Future Skills Framework

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Framework overview

As a diverse and dynamic industry, the skills needs of financial services are broad and vary according to role, business function and sub-sector. Post pandemic organisations are continuously looking for new ways to attract and retain talent as well as remain competitive, inclusive, and attractive employers.

To support our members in meeting these increasing demands, the Financial Service Skills Commission has created the ‘Future Skills Framework’ to enable organisations to identify their future skills needs and prioritise investment in these areas for the long term. The Framework will also provide a consistent set of industry character and role definitions, as well as develop new and emerging career pathways, skills assessments and accreditations for individuals currently working in or aspiring to work in financial services.

This Framework identifies those skills where there are acute skills shortages or where there is rapid and growing demand. The Framework is part of a wider suite of skills tools designed by the Commission which includes the Skills Gap Analysis toolkit set for launch in early 2022. The Framework will be updated with a new set of priority skills in 2022.

Download the Framework

Download Framework PDF

Each proficiency level will have between 5 and 9 indicators.

There will be no more than 2 concepts per indicator.

Indicators are written in short sentences, with limited jargon and easy to understand terms.

Each level is a build on a lower level.

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Skills levels and job families mapping

While all skills outlined in this document applies to the industry, the diagram below highlights the priority skills most relevant for each job family.

How the Framework is being used
The Future Skills Framework will help the UK financial services sector identify areas that need to be prioritised in order to deliver a pipeline of talent in areas such as technology, digital and cyber. The Framework also outlines essential core behaviours and capabilities required to help address the current skills gap so employees can quickly reskill and upskill to advance their career pathway.Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair, City of London Corporation
We are delighted to support the launch of the FSSC’s Skills Framework. Creating a clear and insightful summary of key skills needed in Financial Services now and in the future, the Framework stands out because it is a collaborative effort informed by a wide range of industry employers. Of great value to employers and learning providers, it’s also a valuable resource for current and prospective Financial Services professionals looking to develop new skills or start their career.Dr. Dilum Jirasinghe, Head of Learning and Talent Development, UK & EMEA at HSBC
As the professional body for Insurance and Personal Finance, the Chartered Insurance Institute has worked closely with the Financial Services Skills Commission to represent our members’ and employers’ needs in identifying the knowledge, skills and behaviours that are needed to continue to serve our customers now and in the future. We have reinvented our existing competency frameworks and aligned with the Futures Skills Framework to create a new model for insurance and personal finance that we are calling the Professional Map. As well as sharing customer and market research in the development of both frameworks, our members will benefit significantly from the alignment with wider financial services, ensuring clarity of focus and message, recognising commonalities and joint opportunities to improve attraction development and retention of more professionals to serve the public.Ian Simons, Customer Director at the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)
The Future Skills Framework will enable the City of London Police to quickly pinpoint specific skills needs in the digital, cyber and technology space and identify areas which may require future investment and training requirements. This will further support us in attracting and retaining the best candidates, create a more engaged and inclusive workforce and ultimately help to keep the UK safe and secure.Assistant Commissioner McLaren, City of London Police
The FSCB welcomes the launch of the Financial Services Skills Commission's Future Skills Framework and is pleased to be collaborating with and supporting the FSSC in its work. This framework will provide firms with useful guidance on ways to attract, retain and develop talent. The sustainability of the financial services sector will depend on its ability to deal with the challenges posed by, among many other factors, fast-paced developments in cyber technology and security and associated regulation, the need for greater diversity and managing culture in new and more dispersed working models, post-pandemic. Guidance such as the Future Skills Framework provides firms grappling with these same challenges with a consistent starting point and we look forward to seeing how it develops.Alison Cottrell, CEO, Financial Services Culture Board (FSCB)
Supporters

User experience

Level 3.Trading & Execution
Level 4.Operations, Risk, Compliance & Legal
User experience is a human centred design process that looks at the needs of the customer and fully understands their position, then tests and enhances the usability of applications based on these needs.

Things you'll find in this skill

  1. Research
    • a) User needs analysis (needs and experience) – journey mapping / pain points.
    • b) Business knowledge (innovation in a business context).
    • c) Information architecture.
    • d) Keeping up to date on thought leadership / external research.
  2. Design
    • a) Technical skills (coding, knowledge of functionality of systems).
    • b) Visualisation (journey mapping).
    • c) Creating prototypes.
    • d) Technical writing.
    • e) Negotiation skills.
  3. Testing
    • a) Research skills.
    • b) Analytic skills.
  4. Selling
    • a) Storytelling and presentation.
    • b) Visual communication.

Alignment to job family

While all skills are relevant across the job families, this skill is the most relevant at this level for the below job families.

Supports with data gathering, ideation and development and tests prototypes against set criteria. Assists in presentations and can answer questions on their own work.

  • Supports others with quantitative and qualitative data gathering methods such as user needs interviews and observations.
  • Uses research from a variety of sources to understand the key themes.
  • Maintains accurate records and organises and records information in simple and understandable language.
  • Demonstrates a high level understanding of the end to end user journey.
  • Supports the ideation and development of prototypes through basic design skills, tools and principles.
  • Administers the testing of the new design against set criteria.
  • Supports presentations to stakeholders and answers questions on the details of own areas of the design.

