeholders
  • be trusted by senior risk owners as an expert in security
  • apply risk methodologies at the most complex levels of risk
  • guide others in applying risk methodologies in proportion to the risk

Roles that require this skill

Metadata management

Metadata management involves establishing policies and processes that ensure data can be accessed across an organisation.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work with metadata repositories to complete complex tasks such as data and systems integration impact analysis
  • maintain a repository to ensure information remains accurate and up to date

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design an appropriate metadata repository and present changes to existing metadata repositories
  • understand a range of tools for storing and working with metadata
  • provide oversight and advice to more inexperienced members of the team

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand how metadata repositories can support different areas of the business
  • promote and communicate the value of metadata repositories
  • set up robust governance processes to keep repositories up to date

Roles that require this skill

Methods and tools

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • follow advice to apply the most appropriate tools and techniques to support the planning, analysis, development, testing, implementation and improvement of systems and services

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • select and use the most appropriate tools and techniques to support the planning, analysis, development, testing, implementation and improvement of systems and services within a project

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • build capability in methods and tools, ensuring they are adopted consistently and used effectively

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set direction and give others the means and authority to advise on the best methodologies and tools for the work, ensuring they are adopted consistently
  • assess the effectiveness of different approaches (such as Agile or plan-driven) and recommend tools to support organisational collaboration and build capability

Roles that require this skill

Modern standards approach

Modern development standards involves using the latest technologies and best practices to improve the quality of the software development process.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the importance of adopting a modern standards approach

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • explain the most important principles of a modern standards approach and how they apply to the work you are undertaking
  • apply these principles under guidance

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • competently apply a modern standards approach and guide others to do so

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate a strong understanding of the most appropriate modern standards and practices, and how they are applied
  • coach and guide others in these standards

Roles that require this skill

Modern standards approach (frontend developer)

Modern development standards involves using the latest technologies and best practices to improve the quality of the software development process.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • explain the importance of adopting a modern standards approach

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • explain the most important principles of a modern standards approach and how they apply to the work you are undertaking
  • apply these principles under guidance

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • competently apply a modern standards approach and guide others to do so

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate a strong understanding of the most appropriate modern standards and practices, and how they are applied
  • coach and guide others in these standards

Roles that require this skill

Non-functional testing

Non-functional testing involves verifying that a system (behind the functions and features) complies with requirements such as performance and usability.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of non-functional testing techniques
  • execute non-functional test scenarios and identify defects
  • run non-functional tests others have written and know the processes to do so
  • understand a range of standard non-functional testing techniques

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design and execute non-functional test cases using standard testing techniques, in instructed environments
  • come up with different business scenarios for a feature, working with others in the team

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design and execute a wide range of non-functional testing techniques
  • communicate non-functional test results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • make decisions on running types of non-functional testing
  • coach and mentor others
  • identify defects, alert the business to them, and help to prioritise them based on defect severity

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • advise on up-to-date non-functional testing techniques
  • assess and peer-review the work of others
  • coach and mentor others
  • write non-functional test approaches for major projects and provide guidance on risk approaches
  • devise new non-functional test techniques and provide recommendations

Roles that require this skill

Operational management

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the operational processes of running and maintaining a product or service

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design operational processes for the running and maintenance of products or services throughout their product life cycle
  • redesign operational processes, amend existing processes, and plan and put into operation the stages of a new product or service development
  • act as the escalation point for operational issues and can fix complex operational issues
  • overcome operational constraints to deliver a successful product or service
  • work closely with operational delivery teams in Government Digital and Data

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • keep abreast of industry best practice and can cascade ways of working
  • make operations efficient
  • act as the escalation point for major operational issues and champion operational management across the community
  • work closely with leaders of operational delivery teams in Government Digital and Data

Roles that require this skill

Ownership and initiative

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of problem resolution processes
  • pass problems on to your team

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • own an issue until a new owner has been found or the problem has been mitigated or resolved

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • take accountability for issues that occur and be proactive in searching for potential problems
  • achieve excellent user outcomes

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Performance measurement

Performance measurement involves collecting and interpreting data to identify how a team, product or service is performing.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • explain the importance of performance measurement and business objectives

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • participate in discussions determining which performance measurements are appropriate, with guidance from more experienced colleagues
  • demonstrate experience in turning business needs and goals into performance measures

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead the development of performance measurement frameworks including Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • demonstrate a deep understanding of business goals and can turn these into tangible performance measures

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • oversee the development and consistency of performance measurement frameworks across multiple projects
  • ensure that these frameworks are aligned to business needs and strategy

Roles that require this skill

Planning

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the importance of planning and forecasting
  • show an awareness of the different ways to develop a plan

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the environment and prioritise the most important or high value tasks
  • use data to inform planning
  • manage complex internal and external dependencies
  • provide delivery confidence
  • remove blockers or impediments that affect plans and can develop a plan for difficult situations
  • ensure that teams plan appropriately for their capacity

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead a continual planning process in a very complex environment
  • plan beyond product delivery
  • identify dependencies in plans across services and co-ordinate delivery
  • coach other teams as the central point of expertise

Roles that require this skill

Problem definition and shaping

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the strategic context of your work and why it is important
  • support strategic planning

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work within a strategic context and communicate how activities meet strategic goals

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • define strategies and policies, providing guidance to others on working in the strategic context
  • evaluate current strategies to ensure business requirements are being met and exceeded where possible

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead the design and implementation of strategy
  • direct the evaluation of strategies and policies to ensure business requirements are being met

Roles that require this skill

Problem management

Problem management involves anticipating and identifying problems in systems, processes or services, and ensuring appropriate solutions are implemented.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • investigate problems in systems, processes and services, with an understanding of the level of a problem (for example, strategic, tactical or operational)
  • contribute to the implementation of remedies and preventative measures

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • initiate and monitor actions to investigate patterns and trends to resolve problems
  • effectively consult specialists where required
  • determine the appropriate remedy and assist with its implementation
  • determine preventative measures

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • ensure that the right actions are taken to investigate, resolve and anticipate problems
  • co-ordinate the team to investigate problems, implement solutions and take preventive measures

