APS Data Capability Framework

Foreword

As Head of the Data Profession, I am pleased to introduce the APS Data Capability Framework.

Data proficiency is a critical enabler supporting the APS workforce to deliver efficient, effective and responsive service for Australia. All of us, whether we work in policy, regulatory, specialist or service delivery agencies, have a responsibility to build and maintain the data capabilities required to perform our roles now, and into the future.

This Framework establishes the language we will use to define capability areas across the data lifecycle, and sets out the capability indicators that apply to each area. It is relevant to everyone in the APS who works with data in some way, from foundation through to advanced levels of proficiency.

I would like to thank our colleagues in Stats NZ for providing the base upon which we developed our Framework. We released a beta version of the Framework on 30 September 2021 and worked with many agencies – especially those thanked in the Acknowledgements -- that contributed their expertise and perspectives to support the development of this, the production release of the Framework. Their input enabled us to ensure the Framework is relevant to the APS as a whole.

I hope you find this Framework useful as you continue to source, develop, and mobilise APS data capability.

Dr David Gruen AO
Australian Statistician
Head of the Data Profession

About the Framework

The Framework outlines the 26 data-specific capability areas associated with working with data in the APS. Each has capability indicators (covering skills, knowledge and behaviours) that span across three proficiency levels of foundation, intermediate and advanced. The DCF has been designed to be flexible.

It focuses solely on data capabilities and is designed to complement rather than duplicate existing frameworks in use. Such frameworks include:

• The Integrated Leadership System
• Skills Framework for the Information Age
• NAA’s information Management and data capabilities
• The Office of the National Data Commissioner’s Foundational Four

The Framework will be used to support a range of Data Profession initiatives, and can also be used as a guide by agencies, employees and managers as they build data capabilities, manage workforce requirements and develop careers.

You can find more information on ways the Framework can be used in the User Guide available in the downloads section.

Feedback

We would love to continue to hear about your experience using this Framework. We would also like to provide you with valuable guidance material so we would appreciate hearing how you are implementing the Framework in your agency

You can contact the APS Data Profession team via email: data.profession@abs.gov.au.