Leads on data gathering and ideation and evaluates own and others’ designs. Sets testing criteria of prototypes and presents work to stakeholders, highlighting progress and benefits of the design.

  • Takes a lead role in quantitative and qualitative research methods such as user needs interviews and observations.
  • Analyses data from different research tools and uses understanding to propose new areas of investigation.
  • Quality checks project records and documents the design from the user’s perspective.
  • Can articulate specific end to end user journeys.
  • Has strong ideation and design skills in a limited number of technologies, demonstrates an understanding of the strengths and limitations of each.
  • Identifies testing criteria, including sourcing potential users.
  • Leads sections of presentations, showing how the user experience is improved and highlighting benefits of the design.
  • Can give feedback to colleagues on simple designs.

Designs research methods and approaches, triangulating multiple data points to influence direction. Leads on the development and presentation of prototypes and coaches others on design standards expected.

  • Designs and delivers quantitative and qualitative research methods such as user needs interviews and recording framework for user observations.
  • Defines the approach for research and analysis projects, triangulates various data points and directs future research.
  • Sets and maintains record management standards, defining what documentation is required, such as user guides, FAQs and in product help text.
  • Keeps up to date with the strategic goals of the business, managing expectations of how the final design will deliver against these.
  • Leads the development of prototypes, clearly articulating the design to stakeholders.
  • Builds the narrative for the presentations and pitches, drawing out the key features and benefits.
  • Coaches the team on the set design standards, bringing in the right resources when needed and maximising their input.
  • Sets and monitors the cost / benefit analysis for the design.

Alignment to job family

While all skills are relevant across the job families, this skill is the most relevant at this level for the below job family.

Trading & Execution

Uses knowledge of organisation strategy and goals to set the success criteria for the project, including research, design and delivery of prototypes. Represents user experience agenda at every opportunity, with a focus on future aspirations.

  • Designs and delivers quantitative and qualitative research methods such as user needs interviews and recording framework for user observations.​
  • Designs and implements research strategies set around users’ needs.​
  • Sets and maintains record management standards, defining what documentation is required, such as user guides, FAQs and in product help text. ​
  • Keeps up to date with the strategic goals of the business, managing expectations of how the final design will deliver against these.​
  • Sets and articulates the success criteria for the project, defining the minimum standards and the minimum viable product.​
  • Balances the needs of the individual and the organisation in assessing the design.​
  • Uses knowledge of organisational strategy to set design principles for the project, including tone and standards for any documentation.​
  • Represents the user experience agenda in the organisation’s strategy and goals, with a focus on future aspirations.

Alignment to job family

While all skills are relevant across the job families, this skill is the most relevant at this level for the below job families.

Operations | Risk, Compliance & Legal

Machine learning / AI

Level 1.Sales, After Sales, Distribution & Relationship Management
Level 3.Product Solutioning & Management, Risk, Compliance & Legal
Level 4.Digital & Data Analytics
Level 5.Trading & Execution
Machine learning (ML) is developing machines and systems capable of thinking autonomously, adapting to new data and performing tasks without human intervention. Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings by thinking like humans and mimicking their actions.

Things you'll find in this skill

  1. Computer science fundamentals and programming
    • a) Coding languages – SQL, Python, VBA.
    • b) Software engineering and DevOps.
  2. Probability and statistics
    • a) Modelling and simulations.
    • b) Algorithm building and visualisation.
  3. Data science
    • a) Data analytics – diagnosing and interpreting.
    • b) Engineering and mining data.
    • c) Visualising, presenting and reporting on data.
    • d) Business analysis and requirements gathering.
  4. System design
    • a) Predictive analytics.
    • b) Software engineering.
    • c) Dashboard building.
    • d) User acceptance testing (UAT) and business software testing.
    • e) Agile deployment.

Alignment to job family

While all skills are relevant across the job families, this skill is the most relevant at this level for the below job families.

Understands fundamental concepts in machine learning to assist in deploying ML models and develop a basic AI / analytics application.

  • Demonstrates an understanding of concepts covering both SQL and NoSQL data bases.
  • Demonstrates and understanding of descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency, algorithms and mathematical models.
  • Extracts, cleans and manipulates basic data for data analysis.
  • Contributes to designing strategies to overcome system errors.
  • Assists in deploying machine learning and AI models to production.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Sales, After Sales, Distribution & Relationship Management

Identifies and utilises appropriate ML and statistical algorithms to test hypothesis and derive patterns and solutions. Supports in deploying AI models for different business areas.

  • Manipulates and processes datasets.
  • Identifies differences in data distribution to ensure performance of machine learning and AI models.
  • Deploys and analyses machine learning and AI models through programming algorithms.
  • Verifies data quality, and / or ensuring it via data cleaning.
  • Analyses and evaluates performance results from machine learning and AI model execution.

