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Business analyst

Find out what a business analyst in government does and the skills you need to do the job at each level.

Last updated 30 August 2022 — See all updates

What a business analyst does

Business analysts help teams to:

  • analyse and understand a business problem or opportunity
  • undertake research and analysis to understand how a business or business area works, considering the people, organisation, processes, information, data and technology
  • identify areas for improvement, explore feasible options, analyse the effects of change and define success measures
  • identify and elaborate user and business needs to enable effective design, development and testing of services and business change
  • make decisions related to prioritisation and minimum viable product by using analysis led insights
  • ensure new products and services meet business and user needs, and are aligned with organisational goals
  • understand any business and policy constraints that need to be considered, and assess the implications

Business analyst role levels

There are 6 business analyst role levels, from trainee business analyst to head of business analysis.

The typical responsibilities and skills for each role level are described in the sections below. You can use this to identify the skills you need to progress in your career, or simply to learn more about each role in the Government Digital and Data profession.

1. Trainee business analyst

A trainee business analyst receives direction from more senior business analysts. At this level, you will work with others or under supervision to build and develop your skills.

This role level is often performed at the Civil Service job grade of:

  • AA (Administrative Assistant)
  • AO (Administrative Officer)
Skill Description

Agile working

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • show an awareness of Agile methodology and the ways to apply the principles in practice
  • take an open-minded approach
  • explain why iteration is important
  • iterate quickly

Business analysis

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • support structured approaches to identify, investigate, analyse and communicate complex business problems and opportunities
  • work under supervision to analyse business goals, objectives, functions and processes, using relevant information and underlying data to support the definition of requirements
  • help to ensure a proposed solution meets business and user needs
  • complete task-based, discrete outputs for parts of the project as directed, using predetermined methods and techniques

Business process improvement

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • provide distinct task-based outputs, working under direction to support the design and implementation of process improvements and efficiencies to business operations and services

Business process testing

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work under direction to apply business analysis and evaluation skills to support the design, execution and assessment of business process tests and usability evaluations

Requirements definition and management

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • support identifying, analysing, capturing and validating business and user requirements
  • work under supervision to manage requirements and support their prioritisation, within a defined scope
  • provide distinct task-based outputs for parts of the project as directed, using a predetermined requirements management life cycle

Stakeholder relationship management (business analysis)

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify, analyse, manage and monitor relationships with and between internal and external stakeholders
  • work under supervision to communicate with stakeholders clearly and regularly

Systems analysis

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • support the analysis of IT system capabilities and work under supervision to identify and specify system requirements
  • support the development of specifications and models for bespoke IT systems or software packages

Testing (business analysis)

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the stages and purpose of testing and have an awareness of tools and techniques used
  • work under supervision to support the representation of business scenarios and to trace requirements to develop functionality

2. Junior business analyst

A junior business analyst receives direction from more senior business analysts but is responsible for the output of specific tasks. At this level, you will have limited skills and will work with others or under supervision. You will support stakeholder relationship management.

This role level is often performed at the Civil Service job grade of:

  • EO (Executive Officer)
  • HEO (Higher Executive Officer)
Skill Description

Agile working

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate experience working in Agile, and an awareness of Agile tools and how to use them
  • advise colleagues on how and why Agile methods are used and provide a clear, open and transparent framework in which teams can deliver
  • adapt and reflect and be resilient
  • see outside of the process

Business analysis

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • support structured approaches to identify, investigate, analyse and communicate complex business problems and opportunities
  • work under supervision to analyse business goals, objectives, functions and processes, using relevant information and underlying data to support the definition of requirements
  • help to ensure a proposed solution meets business and user needs
  • complete task-based, discrete outputs for parts of the project as directed, using predetermined methods and techniques

Business modelling

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • demonstrate an understanding of basic business modelling techniques
  • support the representation of business situations, within the defined parameters of a task
  • visualise distinct business processes

Business process improvement

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • provide distinct task-based outputs, working under direction to support the design and implementation of process improvements and efficiencies to business operations and services

Business process testing

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work under direction to apply business analysis and evaluation skills to support the design, execution and assessment of business process tests and usability evaluations

Methods and tools

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • follow advice to apply the most appropriate tools and techniques to support the planning, analysis, development, testing, implementation and improvement of systems and services

Requirements definition and management

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • support identifying, analysing, capturing and validating business and user requirements
  • work under supervision to manage requirements and support their prioritisation, within a defined scope
  • provide distinct task-based outputs for parts of the project as directed, using a predetermined requirements management life cycle

Stakeholder relationship management (business analysis)

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify, analyse, manage and monitor relationships with and between internal and external stakeholders
  • work under supervision to communicate with stakeholders clearly and regularly

Systems analysis

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • support the analysis of IT system capabilities and work under supervision to identify and specify system requirements
  • support the development of specifications and models for bespoke IT systems or software packages

Testing (business analysis)

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the stages and purpose of testing and have an awareness of tools and techniques used
  • work under supervision to support the representation of business scenarios and to trace requirements to develop functionality

User experience analysis

Level: awareness

Awareness is the first of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the importance of making data-informed decisions based on user research findings
  • support the analysis and prioritisation of user experience needs and understand how needs tie to system, product or service requirements

3. Business analyst

A business analyst leads small to medium size projects and supports larger and more complex projects.

