Level 1 : follow
Autonomy
Works under supervision. Uses little discretion. Is expected to seek guidance in unexpected situations.
Influence
 Interacts with immediate colleagues.
Complexity
 Performs routine activities in a structured environment. Requires assistance in resolving unexpected problems.
Business Skills
Uses basic information systems and technology functions, applications, and processes. Demonstrates an organised approach to work. Learns new skills and applies newly acquired knowledge. Follows code of conduct and organisational standards. Has sufficient communication skills for effective dialogue with colleagues. Contributes to identifying own development opportunities.

 

Level 2 : assist
Autonomy
Works under routine direction. Uses minor discretion in resolving problems or enquiries. Works without frequent reference to others.
Influence
 Interacts with and may influence immediate colleagues. May have some external contact with customers, suppliers and partners. May have more influence in own domain.
Complexity
 Performs a range of varied work activities in a variety of structured environments. Contributes to routine problem resolution.
Business Skills
Understands and uses appropriate methods, tools and applications. Demonstrates a rational and organised approach to work. Is aware of health and safety issues. Identifies and negotiates own development opportunities. Has sufficient communication skills for effective dialogue with customers, suppliers and partners. Is able to work in a team. Is able to plan, schedule and monitor own work within short time horizons. Absorbs technical information when it is presented systematically and applies it effectively.

 

Level 3 : apply
Autonomy
Works under general direction. Uses discretion in identifying and resolving complex problems and assignments. Usually receives specific instructions and has work reviewed at frequent milestones. Determines when issues should be escalated to a higher level.
Influence
 Interacts with and influences department/project team members. Has working level contact with customers and suppliers. In predictable and structured areas may supervise others. Makes decisions which may impact on the work assigned to individuals or phases of projects.
Complexity
 Performs a broad range of work, sometimes complex and non routine, in a variety of environments. Applies methodical approach to problem definition and resolution.
Business Skills
Understands and uses appropriate methods, tools and applications. Demonstrates an analytical and systematic approach to problem solving. Takes the initiative in identifying and negotiating appropriate personal development opportunities. Demonstrates effective communication skills. Contributes fully to the work of teams. Plans, schedules and monitors own work (and that of others where applicable) competently within limited deadlines and according to relevant legislation and procedures. Absorbs and applies technical information. Works to required standards. Appreciates the wider field of information systems, and how own role relates to other roles and to the business of the employer or client.

 

Level 4 : enable
Autonomy
Works under general direction within a clear framework of accountability. Exercises substantial personal responsibility and autonomy. Plans own work to meet given objectives and processes.
Influence
 Influences team and specialist peers internally. Influences customers at account level and suppliers. Has some responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of resources. Participates in external activities related to own specialism. Makes decisions which influence the success of projects and team objectives.
Complexity
 Performs a broad range of complex technical or professional work activities, in a variety of contexts. Investigates, defines and resolves complex problems.
Business Skills
Selects appropriately from applicable standards, methods, tools and applications. Demonstrates an analytical and systematic approach to problem solving. Communicates fluently orally and in writing, and can present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences. Facilitates collaboration between stakeholders who share common objectives. Plans, schedules and monitors work to meet time and quality targets and in accordance with relevant legislation and procedures. Rapidly absorbs new technical information and applies it effectively. Has a good appreciation of the wider field of information systems, their use in relevant employment areas and how they relate to the business activities of the employer or client. Maintains an awareness of developing technologies and their application and takes some responsibility for personal development.

 

Level 5 : ensure, advise
Autonomy
Works under broad direction. Work is often self-initiated. Is fully accountable for meeting allocated technical and/or project/supervisory objectives. Establishes milestones and has a significant role in the delegation of responsibilities.
Influence
 Influences organisation, customers, suppliers, partners and peers on the contribution of own specialism. Builds appropriate and effective business relationships. Makes decisions which impact the success of assigned projects i.e. results, deadlines and budget. Has significant influence over the allocation and management of resources appropriate to given assignments.
Complexity
 Performs an extensive range and variety of complex technical and/or professional work activities. Undertakes work which requires the application of fundamental principles in a wide and often unpredictable range of contexts. Understands the relationship between own specialism and wider customer/organisational requirements.
Business Skills
Advises on the available standards, methods, tools and applications relevant to own specialism and can make appropriate choices from alternatives. Analyses, designs, plans, executes and evaluates work to time, cost and quality targets. Assesses and evaluates risk. Communicates effectively, both formally and informally. Demonstrates leadership. Facilitates collaboration between stakeholders who have diverse objectives. Understands the relevance of own area of responsibility/specialism to the employing organisation. Takes customer requirements into account when making proposals. Takes initiative to keep skills up to date. Mentors colleagues. Maintains an awareness of developments in the industry. Analyses requirements and advises on scope and options for continuous operational improvement. Demonstrates creativity and innovation in applying solutions for the benefit of the customer/stakeholder. Takes account of relevant legislation.

 

Level 6 : initiate, influence
Autonomy
Has defined authority and responsibility for a significant area of work, including technical, financial and quality aspects. Establishes organisational objectives and delegates responsibilities. Is accountable for actions and decisions taken by self and subordinates.
Influence
 Influences policy formation on the contribution of own specialism to business objectives. Influences a significant part of own organisation. Develops influential relationships with internal and external customers/suppliers/partners at senior management level, including industry leaders. Makes decisions which impact the work of employing organisations, achievement of organisational objectives and financial performance.
Complexity
 Performs highly complex work activities covering technical, financial and quality aspects. Contributes to the formulation and implementation of IT strategy. Creatively applies a wide range of technical and/or management principles.
Business Skills
Absorbs complex technical information and communicates effectively at all levels to both technical and non-technical audiences. Assesses and evaluates risk. Understands the implications of new technologies. Demonstrates clear leadership and the ability to influence and persuade. Has a broad understanding of all aspects of IT and deep understanding of own specialism(s). Understands and communicates the role and impact of IT in the employing organisation and promotes compliance with relevant legislation. Takes the initiative to keep both own and subordinates' skills up to date and to maintain an awareness of developments in the IT industry.

 

Level 7 : set strategy, inspire, mobilise
Autonomy
Has authority and responsibility for all aspects of a significant area of work, including policy formation and application. Is fully accountable for actions taken and decisions made, both by self and subordinates.
Influence
 Makes decisions critical to organisational success. Influences developments within the IT industry at the highest levels. Advances the knowledge and/or exploitation of IT within one or more organisations. Develops long-term strategic relationships with customers, partners, industry leaders and government.
Complexity
 Leads on the formulation and implementation of strategy. Applies the highest level of management and leadership skills. Has a deep understanding of the IT industry and the implications of emerging technologies for the wider business environment.
Business Skills
Has a full range of strategic management and leadership skills. Understands, explains and presents complex technical ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences at all levels up to the highest in a persuasive and convincing manner. Has a broad and deep IT knowledge coupled with equivalent knowledge of the activities of those businesses and other organisations that employ IT. Communicates the potential impact of emerging technologies on organisations and individuals and assesses the risks of using or not using such technologies. Assesses the impact of legislation, and actively promotes compliance. Takes the initiative to keep both own and subordinates’ skills up to date and to maintain an awareness of developments in IT.