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • anticipate problems and defend against them at the right time
  • understand how the problem fits into the larger picture
  • articulate the problem and help others to do so
  • build problem-solving capabilities in others

Roles that require this skill

Problem management (data architect)

Problem management involves anticipating and identifying problems in systems, processes or services, and ensuring appropriate solutions are implemented.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • initiate and monitor actions to investigate patterns and trends to resolve problems
  • effectively consult specialists where required
  • determine the appropriate remedy and assist with its implementation
  • determine preventative measures

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • ensure that the right actions are taken to investigate, resolve and anticipate problems
  • co-ordinate the team to investigate problems, implement solutions and take preventive measures

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • anticipate problems and defend against them at the right time
  • understand how the problem fits into the larger picture
  • articulate the problem and help others to do so
  • build problem-solving capabilities in others

Roles that require this skill

Problem resolution (data)

Problem management involves anticipating and identifying problems in systems, processes or services, and ensuring appropriate solutions are implemented.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • explain the types of problems in databases, data processes, data products and services

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • respond to problems in databases, data processes, data products and services as they occur
  • initiate actions, monitor services and identify trends to resolve problems
  • determine the appropriate remedy and assist with its implementation, and with preventative measures

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • ensure that the most appropriate actions are taken to resolve problems as they occur
  • co-ordinate teams to resolve problems and to implement solutions and preventative measures

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • anticipate problems and know how to prevent them
  • understand how problems fit into the bigger picture
  • identify and describe problems, and help others to describe them
  • build problem-solving capabilities in others

Roles that require this skill

Product ownership

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the tools, terms and concepts used to deliver a product

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate knowledge of the tools, terms and concepts used to deliver a product, and how they can be adapted and applied to different phases of delivery

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply tools, terms and concepts in a variety of ways
  • be flexible, consider new ways of working and adapt to change

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • start to define and create approaches
  • coach others
  • implement new ways of working
  • show an awareness of what other sectors are doing
  • understand what is most important and applicable

Roles that require this skill

Product ownership (data ethics)

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • develop data ethics tools and translate theoretical principles into practice
  • use a range of product management principles and approaches
  • consider new ways of working and adapt to change
  • capture and translate user needs into deliverables
  • demonstrate familiarity with feedback gathering, evaluation mechanisms and product promotion

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • define and create organisation-wide data ethics tools and translate theoretical principles into practice
  • demonstrate expertise in product management principles and approaches
  • set new ways of working and adapt to change
  • capture and translate user needs into deliverables
  • demonstrate expertise in feedback gathering, evaluation mechanisms and product promotion

Roles that require this skill

Programming and build (data engineering)

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design, code, test, correct and document simple programs or scripts under the direction of others

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • use agreed standards and tools to design, code, test, correct and document moderate-to-complex programs and scripts from agreed specifications and subsequent iterations
  • collaborate with others to review specifications where appropriate

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set local or team-based standards for programming tools and techniques and can select appropriate development methods
  • advise on the application of standards and methods and ensure compliance
  • take technical responsibility for all stages and iterations in a software development project, providing method-specific technical advice and guidance to project stakeholders

Roles that require this skill

Programming and build (data science)

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show a basic understanding of software development principles and can write simple scripts under supervision

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • write and test scripts and create basic models in one or more languages
  • collaborate on shared codebases, using a variety of methodologies

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • write moderate to complex programs and scripts
  • show a good understanding of testing methodologies and how to deploy code

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • write complex programs and scripts
  • seek to make code open source where appropriate
  • supervise junior analysts and set coding standards for your team
  • understand software architecture and how to write efficient, optimised code
  • perform user testing on products prior to launch

Roles that require this skill

Programming and build (frontend developer)

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design, code, test, correct and document simple user interfaces using the right standards and tools under the direction of others

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • collaborate with others to understand and review software requirements
  • design, code, test, correct and document user interfaces using the right standards and tools under the direction of others

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • collaborate with others when necessary to review specifications
  • use the agreed specifications to build, test and document user interfaces of medium to high complexity, using the right standards and tools

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • advise on the right way to apply standards and methods to ensure compliance
  • provide technical advice to stakeholders and set team-based standards for programming tools and techniques
  • collaborate with others when required to review specifications
  • use specifications to build, test and document user interfaces of high complexity, using the appropriate standards and tools

Roles that require this skill

Programming and build (software engineering)

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the process of software development and have a basic knowledge of how services are built

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design, code, test, correct and document simple programs or scripts under the direction of others

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • collaborate with others when necessary to review specifications
  • use the agreed specifications to design, code, test and document programs or scripts of medium-to-high complexity, using the right standards and tools

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • advise on the right way to apply standards and methods to ensure compliance
  • maintain technical responsibility for all the stages and iterations of a software development project
  • provide technical advice to stakeholders and set the team-based standards for programming tools and techniques

Roles that require this skill

Project management

Project management involves understanding the life cycle of a project to achieve its objectives within the agreed parameters.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of project management techniques, and an appreciation of how they are applied in the environment

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply your knowledge and experience of project management methodologies, including tools and techniques
  • adopt those most appropriate for the environment

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • share knowledge and experience of project management methodologies with others, including tools and techniques
  • define those most appropriate for the environment
  • oversee projects within a data analytics team

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate knowledge and experience of the application of project management methodologies
  • be a recognised specialist and adviser in project management, including user needs, generation of ideas, methods and tools, and leading or guiding others in best practice
  • oversee projects within a data analytics team

Roles that require this skill

Prototyping

Prototyping a service or product involves exploring, testing and sharing different concepts before committing to the final design.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • explain what prototyping is, and why and when to use it
  • understand how to work in an open and collaborative environment (by pair working, for example)

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand when to use a specific prototyping technique or method
  • show the value of prototyping to your team

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • approach prototyping as a team activity, actively soliciting prototypes and testing with others
  • establish design patterns and iterate them
  • use a variety of prototyping methods and choose the most appropriate

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • use a variety of prototyping methods
  • share best practice and coach others
  • look at strategic service design end to end

Roles that require this skill

Prototyping in code

Prototyping a service or product involves exploring, testing and sharing different concepts before committing to the final design.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate a basic knowledge of how the internet works
  • use tools and change text
  • edit existing code and reuse it

