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.

- Dr David Gruen AO, Head of the APS Data Profession

About the Data Capability Framework (DCF)

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.

While not an exhaustive list of all data-related responsibilities, the DCF outlines 22 essential data competencies commonly required by APS staff. Each capability describes the expected skills, knowledge and behaviours that span across 7 levels of responsibility. 

The DCF is designed to be flexible and work alongside other frameworks such as:

• The Integrated Leadership System
• Skills Framework for the Information Age
• The Office of the National Data Commissioner’s Foundational Four

The DCF supports 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 DCF can be used in the User Guide available in the downloads section.

Background

The DCF was first developed in 2021-22 through a cross-agency working group, drawing on 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.

In late 2023, a review was undertaken to update and refine the framework. The latest iteration of the DCF, released in 2025, aligns to the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) to encourage greater collaboration across the APS and with industry and academia. Several data-specific SFIA skill descriptors are employed to anchor the DCF’s capability themes, capability items and levelling approaches. Other changes implemented include grouping the capabilities into four themes, and condensing several of the original capabilities to simplify the Framework.

Feedback

We would love to hear about your experience using the DCF and how you are implementing it in your agency. 

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