Skills frameworks

Skills Framework for the Information Age

SFIA Framework

The Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) provides a common reference model for the identification of the skills needed to develop effective Information Systems (IS) making use of Information Communications Technologies (ICT).

SFIA enables employers of IT professionals to carry out a range of HR activities against a common framework of reference - including skill audit, planning future skill requirements, development programmes, standardisation of job titles and functions, and resource allocation.

In July 2003, e-skills UK, the BCS (British Computer Society), the IEE (Institution of Electrical Engineers) and the IMIS (Institute for the Management of Information Systems) joined forces to form the SFIA Foundation, which coordinates activities to facilitate the availability and implementation of SFIA throughout the UK and beyond. 

Consultation has now begun on the development of version 4 of SFIA, to bring it up to date with current good practice including alignment with the subject-based disciplines of the IT Professional Competency Model (e-skills PROCOM). PROCOM is an industry-recognised framework for organising qualifications and learning by the disciplines of the IT profession. It enables employers to plan learning and development based on a SFIA-defined job role.

Find out more: www.sfia.org.uk

SFIA Profiler

e-skills UK has developed the SFIA Profiler to provide an easy access online service with optional consultancy support for employers wishing to deploy SFIA within their organisation.

The SFIA Profiler is a light touch, fast-start skills assessment tool that supports SFIA version 3.

Find out more: www.e-skills.com/sfiaprofiler

Last modified: 05 Jun 2008