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • write HTML and add new tags

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • create static HTML and CSS prototypes
  • code for different screen sizes
  • version and host a prototype

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • create and validate a dynamic prototype

Roles that require this skill

Requirements definition and management

Requirements definition and management involves identifying and validating user or business requirements for a product or service.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • support identifying, analysing, capturing and validating business and user requirements
  • work under supervision to manage requirements and support their prioritisation, within a defined scope
  • provide distinct task-based outputs for parts of the project as directed, using a predetermined requirements management life cycle

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify, analyse, challenge and validate business and user requirements
  • work under limited supervision to co-ordinate and review the prioritisation of requirements
  • use appropriate requirements management life cycle methods to complete tasks and outputs related to the project

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • advise on the approach to requirements management within a project or programme
  • define the most appropriate requirements management life cycle methods and ensure the requirement can be traced in the design, build, test, tender and evaluation phases
  • co-ordinate and review the prioritisation of requirements and engage in the negotiation of solutions to help meet programme objectives

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • direct the approach to requirements management
  • enable others to select and apply appropriate life cycle methods
  • influence the prioritisation of complex requirement sets, enabling long-term strategic decision making and short-term tactical fixes
  • ensure the proposed solutions align with the organisational strategy and vision

Roles that require this skill

Research

User research involves methods to identify user needs and understand how users interact with a product or service.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show some understanding of basic user research methods

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand and demonstrate experience in basic user research methods
  • understand when to use these methods and how to apply them correctly
  • effectively involve your team in research activities

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate experience in a wide range of user research methods, and can help teams to adopt them
  • plan user research for services with challenging user needs and complex user journeys
  • advise colleagues on the choice and application of research methods to assure best practice

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • help an organisation adopt a wide range of user research methods
  • lead a community of practice to help an organisation continually assure, improve and innovate their user research

Roles that require this skill

Research and innovation

Keeping actively informed of industry developments to make creative and cost-effective use of emerging technologies and tools, aligned with business goals and user needs.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • advise on developments to security properties in technology
  • identify new technologies and design their use in a business context

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • contribute to and inform developments on security properties in technology
  • identify new technologies and design the use of these in the business context across the organisation
  • engage with the broader security community

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Security technology

Security technology involves understanding security architectures and identifying vulnerabilities to prevent and respond to cyber breaches.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate knowledge of system architectures
  • understand and articulate the impact of vulnerabilities on existing and future designs and systems, and can articulate a response
  • demonstrate broad knowledge of a range of systems, but may specialise in one

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate strong knowledge of system architectures
  • understand and articulate the impact of vulnerabilities on existing and future designs and systems, and how easy or difficult it will be to exploit these vulnerabilities
  • be recognised as an expert by peers in the broader security industry

Roles that require this skill

Service focus

IT service delivery involves overseeing the whole service life cycle, including the design, development, deployment and operation of a service.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of different products and services

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • take inputs and establish coherent frameworks that work

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • see the bigger picture by taking groups of services and investigating how to get the best of underlying services

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • maintain focus on the entire life cycle of the service and ensure it’s at the forefront of readiness activities
  • understand and communicate service benefits to end users
  • ensure that service focus is championed within your team and actively recommend its adoption

Roles that require this skill

Service management framework knowledge

IT service management involves identifying, prioritising and implementing IT services, ensuring the organisation gets maximum value for money.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • You have a Level 3 service management framework qualification

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • You have a Level 3 service management framework qualification
  • demonstrate knowledge of the life cycle or capability elements of ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • You have an expert certificate in the service management framework qualification

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • You have an expert certificate in the service management framework qualification
  • demonstrate an industry understanding of how to implement the framework into numerous environments

Roles that require this skill

Service reporting

IT service reporting involves analysing data to understand how an IT product or service has performed against the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • collate data from depositories and provide basic reporting

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • produce relevant reports in a standard format and agreed timeframe
  • work with important stakeholders to discuss any changes in the reporting processes
  • add a commentary that provides an interpretation of the data set

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • use your data analytics skills to enhance business performance

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • use prediction methodologies to derive and maintain a holistic view of important trends across multiple processes

Roles that require this skill

Service support

Service support involves fixing service faults and maintaining the underlying infrastructure, ensuring processes are in place to keep the service running efficiently.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • help with the investigation and resolution of infrastructure problems, undertaking specific activities under direction

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • help fix faults following agreed procedures
  • carry out agreed maintenance tasks on infrastructure

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify, locate and fix faults

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate a breadth of understanding of service support

Roles that require this skill

Society and technology

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the social and technological context of government services
  • understand the importance of understanding the life and work of users to design and deliver effective services

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the social and technological context of government services
  • align user research activities to help your team understand changing user behaviour

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • help teams understand the ways that digital technology is changing user behaviour, and the challenges and opportunities for the design and delivery of government services

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • align user research activities to help the organisation understand changing user behaviour, and the challenges and opportunities for government policy and service proposition

Roles that require this skill

Stakeholder relationship management

Stakeholder relationship management involves managing stakeholder requirements and communications throughout a project, while remaining focused on the user needs.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify important stakeholders and communicate with them clearly and regularly
  • tailor communication to stakeholders' needs and work with them to build relationships, while also meeting user needs
  • build and reach consensus
  • work to improve stakeholder relationships, using evidence to explain decisions made

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • influence stakeholders and manage relationships effectively
  • build long-term strategic relationships and communicate clearly and regularly with stakeholders

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • direct the strategy towards stakeholder relationships
  • set stakeholder objectives and recommend that they’re met
  • influence important senior stakeholders and provide mediation

Roles that require this skill

Stakeholder relationship management (business analysis)

Stakeholder relationship management involves managing stakeholder requirements and communications throughout a project, while remaining focused on the user needs.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify, analyse, manage and monitor relationships with and between internal and external stakeholders
  • work under supervision to communicate with stakeholders clearly and regularly

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify, analyse, manage and monitor relationships with and between internal and external stakeholders
  • work under limited supervision to communicate with stakeholders clearly and regularly, clarifying mutual needs and commitments through consultation and consideration of impacts while focusing on user and business needs

