How to build the digital workforce of tomorrow using the SFIA framework
The Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) is a global standard for digital and ICT skills that’s helping a number of governments shape a skilled digital workforce. Originally developed in the UK, SFIA is now used worldwide across both public and private sectors to bring structure to roles in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and IT management. This powerful framework allows governments to plan and manage their workforce more effectively, bridging skills gaps, support the recruitment of talent, and building the capabilities needed to keep pace in a digital world.
One framework, seven levels - the backbone of SFIA
SFIA’s strength lies in its seven levels of responsibility, each one building on the next to cover a range of skills from entry-level support to high-level strategy. At Level 1 (follow), people learn and apply basic skills under close supervision. As they progress to Level 4 (enable), they gain more independence, using critical thinking and decision-making to take on complex tasks. Finally, Level 7 (set strategy) is for those who drive big-picture ideas, shaping policies and leading at the highest level. These levels let governments map roles, create development paths, and make sure everyone’s skills are aligned with real needs.
Skills that fit every tech role
SFIA covers digital roles across the board, from cybersecurity and software engineering to digital service delivery. Each skill area is described by different levels, so governments can set expectations for every digital role. Examples of SFIA’s skill coverage include user experience design (HCEV), data science (DATS), cybersecurity operations (SCAD), and project management (PRMG). For example, cybersecurity (SCTY) ranges from basic knowledge at Level 1 to expert-level strategy at Level 7. This variety ensures each role description has the right mix of technical and professional skills.
No one-size-fits-all- customising SFIA for government
Unlike many frameworks, SFIA doesn’t force one way of working. It’s flexible by design, giving governments room to adapt the skills and levels to fit their own needs. SFIA focuses on real-world skills and experience rather than certificates, so it prioritises what people can do on the job. This adaptability is a huge plus for governments needing custom role profiles that don’t require a whole new organisational setup. The framework works within existing structures, making it easier to align digital roles with organisational needs without overhauling systems.
One language for more clarity
SFIA is like a translator for digital skills: it gives governments and employees a shared language to talk about competencies and roles. Everyone knows what’s expected for each level, making recruitment, skills assessments, and role comparisons more straightforward. This common language saves time and avoids confusion by ensuring all parties are using the same skill definitions and terminology. Whether it’s comparing jobs or planning career paths, SFIA’s language brings consistency to skills management across departments.
Keeps up with the latest skills
SFIA doesn’t stand still because it’s updated regularly by a global community of users. Through an open process, digital professionals suggest changes to reflect the latest in tech, from AI to cloud computing. This constant updating is a huge plus for governments. With SFIA, agencies don’t have to keep creating new skill definitions – they know SFIA will keep pace with digital advances, which means governments stay aligned with the newest and most relevant skills in digital work.
Fit for public sector goals
Governments have unique needs, and SFIA’s flexibility means they can focus on the skills that matter most, like data security, public service delivery, and citizen engagement. SFIA’s thematic views, such as those for cybersecurity or DevOps, provide a handy starting point for setting up role profiles, which can be easily customised for government priorities. By tailoring SFIA to specific goals, public agencies can create job descriptions that are both relevant to digital public services and aligned with a global skills framework.
Bringing SFIA into hiring and training
Embedding SFIA within HR and talent systems makes recruiting and training digital talent easier. By aligning job roles with SFIA’s detailed descriptions, governments can improve how they evaluate skills during hiring, track progress, and plan training. This integration with HR systems helps create clear career paths, promotes data-driven planning, and allows governments to see workforce trends and gaps. It’s a streamlined way to ensure that employees have the skills needed today and are prepared for the demands of tomorrow.
Planning for the future workforce
SFIA’s responsibility levels allow governments to map out their future workforce by showing what skills and roles they need. Workforce planning is much simpler when roles and skills are clearly defined – agencies can see what positions need filling, what training is needed, and where to focus budgets. By using SFIA, governments can keep their workforce prepared for changing digital demands, while staying aligned with the organisation’s goals.
Training for success with SFIA
SFIA’s skill descriptions make it easy to set up training programmes that build on real job needs. Governments can create learning paths for skills like cybersecurity threat intelligence (THIN), data engineering (DENG), or use
r experience analysis (URCH), so employees can gain competencies that match their role and career path. This focus on specific skills and SFIA’s structured levels means training directly supports job performance and prepares staff for the future.
A SFIA community for shared insights
SFIA isn’t just a framework – it’s a community. Governments can build a network of SFIA practitioners across agencies to share resources, ideas, and success stories. This approach allows departments to learn from each other, benefiting from others’ insights and developing a consistent approach to digital skills management. A collaborative community of SFIA users strengthens digital capabilities across the board and helps establish a unified strategy for skills development.
SFIA - helping make government digital-ready
SFIA is more than just a framework – it’s a roadmap for building a skilled, capable digital workforce in government. With SFIA, agencies can create clear job roles, plan career paths, and keep up with evolving digital needs. By adopting SFIA, governments ensure that their workforce has the skills to meet today’s demands and adapt to future challenges, ultimately delivering efficient and effective public services in a digital age.
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