SFIA Profiler Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SFIA Profiler?
Developed following consultation with employers, the SFIA Profiler is a cost-effective online skills management service, with optional consultancy, that enables the easy implementation of the latest version of the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA).
By allowing employers to assess the competencies of IT professionals, the SFIA Profiler can be used to:
- Help identify skills gaps.
- Create specific job roles in SFIA language for staff recruitment and appraisals.
- Inform targeted training solutions.
- Generate a suite of management reports to inform organisational and individual skills development.
Why has the SFIA Profiler been developed?
Research conducted by e-skills UK indicates that many employers are daunted by the complex and sometimes challenging task of skills gap assessment within the IT professional arena. e-skills UK’s SFIA Profiler is designed to address this issue by exploiting the benefits of the SFIA language through a fast-start service.
How is the SFIA Profiler different from other skills management products?
While there are other products available, the SFIA Profiler is focused on delivering employer benefits from a skills management service. It was also developed in conjunction with employers and supported by the DTI.
What are the benefits to employers?
SFIA Profiler improves the productivity and competitiveness of an organisation by enabling IT business and HR managers to more easily assess and manage the competencies of IT professionals – previously a complex challenge.
By identifying organisational skills gaps, the SFIA Profiler will support effective targeting of IT training budgets.
Who is the SFIA Profiler targeted at?
The SFIA Profiler can be used by any organisation; however, it is most effective in either SMEs or small departments of large companies with between 5 and 250 IT professionals.
How much does the SFIA Profiler cost?
Low entry costs and competitive rates based on a per person annual fee are features of the SFIA Profiler service. e-skills UK will offer bespoke pricing tailored to project and customer requirements. e-skills UK will also work with customers to identify the most suitable level of service required. The service is essentially available at three levels:
- Internet provision of the SFIA Profiler only.
- An ‘easy start’ service which includes one day site set up support from an e-skills consultant.
- A ‘consultancy plus’ service incorporating additional help to develop company specific role profiles in SFIA language.