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead on communicating with stakeholders, clarifying needs and commitments through consultation and consideration of consequences while focusing on user and business needs
  • develop or apply communication strategies to build relationships, using informal and formal channels to engage with stakeholders at all levels and resolving conflict where required

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • develop engagement strategies and lead on communication with stakeholders at all levels
  • actively establish relationships and apply the benefits of professional networks
  • act as a point of consultation and escalation to resolve conflict in complex situations

Roles that require this skill

Stakeholder relationship management (content design)

Stakeholder relationship management involves managing stakeholder requirements and communications throughout a project, while remaining focused on the user needs.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand who your stakeholders are, what evidence is relevant to them and the importance of managing relationships with them

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify important stakeholders and communicate with them clearly and regularly
  • tailor communication to stakeholders' needs and work with them to build relationships, while also meeting user needs
  • build and reach consensus
  • work to improve stakeholder relationships, using evidence to explain decisions made

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • negotiate with and influence stakeholders, and manage relationships effectively
  • influence decisions, deal with challenging situations and remove blockers
  • build long-term strategic relationships and communicate clearly and regularly with stakeholders, supporting mutual needs and commitments while focusing on user needs

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • manage long-term strategic relationships with stakeholders, identifying where new connections need to be made and existing ones nurtured
  • direct the strategic approach for stakeholder relationships, establishing stakeholder objectives and ensuring these are clearly represented
  • act as a point of escalation if stakeholder relationships break down or become challenging for more junior members of the team
  • influence important senior stakeholders and arbitrate when blockers are escalated
  • facilitate discussions across high risk and complex areas or projects under constrained timelines

Roles that require this skill

Stakeholder relationship management (IT operations)

Stakeholder relationship management involves managing stakeholder requirements and communications throughout a project, while remaining focused on the user needs.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify important stakeholders and relationships, and work with teams to build these relationships
  • understand how to work with stakeholders and contribute to improving these relationships

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • influence stakeholders and manage relationships effectively
  • build long-term strategic relationships
  • facilitate and deliver business outcomes

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • determine strategic vision and direction
  • positively influence important senior stakeholders
  • provide an arbitration function

Roles that require this skill

Statistical methods and data analysis

Applied mathematics and statistics involves applying analytical methods including exploratory data analysis, visualisation and statistical testing to help make accurate recommendations.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the theoretical basis for applied practices
  • begin to apply the theory to practical examples

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand how and when to practically apply existing best practice solutions

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand and apply a range of practices
  • develop deeper expertise in a narrower range of specialisms
  • start to apply emerging theory to practical situations

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand, teach and supervise a wide range of practices, or may have deep expertise in a narrower range of specialisms
  • apply emerging theory to practical situations

Roles that require this skill

Strategic design and business change

Strategy involves creating a plan to achieve a team or organisation's objectives.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate a good understanding of business issues, events and activities, and their short to long term impact
  • support defining principles, patterns, standards, policies, roadmaps and vision statements
  • effectively focus on outcomes rather than solutions
  • help to develop, maintain or update strategy in response to feedback and findings

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate a strong understanding of business issues, events and activities and their short to long term impact
  • define principles, patterns, standards, policies, roadmaps and vision statements
  • effectively focus on outcomes rather than solutions and activities
  • develop, maintain or update strategy in response to feedback and findings

Roles that require this skill

Strategic insight

Strategy involves creating a plan to achieve a team or organisation's objectives.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the need to align user research with team goals to support decision making and action

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand what problem the team is trying to solve
  • align user research activities to inform decision making and action

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand organisational goals and challenges
  • align research activities across teams to inform policy and proposition

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand organisational strategy and objectives
  • align research activities across the organisation to create strategic insights
  • align wider research activities at a departmental and cross-government level

Roles that require this skill

Strategic ownership

Strategy involves creating a plan to achieve a team or organisation's objectives.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • effectively get buy-in from the team

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • effectively get buy-in from the organisation
  • work with scant information and explain it in abstract terms
  • develop a strategy

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • develop a long-term vision and objectives
  • take a discerning and disciplined approach to focusing on what is important and most relevant
  • develop the capability of others

Roles that require this skill

Strategic thinking

Strategy involves creating a plan to achieve a team or organisation's objectives.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • explain the strategic context of your work and why it is important
  • support strategic planning in an administrative capacity

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work within a strategic context and communicate how activities meet strategic goals
  • contribute to the development of strategy and policies

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • define strategies and policies, providing guidance to others on working in the strategic context
  • evaluate current strategies to ensure business requirements are being met and exceeded where possible

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead the design and implementation of strategy, directing the evaluation of strategies and policies to ensure business requirements are being met

Roles that require this skill

Strategic thinking (content design)

Strategy involves creating a plan to achieve a team or organisation's objectives.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the strategic context of your work and understand why it is important
  • support strategic planning in an administrative capacity

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • support the creation and development of strategies and policies
  • contribute to iterating and improving processes and guidelines
  • understand how activities meet strategic goals

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • contribute to content strategies and policies
  • create content patterns or standards
  • provide support for content improvement projects
  • effectively focus on outcomes rather than solutions and activities

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • help lead the design and implementation of strategies, evaluating their impact and progress to ensure business objectives and the needs of users are being met
  • lead and direct strategic content improvement projects, focusing effort in the areas of greatest priority and ensuring goals and objectives are met

Roles that require this skill

Strategy

Strategy involves creating a plan to achieve a team or organisation's objectives.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • describe the purpose and application of strategy, standards, patterns, policies, roadmaps and vision statements

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply strategy, using and challenging patterns, standards, policies, roadmaps and vision statements
  • provide guidance

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • define and challenge strategies, patterns, standards, policies, roadmaps and vision statements
  • provide proactive advice and guidance for their definition across the organisation

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • shape and influence government strategy
  • own and be responsible for setting strategies, patterns, standards, policies, roadmaps and vision statements

Roles that require this skill

Systems analysis

IT systems analysis involves assessing current systems and implementing new ones, to improve the performance and efficiency of an organisation's applications.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • support the analysis of IT system capabilities and work under supervision to identify and specify system requirements
  • support the development of specifications and models for bespoke IT systems or software packages