At this role level, you will:

  • manage stakeholder relationships
  • work independently
  • have a good understanding of your work area
  • develop the business analysis community by sharing best practice and mentoring others

This role level is often performed at the Civil Service job grade of:

  • HEO (Higher Executive Officer)
  • SEO (Senior Executive Officer)
Skill Description

Agile working

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify and compare the best processes or delivery methods to use, including measuring and evaluating outcomes
  • help the team to decide the best approach
  • help teams to manage and visualise outcomes, prioritise work and adhere to agreed minimum viable product (MVP), priorities and scope

Business analysis

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply structured approaches to identify, investigate, analyse and communicate complex business problems and opportunities, within a defined project
  • analyse business goals, objectives, functions and processes, using relevant information and data to support the definition of requirements
  • conduct options analysis, assess feasibility and operational impact, quantify potential business benefits and contribute to business case development
  • help to ensure proposed solutions meet business and user needs
  • work with limited direction to complete tasks and defined outputs linked to the project

Business modelling

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • model various elements of the business with limited direction
  • understand the effect of potential changes and how business processes, systems, structures, data and roles and responsibilities interact with one another

Business process improvement

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work with limited direction to identify opportunities to improve business performance within a defined project
  • lead the analysis, identification, design, prioritisation and implementation of process and business changes to improve business operations and services
  • support the implementation of proposed business improvements

Business process testing

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply business analysis and evaluation skills with minimal direction to support the design, execution and assessment of business process tests and usability evaluations within a project

Methods and tools

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • select and use the most appropriate tools and techniques to support the planning, analysis, development, testing, implementation and improvement of systems and services within a project

Requirements definition and management

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify, analyse, challenge and validate business and user requirements
  • work under limited supervision to co-ordinate and review the prioritisation of requirements
  • use appropriate requirements management life cycle methods to complete tasks and outputs related to the project

Stakeholder relationship management (business analysis)

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify, analyse, manage and monitor relationships with and between internal and external stakeholders
  • work under limited supervision to communicate with stakeholders clearly and regularly, clarifying mutual needs and commitments through consultation and consideration of impacts while focusing on user and business needs

Systems analysis

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify and analyse IT system capabilities
  • develop models and system requirements for bespoke IT systems or software packages, with minimal supervision

Testing (business analysis)

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • understand the stages and purpose of testing and support the use of relevant tools and techniques
  • identify business scenarios and develop acceptance criteria to ensure requirements can be traced to develop functionality
  • review prototypes, test plans and test outcome reporting

User experience analysis

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • apply basic techniques to analyse, validate and prioritise user experience needs
  • present findings in an accessible and easy to understand way to support data-informed decision making, based on user research

4. Senior business analyst

A senior business analyst has a good understanding of strategic arenas and leads large or complex projects.

At this role level, you will:

  • have functional or people management responsibilities, or a combination of both
  • mentor others
  • develop best practice
  • own stakeholder relationships
  • manage community of practice activities within a business area

This role level is often performed at the Civil Service job grade of:

  • SEO (Senior Executive Officer)
  • G7 (Grade 7)
Skill Description

Agile working

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify and compare the best processes or delivery methods to use, including measuring and evaluating outcomes
  • help the team to decide the best approach
  • help teams to manage and visualise outcomes, prioritise work and adhere to agreed minimum viable product (MVP), priorities and scope

Business analysis

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • advise on the approach to identify, investigate, analyse and communicate complex business problems and opportunities within a project or programme of work
  • inform tactical decision making and help to define longer-term strategic plans
  • recommend the approach to options analysis, feasibility assessment and operations, and can quantify potential business benefits
  • ensure the proposed solution aligns with business goals and objectives, and business and user needs, and achieves the required outcomes and expected benefits

Business modelling

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead on the modelling of processes, systems and data at varying levels of detail or complexity across a project or programme
  • manage the effects of proposed changes

Business process improvement

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • identify opportunities to improve business performance, within a project or programme
  • lead the analysis, identification, design, prioritisation and implementation of process and business changes to improve business operations and services
  • assess the feasibility of changes and recommend new approaches
  • support the implementation of proposed business improvements

Business process testing

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead on the application of business analysis and evaluation skills to support the design, execution and assessment of business process tests and usability evaluations within a project or programme of work

Methods and tools

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • build capability in methods and tools, ensuring they are adopted consistently and used effectively

Requirements definition and management

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • advise on the approach to requirements management within a project or programme
  • define the most appropriate requirements management life cycle methods and ensure the requirement can be traced in the design, build, test, tender and evaluation phases
  • co-ordinate and review the prioritisation of requirements and engage in the negotiation of solutions to help meet programme objectives

Stakeholder relationship management (business analysis)