Develops and utilises new algorithms and ML models and deploying it to production. Identifies business best practice and deploys AI solutions to address the used cases.

  • Utilises and applies a range of data models.
  • Trains data for the computer to improve the algorithm and find generalisable predictive patterns.
  • Builds general machine learning and AI model that produces sufficiently accurate predictions in new cases.
  • Analyses responses of AI in order to judge scope for improvement and creates a product strategy.
  • Implements prototypes machine learning algorithms and AI models in required cases to support business in real time.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Product Solutioning & Management | Risk, Compliance & Legal

Designs advanced statistical and computation models, and spearhead the application of deep learning models and comparing performance of different algorithms. Deploys advanced AI solutions using computer vision, neural network, robotics and deep learning.

  • Utilises advanced signal processing and mathematical optimisation delivery methods.
  • Demonstrates expertise in neural networks, computer vision and big data systems to build intelligent systems.
  • Analyses complex errors of the model and designs strategies to create new machine learning techniques to address business needs.
  • Conducts perception analysis.
  • Supervises the deployment of machine learning algorithms and AI models to production.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Digital & Data Analytics

Models complex business problems across multiple domains and identifies strategic opportunities across the organisation. Manages and enhances organisational AI capability by building upon financial and other business performance criteria and design data studies.

  • Demonstrates expertise in cognitive science and latest developments in the technology industry.
  • Discovers strategic business insights and identifies opportunities through the use of statistical, algorithmic, mining and visualisation techniques.
  • Creates complex business models problems with the ability to extract substantial business insights from data and identify the stories behind the the patterns.
  • Guides the development of new models and algorithms of machine learning and AI to overcome errors.
  • Solves organisational level problems and minimises business loss by using AI and machine learning.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Trading & Execution

Agile

Level 3.Sales, After Sales, Distribution & Relationship Management, Trading & Execution, Risk, Compliance & Legal
Level 4.Digital & Data Analytics
Agile enables organisations to employ an iterative project management, using a faster “test and learn” approach to deliver efficient​ outcomes while putting customers’ needs at the centre.​

Things you'll find in this skill

  1. Agile methodologies
    • a) Being able to successfully apply and use agile tools, including Scrum and Six Sigma.
  2. Working at pace
    • a) Employ an iterative and incremental project management framework.
    • b) Managing conflicts.
  3. Continuous improvement
    • a) Enables regular and continuous product and service improvements for customers and clients.
    • b) Create ideas – testing and learning as you go.
    • c) Monitoring and evaluation of improvements.
  4. Project management
    • a) Resource management.
    • b) Risk management.
    • c) Time management.
    • d) Stakeholder management.

Alignment to job family

While all skills are relevant across the job families, this skill is the most relevant at this level for the below job families.

Uses Agile tools and ceremonies to deliver work to a high standard. Communicates with stakeholders, highlighting potential risks and suggesting improvements where appropriate.

  • Describes Agile tools and the benefits of each in delivering outcomes.​
  • Takes part in and contributes to Agile ceremonies.​
  • Delivers to agreed timescales, maintaining a high standard of work.​
  • Highlights potential delivery conflicts, risks or issues to relevant stakeholders (e.g. Scrum Master).​
  • Suggests new or better ways to simplify processes or deliver a better outcome for customers.​
  • Constructively points out what’s working and what’s not within the Agile sprint.​
  • Maintains contact with stakeholders, reporting on progress as necessary.

Leads on the use of Agile tools and ceremonies, and is able to flex resources to deliver work to a high standard. Regularly updates stakeholders on progress, suggesting and evaluating new ideas to resolve problems.

  • Identifies which Agile tools to use and when they are best applied.​
  • Leads on individual ceremonies, such as Scrums.​
  • Identifies where own resource needs to flex to respond to changing timescales and priorities.​
  • Highlights and logs project risks. Identifies and implements mitigating actions.​
  • Analyses ideas, constructively pointing out what might or might not work.​
  • Identifies barriers to change and puts forward multiple new ideas for improvement.​
  • Ensures projects are delivering on stakeholder requirements and that they are updated on progress.​
  • Makes best use of the time and energy of self and others to deliver high quality work at pace.​

Sets up projects using Agile methodologies, facilitating ceremonies and upskilling others where needed. Monitors resource levels, progress and risks and resolves complex issues that arise.

  • Identifies which Agile tools to use and when they are best applied.​
  • Sets up new Agile projects in entirety, allocating roles, confirming the problem statement and agreeing the timescales.​
  • Monitors and adjusts project resource levels in response to changing requirements.​
  • Resolves complex issues and identifies potential conflicts before they arise.​
  • Analyses ideas, constructively pointing out what might or might not work.​
  • Facilitates creative sessions, bringing in a breadth of data and identifying new ideas.​
  • Regularly updates stakeholders, highlighting connections and potential for future work.​
  • Maintains momentum within the project, setting or accelerating the pace where needed.​
  • Closely monitors the risks and issues for the project, addressing and escalating as appropriate.​
  • Upskills others in the Agile tools and methodology.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Sales, After Sales, Distribution & Relationship Management | Trading & Execution | Risk, Compliance & Legal

Identifies and plans the work to be delivered using Agile methodologies, ensuring it is achieved in a timely manner. Acts as an escalation point for resource levels, progress and risks and encourages individuals to call out issues as they arise.

