capability interview guide     

Making Sense of the New Capability Framework

Why the framework has changed

The Civil Service is looking ahead to 2030. The focus now is on building a workforce that’s future-ready — agile, innovative, and people-centred.

The old competency model was good at measuring what you did. The new framework goes further. It looks at:
- How you think (judgement, adaptability, problem-solving).
- How you work with others (leadership, collaboration, influence).
- What drives you (values, motivation, commitment to public service).
That means the interview is no longer just about technical skills or outputs. It’s about you as a whole person — the way you deliver results, make decisions, and lead in a modern public service.
It’s also where you are going to – taking into consideration what you have to offer going forward into the future

What stays the same?

Even with this shift, the structure will feel familiar.

 1. You’ll still be asked to give examples from your experience.
 2. You’ll still use clear, structured storytelling (STAR works just as well here).
3. The panel will still assess you against a defined framework, so you know exactly what they’re measuring.

All is not lost and that good preparation you’ve done before still applies.

What's different?

What does this mean for you? 

You are not starting again with four completely new areas. A lot of what you prepared under the old competency model will still be relevant - particularly around delivery, decision-making, leadership and communication. The difference is that you may need to bring out different aspects of those examples.

Building Future Readiness is the clearest new emphasis. It focuses much more on change - how you respond to it, improve the way things are done and prepare for what is coming next. For your preparation, look for examples where you have adapted, introduced improvements or helped others through change.

2. A More Holistic View

The second way the Capability Framework is different is that the interview may look beyond the example itself. Instead of scoring only your example, panels may also ask about your strengths, values, and motivation. They want to understand why you approach work the way you do — not just what you did.

My understanding is that the PAS will not only ask you about your example but delve deeper beyond the example. This helps them validate the example you used and gives them more understanding of you and your skills.

3. Recognition of Potential

The third difference is the greater recognition of potential. If you don’t yet have direct experience at the next level, you can still show your capability by highlighting transferable skills and your ability to grow. This opens doors that the old competency model didn’t.

I genuinely think this is a great idea. It means a candidate can have one example that isn’t perfect, but if there’s enough good evidence in their answer, they can still get a sufficient mark and stay in the process. And I think that makes a lot of sense.

Preparing for a Capability Interview? 

If you’d like to feel better prepared and more confident going into your capability interview, I’d be very happy to help.

Why this should reassure you

For many of my clients, the first reaction is: “This sounds more difficult.” But once we work through it, they realise the opposite is true.
- You’re not boxed in by a pass / fail.
- You have more ways to show the panel your strengths, values and motivation.
- You can bring in both your track record and what drives you — the bigger picture of who you are as a professional.

The framework isn’t a barrier. It’s an opportunity to show the depth and breadth of what you bring.

Final thought

The Capability Framework is the Civil Service’s way of building a strong, future-ready workforce. For you, it’s a chance to demonstrate not just what you’ve done, but the skills, judgement, and values you’ll bring to the role.

If you’ve been worrying about the change, let me reassure you: you already have more of what they’re looking for than you think. Once you understand the framework and prepare with it in mind, you’ll walk into your interview clear, confident, and ready to succeed.

I personally think this framework is very good and gives you a better chance to shine and show that you have what is required for that promotion or that job role.