Essential Digital Skills Levelled Framework

Page updated: 28/05/2023

This framework is intended to help identify your current digital skills and your next steps for development. These essential digital skills measure how well you can communicate, handle information and content, transact, problem solve and be safe and legal online. These strands have been split into 4 levels to help you identify your next steps: Entry, Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced.

The framework has used a lot of the strands from the Essential Digital Skills Framework by UK Government in 2019, and has been adapted and split into levels for the use of Carmarthenshire County Council staff.

How to use this framework:

Look through the strands below and identify where you feel you sit. You can then use the resources on our digital pages to develop your skills further.

I can: For Mobiles and Smart Devices:
  • turn on a device and enter any account information as needed
  • use the available controls on my device (mouse and keyboard on a computer or touch screen on a smart device)
  • interact with the home screen on my device
  • make use of accessibility tools on my device to make it easier to use (making text bigger)
  • connect my device to a safe and secure Wi-Fi network
  • understand that the internet allows me to access information and content and that I can connect to it through Wi-Fi
  • connect to the internet and open a browser to find and use websites
  • understand that my passwords and personal information need to be kept safely as they have value to others
  • update and change my password when prompted
  • understand how to charge my device/ connect it to a power socket
  • locate and use volume controls
  • take a screenshot
  • allow system updates (following prompts)
  • access battery saver mode
  • understand the importance of communicating securely

Make and receive a call / texts and access recent calls or voicemail.

  • save contacts in phonebook and know how to block a number (scam call etc)

Checking signal is available and data e.g. 4G- knowing the icon

  • turn mobile data on and off
  • locate data usage – aware of not going over

Important settings

  • change passwords/ fingerprint access/ Office365 apps on phone – know that this can be done myself and not I.T
  • understand screen time e.g. screens lock after a set amount of time
  • carry out quick fixes such as switching the phone off and back on / removing the sim for network connections
  • locate device key information e.g. phones IMEI numbers or laptop names.
  • understand icons and settings e.g. do not disturbs, torch etc. and know how to turn these on or off.
  • lock the device when unattended

 

 

It's important to note that all staff need to be Safe and Legal online, therefore section applies to ALL levels when going online.

I can:

  • follow organisational guidelines and policies for choosing login information and changing passwords when prompted
  • recognise suspicious links in emails, websites, social media messages and pop ups and know that clicking on these links or unfamiliar attachments could put me and my computer at risk
  • understand and use specific procedures to report suspicious emails/ links to IT support staff in your organisation
  • follow specific organisational guidelines to allow updates of software
  • keep the information I use to access my online accounts secure, using different and secure passwords for websites and accounts
  • set privacy settings on my social media and other accounts
  • respond to requests for authentication for my online accounts and email
  • identify secure websites by looking for the padlock and https in the address bar
  • make sure that any information or content is backed up frequently by making a copy and storing it separately either on the cloud or on an external storage device
Foundation Intermediate Advanced

I can:

  • understand and conform with my organisation’s IT and social media policies
  • comply with my organisation’s security protocols when accessing my email or working remotely
  • communicate in an appropriate way for my organisation by using email or other messaging apps (e.g. Teams)
  • use word processing applications to create basic documents
  • share documents with others by attaching them to an email
  • communicate with friends and family using video tools
  • use social media to communicate with friends and family

 

I can:

  • use digital collaboration tools to meet with, share and collaborate with colleagues (Using Teams to work on a document at the same time)
  • use professional online networks and communities (e.g. LinkedIn)
  • post messages, photographs, videos or blogs on social media platforms
  • communicate with others digitally using a variety of messaging apps/ platforms such as email, Teams, WhatsApp, Facebook
  • confidently use word processing applications to create different types of documents (such as a CV, letter, leaflet) 

 

 

I can:

  • confidently communicate with others digitally using a variety of messaging apps/ platforms.
  • understanding the benefits and limitations to different communication platforms/ apps and when it's appropriate to use/set up different ones. (e.g. using WhatsApp for a group chat but Zoom for a webinar).
  • understand that communicating from different devices may have different options and functions (e.g. A teams meeting on a laptop and an iPad would look different and could have slightly different options on screen)
Foundation Intermediate Advanced

I can:

  • understand and conform with my organisation’s policy for IT use
  • understand that not all online information and content that I see is reliable
  • use search engines to find information and make use of search terms to generate better results
  • use the internet to legally access content for entertainment including films, music, games, and books
  • know where to save and find files in my folders.

 

I can:

  • evaluate what information or content may / may not, be reliable
  • Access, synchronise and share information across different devices including computers, tablets, and mobile phones
  • use bookmarks to save and retrieve information on my web browser
  • understand that the cloud is a way that I can store information and content in a remote location
  • organise my information and content using files and folders on my device or on the cloud

 

 

I can:

  • sync files across multiple devices, and able to sync files from the cloud and locally on my device.
  • confidently work across multiple devices and decide when it's suitable to use different ones.
  • understand how cloud storage space works, how to carefully make best use of this, and how to get more if needed.
  • produce high quality documents using a wide range of functionalities and layouts.

 

Foundation Intermediate Advanced

I can:

  • complete digital records for absence, holidays, or expenses online
  • access salary and expenses information digitally including password protected payslips
  • set up an account online, using appropriate websites or apps, that lets me buy goods or services.
  • access and use public services online, including filling in forms (e.g. application form)
  • fill in online forms when required to complete an online transaction

 

I can:

  • use different payment systems, such as credit/debit card, direct bank transfer, and phone accounts, to make payments for goods or services online
  • upload documents and photographs when this is required to complete an online transaction
  • manage my money and transactions online and securely, such as my bank, using websites or apps

 

 

 

I can:

  • complete online transactions for multiple reasons/ websites/ companies. (e.g. tax rebate forms, online banking, online shopping)
  • understand different forms of payment online other than just using a bank card, such as using PayPal, Apple Pay (other preferred method).

 

 

 

 

Foundation Intermediate Advanced

I can:

  • use the internet to find information that helps me solve problems
  • use the internet to find sources of help for a range of activities

 

I can:

  • use appropriate software to present information to others
  • use appropriate software, including a spreadsheet, to manipulate and analyse data to help solve problems at work
  • understand that different digital tools can improve my own and the organisation’s productivity
  • use chat facilities (where available) on websites to help me solve problems
  • use online tutorials, FAQs and advice forums to solve problems and improve my skills in using devices and software

 

 

 

I can:

  • fully understand the functionality of my device/s and use it/them to the full potential, for home and work purposes.
  • use a range of digital resources to find own answers and solutions, on and offline.
  • take responsibility for own digital development by looking for learning independently.
  • solve problems with multiple solutions. (e.g. Could send a file by email, Bluetooth, cloud sharing, airdrop etc..)
  • demonstrate how certain hardware and software works to other individuals. (mentor)
  • adapt my skills to use new devices or applications.