  • Sets the deadlines and standard of work across multiple Agile projects, ensuring milestones are delivered in a timely manner.​
  • Plans out the change roadmap, managing the priority list and resource pool for most effective and efficient delivery.​
  • Acts as the escalation point for complex issues or conflicting deadlines, encourages and rewards individuals for raising risks.​
  • Analyses ideas, constructively pointing out what might or might not work.​
  • Rewards and recognises the improvements made to the customer experience and continues to monitor benefits beyond the life of the project.​
  • Proactively maintains ongoing relationship with stakeholders, drawing on the network to benefit future Agile projects.​
  • Maintains momentum within the project, setting or accelerating the pace where needed.​
  • Upskills others in the Agile tools and methodology.​
  • Identifies the business problems or customer issues that would be best addressed by an Agile approach.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Digital & Data Analytics

Cyber security

Level 1.Sales, After Sales, Distribution & Relationship Management
Level 3.Operations, Product Solutioning & Management
Cyber security is assessing, preventing and protecting internet-connected systems from unauthorised access or attacks that are threats to an organisation.

Things you'll find in this skill

  1. Risk judgement
    • a) Threat intelligence.
    • b) Understand, develop and apply cyber security policies and procedures.
  2. Threat management
    • a) Engineering projects.
    • b) Crisis management.
  3. Communication
    • a) Internal communication.
    • b) External communication.
    • c) Security culture.
  4. Security management
    • a) Legal requirements.

Alignment to job family

While all skills are relevant across the job families, this skill is the most relevant at this level for the below job families.

Understands the types of system exploits, cyber security protocols and frameworks.

  • Demonstrates an understanding of the standards of cyber security including protocols and framework.
  • Detects and reports system breaches according to policies and procedures in place.
  • Assists in conducting vulnerability scans and penetration tests.
  • Outlines the system security boundary and pinpoints system interconnections.
  • Documents and communicates about critical risk assessment and management decision in the system security plan.
  • Follows security protocols and guidelines to communicate with external stakeholders.
  • Keeps up to date with awareness training and legal requirements including DPA and GDPR training.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Sales, After Sales, Distribution & Relationship Management

Executes vulnerability scans and conducts research on exploitation of system vulnerabilities; interprets findings to identify security lapses.

  • Predicts cyber security risks, threats, and vulnerabilities.
  • Executes vulnerability scans on smaller systems using basic vulnerability assessment tools and tests.
  • Performs technical coordination of vulnerability assessments and penetration testing according to test plan templates.
  • Records evidence of controls which are inadequate or not duly enforced.
  • Proactively looks for up to date information on cyber security and personal data regulations.

Conducts authorised penetration testing of systems and to expose threats, vulnerabilities, and potential attack vector system.

  • Responds to cyber-attacks threats and system breaches.
  • Assesses current security practices and controls against expected performance parameters or guidelines.
  • Associates potential cyber security risks and threats with a given area of the work.
  • Identifies vulnerability exploitations and potential attack vectors into a system and carries out threat modelling and secured source code review.
  • Communicates key and important technical briefs to a wider audience.
  • Creates training content to create general awareness of key cyber security principals for internal purpose and colleagues.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Operations | Product Solutioning & Management

Designs security testing plan, and performs advanced, authorised penetration testing as well as intelligence analysis on cyber-attack incidents.

  • Designs security testing plan and evaluation criteria for vulnerability assessments and penetration testing activities.
  • Refines test plan templates to model after new and advanced hacking actions.
  • Manages the implementation of vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
  • Implements advanced threat modelling and source code review techniques.
  • Consults with staff, managers, and executives about security best practices and provides technical advice.
  • Ensures that cyber security policies and procedures are continuously improved and updated according to the industry standards.

Authorises and establishes organisation guidelines and strategies for security testing, and determine the future-readiness of the organisation’s security pressure.

  • Manages various analysis undertaken to identify suspicious activities / threats.
  • Measures impact of changes on system security posture, executing effective configuration management, performing periodic control reassessment.
  • Publishes the plan of action and milestones, the risk assessment and recommendation.
  • Leads and establish the organisation’s policies and procedures to protect the confidentiality and integrity of information.

Empathy

Level 1.Sales, After Sales, Distribution & Relationship Management, Trading & Execution
Level 3.Product Solutioning & Management
Level 4.Digital & Data Analytics, Operations
Empathy is having and applying emotional intelligence to understand and engage with others more effectively. Using both self-awareness and the understanding of others to react positively to different situations.