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify and analyse IT system capabilities
  • develop models and system requirements for bespoke IT systems or software packages, with minimal supervision

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead the identification and analysis of IT system capabilities, developing models and system requirements
  • use systems analysis to support a deeper understanding of how processes and systems work, and to identify gaps
  • work with other digital professionals to design and develop system and user interfaces, identify gaps in functionality and assess the effect of proposed software changes on users or the organisation

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set the direction for the identification and analysis of IT system capabilities
  • identify gaps in functionality and enable others to explore and assess the effect of software changes
  • demonstrate a strong understanding of business perspectives and technical concepts, and can bring them together to form recommendations and a common understanding
  • communicate this effectively between users, development teams and external suppliers

Roles that require this skill

Systems design

Systems design involves creating the specification and design of systems to meet defined business needs.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • assist as part of a team in the design of components of larger systems

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • translate logical designs into physical designs
  • produce detailed designs
  • effectively document all work using required standards, methods and tools, including prototyping tools where appropriate
  • design systems characterised by managed levels of risk, manageable business and technical complexity, and meaningful impact
  • work with well understood technology and identify appropriate patterns

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design systems characterised by medium levels of risk, impact, and business or technical complexity
  • select appropriate design standards, methods and tools, and ensure they are applied effectively
  • review the systems designs of others to ensure the selection of appropriate technology, efficient use of resources and integration of multiple systems and technology

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design systems characterised by high levels of risk, impact, and business or technical complexity
  • control system design practice within an enterprise or industry architecture
  • influence industry-based models for the development of new technology applications
  • develop effective implementation and procurement strategies, consistent with business needs
  • ensure adherence to relevant technical strategies, policies, standards and practices

Roles that require this skill

Systems design (frontend developer)

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • assist as part of a team in the design of components of larger systems

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • translate agreed designs into working user interfaces following modern standards
  • manage and document technical complexity to make sure work is easily maintained and reusable

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • translate agreed designs into working user interfaces following modern standards
  • manage and document technical complexity to make sure work is easily maintained and reusable
  • work with well-understood technology and can identify appropriate patterns to make effective use of technologies’ best features

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design systems characterised by high levels of risk and technical complexity
  • manage and document technical complexity to make sure work is easily maintained and reusable
  • select the appropriate standards, methods and tools, and make sure they are applied effectively
  • ensure others follow relevant technical strategies, policies, standards and practices
  • work with well understood technology and can identify appropriate patterns to make effective use of technologies’ best features

Roles that require this skill

Systems integration

Systems integration involves identifying points of connection between different systems and processes, or opportunities to combine them, and designing how the components communicate.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • talk about the process of integrating systems and the challenges of designing, building and testing interfaces between systems

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • build and test simple interfaces between systems
  • work on more complex integration as part of a wider team

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • define the integration build
  • co-ordinate build activities across systems
  • understand how to undertake and support integration testing activities

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • establish standards and procedures across a service product life cycle, including the development product life cycle, and can ensure that practitioners adhere to these
  • manage resources to ensure that the systems integration function works effectively

Roles that require this skill

Systems integration (frontend developer)

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of how to build static assets from source code
  • explain how browsers use and present static assets to the end users, and how different versions of an interface can be delivered for different browsers and devices

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • build static assets from source code and test that the resulting user interface works as expected when delivered over the internet
  • work on integration tests and support configuration of the network part of the system as part of a wider team

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • define the static assets build
  • co-ordinate all aspects of the integration and take responsibility for the tests around the user interface
  • configure the part of the system that uses the network and test that it works as expected

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Systems integration (network architect)

Systems integration involves identifying points of connection between different systems and processes, or opportunities to combine them, and designing how the components communicate.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show familiarity with the principles of integration and how they should be incorporated within the design of solutions

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • create the design of network services within a team requiring moderate to complex service integration

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Team dynamics and collaboration

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • explain the importance of team dynamics, collaboration and empowering delivery teams
  • understand the importance of feedback

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • effectively bring people together to form a motivated team
  • help to create the right environment for a team to work in and can empower them to deliver
  • recognise and deal with issues
  • help create the best team makeup depending on the situation

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify problems or issues in the team dynamic and rectify them
  • identify issues through Agile ‘health checks’ with the team, and help to stimulate the right responses
  • engage in varying types of feedback, choosing the right type at the appropriate time and ensuring the discussion and decision stick
  • accelerate the team development cycle

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • change organisational structures to fixable and sustainable designs
  • lead on strategy for an entire organisation, joining up business needs with innovative analysis
  • make and justify decisions characterised by high levels of risk, impact and complexity
  • effectively build consensus between organisations (private or public) or highly independent and diverse stakeholders
  • solve and unblock issues within teams or departments at the highest level
  • understand the psychology of a team and have strong mediation skills
  • coach an organisation on team dynamics and conflict resolution

Roles that require this skill

Technical breadth

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of a range of tools and techniques for test automation
  • demonstrate some technical attributes

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • use a range of technologies for testing
  • use one type of tool to write test scripts
  • use technologies to design and execute test cases under guidance

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate a good working knowledge of different tools and techniques, and can train others
  • advise others on testing techniques and frameworks
  • effectively research, plan and train others within the team

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • act as an adviser with a strategic understanding of IT trends and technologies
  • write and publish papers
  • demonstrate knowledge of emerging tools and techniques
  • set up frameworks based on the needs of the team
  • effectively work across different tools and software languages

Roles that require this skill

Technical specialism

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • assist in technical support activities and carry out agreed or routine maintenance and administration tasks

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • use management system software and tools
  • use logical schemata to investigate problems, collect performance statistics and create reports
  • carry out the routine configuration, installation and reconfiguration of database and related products
  • optimise performance and forecast resource needs

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • draft and maintain procedures and documentation
  • set standards for the definition, security and integrity of objects, and ensure conformity to these standards

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the direction of future technologies
  • deliver a model to support and maintain those future technologies and any databases that coexist in the current environment

Roles that require this skill

Technical understanding

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the relevant subject matter and a high level understanding of what it involves

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the core technical concepts related to the role, and apply them with guidance

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show a thorough understanding of the technical concepts required for the role, and can explain how these fit into the wider technical landscape

