If you're applying for a job or attending an interview in the Civil Service, you’ll soon notice a change in how you're assessed. The new Capability Framework, which replaces the Competency-Based Model, may seem complex at first.
At The Communications Clinic, we're already guiding candidates to navigate and succeed under this new system. Here's a quick and practical guide to help you prepare.
What’s Changing – and What’s Not
For years, Civil Service interviews relied on competency-based behaviours, tailored to job grade and assessed by how well you demonstrated specific skills through examples.
What stays the same?
You still need to provide relevant, real-world examples.
You still need to show the impact of your actions.
What’s new?
The Capability Framework offers clearer direction on acceptable example types.
It highlights specific behaviours under each capability.
It’s forward-looking, helping first-time applicants showcase their potential, not just past experience.
An Example: “Building Future Readiness” (HEO Level)
If you’re going for a Higher Executive Officer (HEO) role, one of the key capabilities is:
Building Future Readiness
This is divided into two focus areas:
Digital Focus, Innovation and Upskilling for the Future
Strategic Awareness and Change
At first glance, this may feel abstract. But once you explore what they’re asking for, it becomes easier to target your examples effectively.
What Kind of Examples Should You Use?
For Digital Focus, Innovation and Upskilling, relevant examples could focus on:
Innovation
IT and Digital Skills
Continuous Learning
Tip: Choose an example where you initiated change, improved a system, or solved a problem creatively.
To meet the framework expectations:
Ensure your example aligns with one of the areas above.
Demonstrate a clear, positive outcome.
Show exactly what you did to make it successful.
What Behaviours Should You Highlight?
When structuring your application or preparing interview answers, look at the behaviours the framework promotes. Work into your answer what you did to make the outcome successful.
Some of the behaviours listed as desirable include:
Maximises the use of technology and digital solutions to drive efficiencies and support better service delivery
Encourages and delivers innovative ideas, creative solutions and useful suggestions, with a good understanding of the practicalities
Proactively seeks development opportunities, building on strengths and addressing weaknesses or gaps with a positive attitude and willingness to learn
Understands what the team needs to do to build future readiness and skills
These behaviours should be the starting point for your preparation. Ask yourself: What behaviours are they looking for? Can I build a suitable example around them?
Need Expert Support?
At The Communications Clinic, we offer:
Personalised support and guidance
Mock interviews
Specific and constructive feedback
Whatever stage you're at in the selection process, we’re here to help.
Contact Us
Looking for one-to-one feedback on your Civil Service application or interview prep?
Get in touch with us today to book a session with one of our expert trainers.