Things you'll find in this skill

  1. Self awareness
    • a) Awareness of own emotions and motivation.
    • b) Being able to manage own emotions / regulate self.
    • c) Unconscious bias / knowledge of own experiences on views.
  2. Understanding other’s emotions
    • a) Listening and observing without judgement.
    • b) Being able to identify and interpret others’ emotions.
    • c) Valuing others’ emotions.
  3. Understanding other’s perspectives
    • a) Being able to see things from others’ perspectives.
    • b) Being able to walk in their shoes and understand how information, ideas and challenges might land with them.
    • c) Valuing others’ perspective.
  4. Engaging others
    • a) Adapting style to suit others’ needs and motivations.
    • b) Anticipating need.
    • c) Managing conflict through empathy.

Alignment to job family

While all skills are relevant across the job families, this skill is the most relevant at this level for the below job families.

Displays a good level of self awareness and can articulate the impact events or changes might have on others.

  • Is empathetic towards others and demonstrates compassion and care towards customers and colleagues.​
  • Demonstrates an understanding of own emotions, motivation and behaviours, and the impact they can have on others.​
  • Identifies and reflects on own emotions in times of conflict.​
  • Recognises that their and others’ beliefs and behaviours may be influenced by unconscious biases. ​
  • Listens attentively to others to hear and understand what they are saying, without judgement.​
  • Reflects on their own experiences of dealing with major change and how this affected their thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Sales, After Sales, Distribution & Relationship Management | Trading & Execution

Anticipates the ways in which changes might be impacting others and asks questions to test assumptions. Demonstrates consideration of the reactions of others.

  • Is empathetic towards others and demonstrates compassion and care towards customers and colleagues.​
  • Respects and values others’ emotions and recognises what someone might be thinking by reflecting on their situations.​
  • Sees others’ perspectives and considers them in times of conflict.​
  • Reflects on their own beliefs and identifies and manages their own biases.​
  • Asks questions to better understand others’ situations and perspectives, and to identify what support they need.​
  • Considers the potential impact of a change on customers and colleagues and the support they might need to help them deal with the change.

Continuously observes others to gauge how they are feeling and responding to changes. Reviews own approach and adjusts in the moment.

  • Is empathetic towards others and demonstrates compassion and care towards customers and colleagues.​
  • Shows care by acknowledging what others are thinking or feeling, thanking them for sharing, showing interest, and offering support.​
  • Manages own emotions and behaviours in times of conflict.​
  • Questions and challenges their own beliefs and seeks to view others and situations in a non-biased way. ​
  • Observes non-verbal cues, such as tone of voice or behaviour, and adapts their communication style to the person and the situation.​
  • Is sensitive to the emotional impact of a change on customers and colleagues during times of uncertainty, both in the long and short terms.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Product Solutioning & Management

Enters situations with an open and curious perspective and looks to learn and build their understanding. Supports others in adjusting to change, whilst managing own emotions.

  • Is empathetic towards others and demonstrates compassion and care towards customers and colleagues.​
  • Manages their emotions and behaviours ahead of time and in the moment.​
  • Reflects on and adapts their behaviour to manage conflict and seek mutually acceptable solutions to resolve conflicting situations. ​
  • Views others and situations with open mind, consistently challenging and mitigating biases and judgements.​
  • Champions self-disclosure of perspectives and emotions in an open, honest and respectful manner.​
  • Respects and understands others’ perspectives, empathises with their situation, and supports them in dealing with the reality and impacts of the change.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Digital & Data Analytics | Operations

Coaches others in identifying and managing challenging situations in an empathetic manner. Highlights potential areas for bias and / or challenges assumptions that have been made.

  • Is empathetic towards others and demonstrates compassion and care towards customers and colleagues.​
  • Coaches others to identify, understand and manage their emotions, and develop compassion and empathy for others. ​
  • Coaches others to identify, manage and resolve potential and actual conflicting situations.​
  • Raises awareness of unconscious bias and implements solutions to help others identify and manage their biases.​
  • Coaches others to develop their communication skills and creates a culture of honesty, respect and trust.​
  • Coaches others in dealing with change and implements solutions to support colleagues and customers through change

Adaptability

Level 1.Sales, After Sales, Distribution & Relationship Management, Trading & Execution, Digital & Data Analytics, Operations, Product Solutioning & Management
Level 3.Risk, Compliance & Legal
Adaptability is having the skills and willingness to adapt at pace to changing circumstances and environments. Being comfortable with ambiguity, maintaining personal resilience and learning from experience.

Things you'll find in this skill

  1. Embracing change
    • a) Comfortable with ambiguity.
    • b) Willingness to change attitude, behaviour, skills and direction to cope with changing circumstances.
    • c) Active participation in change.
  2. Adapting at pace
    • a) Adapting approach at pace to meet changing situation.
    • b) Shifting priorities.
    • c) Maintaining effectiveness through change.
  3. Wellbeing
    • a) Taking care of self and others.
    • b) Building own resilience.
    • c) Recognising when you need to take care of yourself (stress indicators).
  4. Learning from experience
    • a) Staying curious and open to learning.
    • b) Listening to feedback on how to adapt.
    • c) Reflecting on situations and tries out new approaches in future.