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • anticipate and advise on future technology changes that present opportunities for the product or programme

Roles that require this skill

Technical understanding (accessibility)

Accessibility involves ensuring your service can be used by as many people as possible, including those with impaired vision, motor difficulties, cognitive impairments, learning disabilities and deafness.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate knowledge of some details of the standards and legislation, and know where to find more information
  • demonstrate knowledge of basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and related common accessibility issues
  • perform basic automated and manual checks on websites and documents, and can communicate findings and fixes
  • be an advocate for the people affected by accessibility barriers within the context of your work
  • demonstrate knowledge of using some assistive technology

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate knowledge and communicate the requirements of accessibility standards and legislation
  • advocate appropriate technical solutions to a range of accessibility issues
  • perform detailed audits of websites, services and documents, and document findings clearly for others to work from
  • be an advocate for the people affected by accessibility barriers across the department
  • provide introductory awareness and training about accessibility
  • demonstrate confidence using one or more assistive technologies, and knowledge of others

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate excellent knowledge of accessibility standards and legislation, including edge cases
  • communicate requirements to a range of stakeholders
  • actively share a deep knowledge of how to select and use appropriate technology (such as ARIA, Accessible Rich Internet Applications) to provide an excellent experience
  • perform detailed audits of websites, services and documents, document findings clearly, and provide solutions for others to work from
  • understand and communicate how usability influences accessibility, and the boundary between them
  • advocate removing barriers across all your interactions
  • provide training on a range of accessibility issues
  • demonstrate confidence using a range of assistive technologies

Roles that require this skill

Technical understanding (performance analyst)

Performance measurement involves collecting and interpreting data to identify how a team, product or service is performing.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of analytical tools and technologies, and can use some of them
  • show an awareness of digital technology, and have an understanding of what it involves and its impact

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an understanding of the core technical concepts related to the role, and can apply them

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show a deep understanding of the technical concepts required for the role and understand how they fit into the wider technical landscape
  • understand the limitations of digital technology

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify opportunities to use new digital technologies to enhance analytical capability in alignment with business goals

Roles that require this skill

Technical understanding (user-centred design)

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate some knowledge of the technologies and roles within a digital team

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate some knowledge of the technologies used to build and operate digital services
  • understand the different technical roles in a digital team

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate knowledge of the technologies used to build and operate digital services
  • collaborate closely with colleagues in different digital disciplines

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Test analysis

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • contribute to improving delivery and understand the importance of evidence-based design and analysis

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify simple patterns and trends
  • investigate problems and opportunities in existing processes, and contribute to recommending solutions
  • work with stakeholders to identify objectives and potential benefits

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • think creatively, ask the right questions and critically evaluate and communicate findings to a larger team
  • lead investigative work into problems and opportunities in existing processes
  • drive the collection of information and the creation of recommendations for improvements
  • absorb large amounts of conflicting information and use it to determine solutions

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • analyse and collect information and evidence, identify problems and opportunities and ensure recommendations fit with strategic business objectives
  • communicate recommendations persuasively to important stakeholders, and identify the simplest of a variety of approaches
  • solve complex problems, applying logical reasoning

Roles that require this skill

Testing

Testing involves ensuring that requirements have been fully met by using appropriate tools and techniques to verify that a product or service works.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • correctly execute test scripts under supervision
  • understand the role of testing and how it works

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • review requirements and specifications, and define test conditions
  • identify issues and risks associated with work
  • analyse and report test activities and results

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • manage the planning of system and acceptance tests, co-ordinating both functional and non-functional specifications
  • provide authoritative advice and guidance on test planning
  • identify process improvements and contribute to the definition of best practice

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • manage testing activities within development or integration activities
  • manage risks and take preventative action when risks become unacceptable
  • manage customer relations

Roles that require this skill

Testing (business analysis)

Testing involves ensuring that requirements have been fully met by using appropriate tools and techniques to verify that a product or service works.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the stages and purpose of testing and have an awareness of tools and techniques used
  • work under supervision to support the representation of business scenarios and to trace requirements to develop functionality

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the stages and purpose of testing and support the use of relevant tools and techniques
  • identify business scenarios and develop acceptance criteria to ensure requirements can be traced to develop functionality
  • review prototypes, test plans and test outcome reporting

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • recommend the value of testing and apply the relevant tools and techniques to ensure test validity
  • advise on business scenarios and develop acceptance criteria to ensure requirements can be traced to develop functionality
  • review prototypes, test plans and test outcome reporting

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

Tools and software

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • use the most appropriate tools and software for a particular job

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • use software proficiently, quickly and fluidly
  • use shortcuts and tricks, and know what not to do
  • choose appropriate technology and outputs, for example, paper size and weight

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • create tools for other designers to use and can teach others
  • effectively work with tools that have an impact on other designers

Roles that require this skill

Troubleshooting and problem resolution

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of different technology capabilities
  • demonstrate basic troubleshooting capability

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • troubleshoot and identify problems across different technology capabilities

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • break a problem down into its component parts to identify and diagnose root causes
  • troubleshoot and identify problems across different technology capabilities

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • use lateral thinking to break a problem down into its component parts to identify and diagnose root causes
  • troubleshoot and identify problems across different technology capabilities including computing, storage, networking, physical infrastructure, software, commercial-off-the-shelf software (COTS) and open source software

Roles that require this skill

Turning business problems into data design

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design data architecture by dealing with specific business problems and aligning it to enterprise-wide standards and principles
  • work within the context of well understood architecture, and identify appropriate patterns

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design data architecture that deals with problems spanning different business areas
  • identify links between problems to devise common solutions
  • work across multiple subject areas, or a single large or complicated subject area
  • produce appropriate patterns

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design data architecture that deals with problems across the enterprise
  • work across all organisational subject areas and internal and external programmes

Roles that require this skill

Turning business problems into technical design

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design systems characterised by managed levels of risk, manageable business and technical complexity, and meaningful impact
  • work with well understood technology and identify appropriate patterns

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design systems characterised by medium levels of risk, impact, and business or technical complexity
  • work across multiple services or a single large or complicated service

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design systems characterised by high levels of risk, impact, and business or technical complexity

