By Juliette Roberts, Australian Bureau of Statistics
What is the Data Capability Framework?
The Data Capability Framework (DCF) provides a common language for defining capability areas across the data lifecycle within the Australian Public Service (APS). The Framework is relevant to everyone in the APS who works with data in some way, from foundation through to advanced levels of proficiency.
The first iteration of the DCF was released in 2022 and provided a foundation on which to build APS data capability and support data career paths. Following a review, the Framework has been updated to align with the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) to encourage greater collaboration across the APS and with industry and academia.
The new DCF outlines 22 capability areas associated with working with data in the APS. While not an exhaustive list of all data-related responsibilities, the DCF outlines essential data competencies commonly required by APS data roles across agencies. Each capability covers the expected skills, knowledge and behaviours across 7 levels of responsibility, from foundational to leadership.
The DCF is designed to be flexible and work alongside other frameworks such as the Integrated Leadership System, and the Office of the National Data Commissioner’s Foundational Four.
Who is the Data Capability Framework for?
The DCF can be used by all APS employees, managers and agencies.
APS employees can use the DCF when reviewing their development, performance and career goals by determining what data capabilities are relevant to their work, as well as identifying areas for development.
Managers can use it to identify capability strengths and gaps in their teams, allowing them to provide focused development opportunities.
In collaboration with staff and managers, the DCF can assist Learning and Development teams identify capability needs and offer targeted learning opportunities. Recruitment areas can use it in developing consistent role descriptions and with the formulation of interview questions.
Background and Latest Updates
The DCF was first developed in 2021-22 through a cross-agency working group, drawing upon the Stats NZ Data Capability Framework. The working group created a beta version in 2021, to be trialled in agencies, before refining and publishing the inaugural version in late 2022.
A review of the DCF commenced late 2023, looking to further refine the framework. That review has resulted in this new learning iteration, with the DCF being aligned to the Skills Framework for the Information Age, leveraging several data-specific SFIA skill descriptors to anchor the DCF’s capability themes, capability items and levelling approaches.
We would like to thank the Department of Health Disability and Ageing, Australian Tax Office and Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry who led the review in partnership with the APS Data Profession, as well other agencies that contributed.
Where to find the Data Capability Framework
You can find the DCF, and a supporting User Guide, in the Data Profession Community Library on the Members’ Community Platform (MCP). The Data Profession MCP is open to all APS and state and territory government employees—regardless of whether you’re a data professional or simply looking to build your data capability by connecting with others.
The MCP is home to a DCF community of practitioners which provides an opportunity for members to share experiences and discuss the suitability of the Framework via discussion forums.
The DCF is also available on the APSC website.