Alignment to job family

While all skills are relevant across the job families, this skill is the most relevant at this level for the below job families.

Manages own workload and asks for feedback to address any development areas. Is consciously aware of own resilience and takes steps to address any signs of stress.

  • Curious and open to new ideas.​
  • Is clear about current workload and delivers work in line with assigned priority and deadlines.​
  • In times of change, takes time to understand the impact on their own roles.​
  • Adjusts pace to deliver to urgent deadlines.​
  • Demonstrates an understanding of own wellbeing needs and takes steps to ensure own wellbeing is maintained.​
  • Actively builds own resilience with available resources.​
  • Asks for feedback on own work and takes steps to act on it.​
  • Asks for ideas and listens to suggestions on how to address identified development areas.​
  • Actively keeps up to date with developments within their business area.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Sales, After Sales, Distribution & Relationship Management | Trading & Execution | Digital & Data Analytics | Operations | Product Solutioning & Management

Rapidly adjusts the pace and priority of work in the face of changing demands. Looks for ways in which to build own resilience and shares these ideas with others.

  • Curious and open to new ideas.​
  • Manages own workload, prioritising work according to deadlines and drawing on others in the team to support as needed. ​
  • In times of change, asks questions to understand the change and can describe the impact on self and others.​
  • Quickly assesses the key steps that need to be taken when urgent work arises.​
  • Is aware of triggers that impact own wellbeing and builds coping strategies for these.​
  • Researches different ways to improve own wellbeing and shares resources with others.​
  • Asks for feedback from a range of people, tests understanding and adjusts approach.​
  • Asks for support in trying new ideas or ways of working.​
  • Actively keeps up to date with developments within their organisation.

Manages the overall workload of the team, adjusting resources and work as needed. Focuses on the wellbeing of the team, understanding individual triggers and routes for support.

  • Curious and open to new ideas.​
  • Reviews and prioritises workload of others, monitoring delivery against deadlines. ​
  • Takes time to understand the impact of change on their team and can describe impact on work and strategy.​
  • Mobilises team members to respond to urgent requests by reprioritising existing work.​
  • Recognises when others’ wellbeing is impacted and offers support, coaching them on how to recognise triggers that impact wellbeing and build coping strategies for these.​
  • Works with team members to identify ways to improve wellbeing in the team.​
  • Seeks feedback from the team and beyond on their own performance, as both a contributor and leader. ​
  • Proactively offers feedback to others on a regular basis, suggesting areas for development.​
  • Actively keeps up to date with development in their area of the financial services industry.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Risk, Compliance & Legal

Anticipates future changes and likely impacts on strategy, work and teams. Continuously puts wellbeing and resilience on the agenda, ensuring the right attention and support is given to colleagues.

  • Curious and open to new ideas.​
  • Analyses the impact of change on the business and can describe the benefits on multiple levels, both financially and strategically.​
  • Anticipates change and adjusts resources and work accordingly.​
  • Uses data to understand wellbeing within the business, identifying any changes or variances over time and taking steps to address emerging issues.​
  • Ensures wellbeing and resilience support form part of the business agenda.​
  • Integrates feedback and learning into business processes, regularly sharing own learnings and development opportunities across the business.​
  • Shares own development journey and techniques for managing wellbeing.​
  • Supports others through ambiguity, helping them to manage change.

Models the potential impacts of external pressures on the business, putting plans in place to anticipate the change. Creates a culture of development and support to build the resilience of the business.

  • Curious and open to new ideas.​
  • Anticipates the impact of the change on the financial services industry and competitors, selling the benefits both internally and externally.​
  • Uses internal and external knowledge to anticipate future changes and adjusts strategy and business resources accordingly.​
  • Identifies external trends in wellbeing and puts in place initiatives to build organisational resilience. ​
  • Commissions development interventions to build the capability of the business. ​
  • Creates a culture of openness during change, helping others feel safe in articulating their concerns and making wellbeing part of the everyday conversations. ​
  • Sets a culture of feedback and learning – seeing mistakes and failure as a learning opportunity.​
  • Reviews business performance in the context of both internal and external changes and adapts strategy and operations to ensure that evolving customers’ needs are met.​

Relationship management

Level 1.Sales, After Sales, Distribution & Relationship Management
Level 2.Digital & Data Analytics
Level 4.Trading & Execution, Operations, Product Solutioning & Management
Relationship management is how we build and maintain trusted relationships with internal and external customers based on a deep understanding of customers’ needs. It’s about communicating clearly and working in partnership.

Things you'll find in this skill

  1. Understanding your customers needs
    • a) Understanding the objectives of what they are trying to achieve.
    • b) Listening and addressing any questions and concerns.
    • c) Having the customers in mind.
  2. Building trust
    • a) Being credible.
    • b) Ethics and values – ethical decision making.
    • c) Delivering on promises – doing the right thing.
  3. Communication
    • a) Questioning skills – open ended, fact finding.
    • b) Body language – NLP.
    • c) Communicating clearly and accurately.
    • d) Transparent and open.
  4. Partnership
    • a) Identifying how you would like to work together.
    • b) Contracting conversations and ongoing reviews.
    • c) Collaboration & stakeholder management.