Roles that require this skill

Understanding analysis across the product life cycle

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • describe the importance of performance measures, their relation to business objectives and how they vary at different stages of the product life cycle

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand how the needs of the team and product vary across the product life cycle
  • ensure the team is measuring performance as appropriate for the relevant service standard phase
  • manage the delivery of services or products at different phases
  • plan and look at data requirements in future phases

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply experience in multiple parts of the product life cycle
  • recognise when to move forward and when to stop
  • recognise the appropriate deliverables and engage the right people to meet them
  • work with other Agile delivery disciplines throughout the product life cycle
  • plan and proactively engage with stakeholders at the appropriate stage of the project
  • identify which tools and techniques should be used at each stage

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • develop sustainable support models
  • identify and deal with potential risks across or between all stages of the product life cycle
  • coach others
  • contribute to the assessment of other teams, providing guidance and support as they move through the product life cycle phases
  • lead and champion best practice, and identify improvements to current approaches

Roles that require this skill

Understanding product delivery

Product delivery involves ensuring that a product or service is developed in a timely and cost-effective way, meeting the user needs.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • manage your contribution to tasks to fit in with the work of your wider team

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the differences between delivery methods, such as Agile and waterfall, and can propose the most appropriate method to deliver each product
  • manage your contribution to tasks to fit in with the work of your wider team

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the differences between delivery methods, such as Agile and waterfall, and can choose the most appropriate method to deliver each product
  • define the minimum viable product (MVP) and support decisions about priorities
  • work with specialists in multidisciplinary teams to smoothly deliver data science products into the organisation

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the differences between delivery methods, such as Agile and waterfall, and can set out how your team should use and adapt these methods
  • lead a team through the different phases of the product delivery life cycle
  • collaborate with the product manager to influence the direction of work
  • identify and involve relevant teams to smoothly deliver data science products into the organisation, ensuring these products inform decision making
  • ensure products are monitored, maintained and continually improved, engaging and working with others where necessary
  • have oversight of any data science features implemented within products or services

Roles that require this skill

Understanding security implications of transformation

Security management involves identifying and protecting an organisation's assets (systems, people and buildings).

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • interpret and apply an understanding of policy and process, business architecture, and legal and political implications to assist the development of technical solutions or controls

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • interpret and apply understanding across a complex area
  • start influencing policy and process, business architecture, and legal and political implications

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • challenge and lead changes to policy and processes to support business outcomes, business architecture, and legal and political implications

Roles that require this skill

Understanding the whole context

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand how your work supports the team
  • identify wider influences and how they apply
  • keep an open mind and understand the broader context

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand trends and practices outside your team and how these will impact your work
  • see how your work fits into the broader strategy and historical context
  • consider the patterns and interactions on a larger scale

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand trends and practices within the broader organisation and how these will impact your work
  • look for deeper underlying problems and opportunities
  • anticipate problems before they occur
  • identify the impact of changes to policy

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand trends and practices outside your organisation and how these will impact your work
  • anticipate changing policy

Roles that require this skill

User experience analysis

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the importance of making data-informed decisions based on user research findings
  • support the analysis and prioritisation of user experience needs and understand how needs tie to system, product or service requirements

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply basic techniques to analyse, validate and prioritise user experience needs
  • present findings in an accessible and easy to understand way to support data-informed decision making, based on user research

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • advise on the approach to analysis, prioritisation and validation of user experience needs
  • recommend a range of techniques to analyse the user experience and ensure that it meets business and user needs
  • articulate and communicate how user experience needs affect the design of a system in a project or programme of work

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

User focus

User focus involves understanding the user needs to develop a detailed understanding of the problems that need to be solved.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness or understanding of user experience analysis and its principles
  • explain the purpose of user stories and the focus on user needs

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify and engage with users or stakeholders to collate user needs evidence
  • understand and define research that fits user needs
  • use quantitative and qualitative data about users to turn user focus into outcomes

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • collaborate with user researchers and can represent users internally
  • explain the difference between user needs and the desires of the user
  • champion user research to focus on all users
  • prioritise and define approaches to understand the user story, guiding others in doing so
  • offer recommendations on the best tools and methods to use

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • give direction on which tools or methods to use
  • demonstrate experience in meeting the needs of users across a variety of channels
  • bring insight and expertise in how user needs have changed over time to ensure they're met by the business
  • apply strategic thinking to provide the best service for the end user

Roles that require this skill

User focus (content design)

User focus involves understanding the user needs to develop a detailed understanding of the problems that need to be solved.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness or understanding of user experience analysis and its principles
  • see the purpose of user stories and focus on user needs

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify tasks that will provide insights into a problem
  • formulate hypotheses, gain insights from data and user research and make decisions on findings
  • understand the range of different users who might access content and services, and can identify their needs based on evidence
  • translate user stories into content that meets users’ needs, and propose suitable design approaches
  • use quantitative and qualitative data about users to turn user insights into outcomes

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • collaborate with user researchers and performance analysts to advocate effectively for users
  • understand the different types of user research, evidence and data and how they’re used at different stages of product development (alpha, beta, live)
  • formulate hypotheses, gain insights from research and make decisions based on findings, clearly explaining how decisions have been made
  • evaluate quantitative and qualitative data and can prioritise and define approaches to best understand users
  • champion user research to focus on all users
  • put accessibility requirements at the heart of approaches to designing content, and encourage others to do the same
  • guide others and make recommendations on the best tools and methods to use

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • give direction on which tools or methods are best for teams to use
  • demonstrate extensive experience in meeting the needs of users across a variety of channels
  • understand complex user journeys and can direct solutions to meet different needs within these journeys
  • bring insight and expertise in how user needs have changed over time to ensure these are still relevant and being met
  • apply strategic thinking in how to provide the best service for the user while also considering business needs and the wider cross-government context

Roles that require this skill

User focus (frontend developer)

User focus involves understanding the user needs to develop a detailed understanding of the problems that need to be solved.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an understanding of user experience analysis and its principles
  • explain the purpose of user stories and the focus on user needs

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • collaborate effectively with user researchers and interaction designers to represent user needs internally
  • champion user research to focus on all users
  • prioritise and define approaches to understand the user story, guiding others in doing so

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • collaborate with user researchers and interaction designers to represent user needs internally
  • explain the difference between user needs and the desires of the user. You champion user research to focus on all users
  • effectively prioritise and define approaches to understand the user story, guiding others to do so
  • offer recommendations on the best tools and methods to use

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

This skill level is currently not defined.