Alignment to job family

While all skills are relevant across the job families, this skill is the most relevant at this level for the below job families.

Uses own knowledge to address simple queries, understand customers’ needs and deliver on promises. Recognises the role of verbal and non-verbal communication in creating positive working relationships.

  • Addresses simple queries and knows where to refer concerns or more complex questions.​
  • Draws basic conclusions on customers’ needs based on the information presented to them.​
  • Builds knowledge of products and services related to their area of financial services.​
  • Has high ethical standards, takes ownership of activities and delivers on promises.​
  • Recognises and uses body language and tone of voice to influence communication.​
  • Asks open ended questions to get to know their customers and their preferred working style.​
  • Asks for feedback on how the working relationship is going and applies changes that might be needed.​
  • Keeps colleagues and customers up to date on work, shares information clearly and with the right amount of detail.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Sales, After Sales, Distribution & Relationship Management

Looks to increase depth of knowledge to address customers’ needs and concerns, and vocalises own worries in the process. Takes steps to actively improve working relationships with a broad range of customers and colleagues.

  • Approaches concerns in an open and honest way and is open about their own concerns or worries.​
  • Draws conclusions on customers’ needs based on the information presented to them.​
  • Increases their depth of knowledge of products and services and identifies how new products or services could benefit existing customers.​
  • Does the right thing when it’s difficult to do so and encourages others to show high ethical standards. ​
  • Practises using body language and tone of voice to influence communication and / or put others at their ease.​
  • Asks questions about preferred working style and shares own views as part of that discussion.​
  • Recognises when working relationships aren’t working and takes steps to identify why and what can be improved.​
  • Checks that their message has landed and elaborates on specific points or explores concerns.​
  • Builds effective working relationships with a broad range of colleagues and customers.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Digital & Data Analytics

Has a strong focus on the customer, using own knowledge and research to present the right solutions. Takes steps to build deeper relationships with customers and expand their network.

  • Is customer focused and supports others to do the same, and acts as an intermediary or point of escalation for questions or concerns.​
  • Draws conclusions on customers’ needs based on the information presented to them and own knowledge.​
  • Increases breadth and depth of knowledge, products, services and competitors in financial services, and uses this knowledge to build credibility in their customer relationships.​
  • Makes sure that colleagues understand and build high ethical standards into their work and challenges when those standards drop.​
  • Adjusts questioning style, body language and tone of voice, to build a stronger connection and gain a deeper understanding of the customer.​
  • Sets aside time at the start of new working relationships to agree on working preferences and shares own views as part of that discussion.​
  • Recognises when working relationships aren’t working and takes steps to identify why and what can be improved.​
  • Checks that their message has landed and elaborates on specific points or explores concerns.​
  • Builds and accesses a diverse network to anticipate how customers’ needs will evolve and can be addressed.

Draws on broad experience and industry knowledge to guide customers and colleagues in their decisions. Looks to build internal and external partnerships based on trust and honesty.

  • Is customer focused and supports others to do the same, and acts as a point of escalation for questions or concerns.​
  • Uses industry knowledge to identify how changes in the external market will impact on customers’ needs (now and into the future). ​
  • Increases and maintains their knowledge and understanding of the wider financial services industry.​
  • Maintains high ethical standards for self and the team. Celebrates and rewards great examples of ethical behaviour.​
  • Communicates with impact internally, takes time to hone the message for the audience and checks that the message has been understood.​
  • Champions the importance of transparency and sets an honest tone for the relationship.​
  • Identifies trends in customers’ feedback and actively changes processes to improve the customer experience.​
  • Builds lasting partnerships with stakeholders and maintains them over time. Encourages others to do the same.​
  • References customers when communicating and making decisions and sets the message in the context of customers’ needs.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Trading & Execution | Operations | Product Solutioning & Management

Creates a culture of customer focus and doing the right thing and acts with transparency and honesty. Puts customers at the centre of strategy and operations and encourages others to do the same.

  • Is customer focused and supports others to do the same, acts as a point of escalation for questions or concerns.​
  • Uses industry knowledge to identify how changes in the external market will impact on customers’ needs (now and into the future). ​
  • Shows a deep understanding of the financial services industry and drives change based on customers’ needs and feedback.​
  • Promotes an environment in which high ethical standards and doing the right thing is an expected part of all colleague and customer interactions.​
  • Communicates with impact internally and externally in order to influence others, takes time to hone the message for the audience and checks that the message has been understood.​
  • Champions the importance of transparency and sets an honest tone for the relationship.​
  • Proactively seeks customers’ feedback and identifies trends in the feedback received and actively changes processes to improve the customer experience.​
  • Builds and cultivates deep partnerships with strategically important colleagues and customers.​
  • Promotes an environment of customer focus and puts customer at the centre of innovation and decision making.