Roles that require this skill

User-centred analysis

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness that everything we do is focused on the user of the product or service

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • use quantitative and qualitative data about users to turn user focus into outcomes
  • deliver analysis and information that addresses stakeholder needs and provides recommendations
  • effectively collaborate with user researchers and other user-focused professions
  • guide others on approaches to understand user stories

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the difference between user needs and desires of the user
  • demonstrate experience in meeting user needs across a variety of channels
  • integrate digital analytics with qualitative data, such as user surveys and user research, to develop hypotheses for testing
  • offer recommendations on the best tools and methods to use

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • give direction on which tools or methods to use
  • bring insight and expertise to how user needs have changed over time and ensure that they're met
  • apply strategic thinking to the problem of how to provide the best service for the end user
  • consider the political strategy and implications of any analyses and insights

Roles that require this skill

User-centred and Agile practices

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show some understanding of user-centred service design and delivery practices

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand and demonstrate experience in a range of user-centred practices
  • effectively work with colleagues to plan and do continuous user research in a multidisciplinary team

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand and demonstrate experience in a range of user-centred practices
  • help inexperienced teams adopt user-centred practices and embed them into their Agile workflow
  • advocate user research, and engage sceptical colleagues and stakeholders

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand and demonstrate extensive experience in a range of user-centred and Agile approaches
  • help government organisations adopt user-centred practices and embed them into Agile service design and delivery
  • effectively advocate for user research across an organisation

Roles that require this skill

User-centred content design

User-centred content design involves focusing on user needs through an evidence-based and iterative design process, to ensure content is easy to use and understand.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate basic but decent editorial standards
  • show an awareness of style standards
  • work well under supervision

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • design content to meet user needs and make complex language and processes easy to understand
  • present the right information in the right format for what users need
  • show robust experience in writing, editing and publishing digital content, and experience in using content management systems and content production processes to publish content
  • write in plain language in a way that users understand, making information accessible to all
  • understand government accessibility requirements and design content that works with common assistive technologies
  • use data, research and evidence to review and evaluate content to make improvements
  • consistently and effectively apply content standards and style guidelines to your work
  • work to continuously improve content, and understand why content life cycle management is important
  • work autonomously

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show a deep understanding of end-to-end journeys and how content is affected within these journeys
  • identify where journey fixes or content improvements need to be made
  • take responsibility for assuring the quality of content from more junior colleagues, and coaching and guiding them to improve
  • ensure that content is regularly reviewed and evaluated, contributing to continuous improvements and iteration
  • encourage a continuous improvement mindset in teams and more junior content colleagues
  • deliver through others, and direct and critique their work

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • direct the approach to content life cycle management to ensure content is regularly reviewed and evaluated by teams
  • oversee teams’ work to ensure the right content is being produced to meet the needs of users
  • demonstrate extensive experience in creating, iterating, managing and overseeing content across multiple channels
  • encourage teams to review and evaluate the effectiveness of processes and systems, and support them to iterate for improvements
  • be accountable for the production of high quality, user-focused content
  • identify gaps in content design skills and capability, and can help teams to grow and develop

Roles that require this skill

Verification and validation of data and analysis

Data preparation involves sorting and cleansing information so it's available for more detailed analysis.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand basic data issues and can check that the data and analysis look right
  • understand the concept of data being fit for purpose, and the context of the data
  • show that you know the right questions to ask, are curious, and adopt an analytical mindset when approaching a problem
  • perform data preparation and cleansing with guidance

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify appropriate ways to collect, collate and prepare data
  • decide if data is accurate and fit for purpose
  • perform data preparation and cleansing with limited guidance

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set up a system to get data ready for use and specify how data should be cleansed and prepared
  • bring data together from different sources and communicate the limitations of data
  • peer-review colleagues’ outputs to ensure quality

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show a deep understanding of relevant data sources, tools and systems
  • use appropriate approaches for verifying and validating data and analysis
  • influence senior stakeholders over data approaches
  • coach and mentor others

Roles that require this skill

Web performance optimisation

Web performance optimisation involves improving the efficiency and speed with which web pages load in a browser.

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the basic principles of web performance, and why web performance is important
  • support activities to improve web performance under the guidance of others

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of the principles of web performance, and how poor performance can negatively affect user experience
  • support activities to improve web performance
  • identify and help resolve issues

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify and fix web performance issues
  • collect data from various tools to monitor and fix web performance issues
  • understand that poor web performance has a negative effect on user experience
  • offer guidance on the best tools and methods to use

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • act as a recognised expert and advocate for web performance optimisation best practices
  • coach and guide others
  • actively collect data from various tools to monitor and fix web performance issues
  • understand that poor web performance has a negative effect on user experience

Roles that require this skill

Working within constraints

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the value of policy, legislative, regulatory and operational constraints and can find the simplest, shortest and fastest solution for users

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify, communicate and work within constraints
  • challenge the validity of constraints
  • ensure standards are being met

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work with and challenge senior stakeholders
  • prioritise and mitigate constraints, and turn them into an advantage
  • adapt the approach depending on the constraints

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • influence, challenge and coach
  • anticipate how constraints might change and know where to challenge or remove constraints

Roles that require this skill

Working within constraints (performance analyst)

Skill level Description

Awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of ethical and operational constraints

Working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify, understand, communicate and work within constraints
  • challenge the validity of constraints
  • ensure that standards are being met
  • show an understanding of security and data privacy

Practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work with and challenge senior stakeholders
  • prioritise and mitigate constraints and can turn them into an advantage
  • adapt the approach according to constraints
  • demonstrate a good knowledge of security and data privacy

Expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • influence, challenge and coach others
  • anticipate how constraints might change and know where to challenge or remove constraints
  • demonstrate a very strong knowledge of security and data privacy
  • describe and work within environmental constraints, finding the most appropriate solution for users

Roles that require this skill