Teamwork

Level 1.Operations, Risk, Compliance & Legal
Level 3.Digital & Data Analytics
Level 4.Trading & Execution, Product Solutioning & Management
Teamwork is the coming together of a diverse group of people to deliver a common objective. Working well together, but open to new ideas and challenge. Creating a safe, inclusive environment to experiment, make mistakes and improve.

Things you'll find in this skill

  1. Team dynamics
    • a) Providing support to other members of the team (emotional support, help with work, advice, coaching etc.).
    • b) Psychological safety. Creating trust and safety in the team – permission to fail.
  2. Diversity and inclusion
    • a) Recognising the individual strengths and development needs of team members. Respecting their views and contributions.
    • b) Ensuring equal opportunities to access work, events and development opportunities.
  3. Collaboration
    • a) Idea generation / acceptance. Sharing ideas and building on them to make them better.
    • b) Problem solving. Bringing together different skills / knowledge to solve problems.
    • c) Challenge. Ability to constructively challenge others in the team and receive constructive feedback. Uses challenge to create a better outcome.
  4. Team focus
    • a) Role clarity. Clear delineation of tasks and roles. Knowing what each brings to the team and what each are delivering.
    • b) Team purpose. Clarity on what the team is seeking to deliver together and how work together.

Alignment to job family

While all skills are relevant across the job families, this skill is the most relevant at this level for the below job families.

Draws on the knowledge and support of the team to build their understanding and capability. Actively contributes to work, participating in meetings and discussions.

  • Demonstrates an interest in colleagues and gets to know them.​
  • Is open to receiving mentoring and coaching, and seeks out views of the others in the team.​
  • Shadows others in the team to build new skills and tries something new.​
  • Provides feedback to others when asked, and suggests ideas for improvements.​
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the purpose and boundaries of their own role and works within them.​
  • Keeps up to date with the activity of the team and the contribution of their own role.​
  • Knows what each team member brings to the team in terms of strengths and experience.​
  • Speaks up when they have made a mistake.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Operations | Risk, Compliance & Legal

Demonstrates knowledge of the aims of the team and the individual contributions of team members. Pushes own contribution and experience to better deliver for the team.

  • Is an active member of the team, participates in meetings, asks appropriate questions and offers support to others.​
  • Supports new members of the team by attending introductory meetings, acting as a buddy or answering their questions. ​
  • Proactively gets involved in projects or work that will build their skills and understanding.​
  • Encourages others in their work, helps in idea generation and supports when needed.​
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the team strategy and objectives and the roles of different members of the team in delivering those objectives.​
  • Knows what each team member brings to the team in terms of strengths and experience.​
  • Is quick to spot issues and call on others in the team to assist or escalate.

Sets the strategy for the team and allocates activities, drawing on the strengths of team members. Takes an active role in coaching and developing the team.

  • Mentors and coaches others in the team, allocates work that helps them develop and embed their new skills.​
  • Manages the balance of skills and experience in the team – ensuring both delivery and diversity of the opportunity.​
  • Reviews new ideas or recommendations from the point of view of different contexts.​
  • Sets the strategy, objectives and working practices of the team in partnership with team members.​
  • Seeks out different team members to gather a range of views and inputs.​
  • Encourages the team to learn from mistakes, approaches feedback conversations in a constructive and supportive manner.​
  • Creates the space for bold idea generation, is open to all creative ideas only layering on practicalities or constraints at a later point.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Digital & Data Analytics

Creates a culture of learning and support where it is safe to voice different ideas and try something new. Anticipates future demands on the team and adjusts work and resources accordingly.

  • Builds deep mentoring and coaching relationships with team members, helps them build their skills and capability across a range of settings.​
  • Anticipates future needs in the team and builds capability where there are gaps.​
  • Actively listens and encourages others to share ideas, creates conditions for the team to be able to robustly test the idea.​
  • Champions diversity and inclusion, and the value of listening to different voices – creating the platforms and opportunities for this to occur.​
  • Creates an environment where people feel comfortable to share learnings and mistakes.​
  • Challenges others to push their ideas.

Alignment to job family

While all skills outlined in this document app​lies to the industry, this skill level highlights the priority skills most relevant for the below job family.

Trading & Execution | Product Solutioning & Management

Role models the value of delivering through and with others, and brings the right people together to deliver for the business. Supports team leaders in developing and coaching their teams.

  • Supports others in building their mentoring and coaching techniques, encourages a coaching culture.​
  • Invests time in making the team operate as an effective group and helping team members understand each other.​
  • Authentically opens to feedback and challenges from others, continually asks for input from a wide range of stakeholders, enabling a culture where others feel free to share ideas.​
  • Works across the organisation to bring together the best individuals to deliver key challenges or projects.​
  • Creates a culture of diversity and inclusion, highlighting where different thinking or mixed teams have developed a better solution.​
  • Institutes rapid testing processes that embrace and learn from failures as much as from successes.​
  • Creates a safe space to try out radical ideas, challenges behaviours that cut down or diminish others or their ideas.​