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead on communicating with stakeholders, clarifying needs and commitments through consultation and consideration of consequences while focusing on user and business needs
  • develop or apply communication strategies to build relationships, using informal and formal channels to engage with stakeholders at all levels and resolving conflict where required

Systems analysis

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead the identification and analysis of IT system capabilities, developing models and system requirements
  • use systems analysis to support a deeper understanding of how processes and systems work, and to identify gaps
  • work with other digital professionals to design and develop system and user interfaces, identify gaps in functionality and assess the effect of proposed software changes on users or the organisation

Testing (business analysis)

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • recommend the value of testing and apply the relevant tools and techniques to ensure test validity
  • advise on business scenarios and develop acceptance criteria to ensure requirements can be traced to develop functionality
  • review prototypes, test plans and test outcome reporting

User experience analysis

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • advise on the approach to analysis, prioritisation and validation of user experience needs
  • recommend a range of techniques to analyse the user experience and ensure that it meets business and user needs
  • articulate and communicate how user experience needs affect the design of a system in a project or programme of work

5. Lead business analyst

A lead business analyst has a good understanding of the enterprise arena and works in highly complex problem spaces, typically spanning multiple products or services.

At this role level, you will:

  • be a leader in the business analysis community (across government and externally)
  • have functional management or people management accountabilities, or a combination of both
  • actively share knowledge and be seen as a go-to person in the field
  • mentor others
  • own the main stakeholder relationships

This role level is often performed at the Civil Service job grade of:

  • G7 (Grade 7)
Skill Description

Agile working

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • coach and lead teams in Agile and Lean practices, determining the right approach for the team to take and evaluating this through the life of a project
  • think of new and innovative ways of working to achieve the right outcomes
  • act as a recognised expert and advocate for the approaches, continuously reflecting and challenging the team

Business analysis

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set the direction for business analysis within a programme of work, enterprise or wider sector
  • guide tactical decision making and influence the formulation of longer-term strategic plans in an evolving, complex and unpredictable environment
  • give colleagues the means and authority to make decisions about their approach to business analysis activities
  • ensure that the proposed solutions align with the organisational strategy and vision

Business modelling

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set the direction of scope and methodology for the representation of real world complex situations across a programme or organisation
  • document conceptual models to support strategic planning and decision making

Business process improvement

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set the direction within a programme or enterprise to identify opportunities to perform business activities in alternative ways
  • lead the exploration of ways to improve process efficiency and enhance business outcomes
  • enable others to recognise the potential for change in potentially ambiguous and complex settings
  • oversee the implementation of proposed improvements

Business process testing

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • direct the application of business analysis and evaluation skills to support the design, execution and assessment of business process tests and usability evaluations, at an organisational level or within a programme of work

Consultancy (business analysis)

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • provide advice, guidance and recommendations based on your specialist knowledge and experience
  • propose methodologies to follow and approaches to implementation
  • frame problems so they can easily be understood, and troubleshoot where required, to support the business in operating more effectively

Enterprise and business architecture (business analyst)

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work with limited direction to translate business drivers, goals and constraints into business objectives
  • help to define required capabilities and support organisational changes to create operating models that meet business objectives

Methods and tools

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set direction and give others the means and authority to advise on the best methodologies and tools for the work, ensuring they are adopted consistently
  • assess the effectiveness of different approaches (such as Agile or plan-driven) and recommend tools to support organisational collaboration and build capability

Requirements definition and management

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • direct the approach to requirements management
  • enable others to select and apply appropriate life cycle methods
  • influence the prioritisation of complex requirement sets, enabling long-term strategic decision making and short-term tactical fixes
  • ensure the proposed solutions align with the organisational strategy and vision

Stakeholder relationship management (business analysis)

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • develop engagement strategies and lead on communication with stakeholders at all levels
  • actively establish relationships and apply the benefits of professional networks
  • act as a point of consultation and escalation to resolve conflict in complex situations

Systems analysis

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set the direction for the identification and analysis of IT system capabilities
  • identify gaps in functionality and enable others to explore and assess the effect of software changes
  • demonstrate a strong understanding of business perspectives and technical concepts, and can bring them together to form recommendations and a common understanding
  • communicate this effectively between users, development teams and external suppliers

Testing (business analysis)

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • recommend the value of testing and apply the relevant tools and techniques to ensure test validity
  • advise on business scenarios and develop acceptance criteria to ensure requirements can be traced to develop functionality
  • review prototypes, test plans and test outcome reporting

User experience analysis

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • advise on the approach to analysis, prioritisation and validation of user experience needs
  • recommend a range of techniques to analyse the user experience and ensure that it meets business and user needs
  • articulate and communicate how user experience needs affect the design of a system in a project or programme of work

6. Head of business analysis

The head of business analysis leads the business analysis function across the enterprise area and builds business analysis capability for the organisation.

This role level is often performed at the Civil Service job grade of:

  • G6 (Grade 6)
Skill Description

Agile working

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • coach and lead teams in Agile and Lean practices, determining the right approach for the team to take and evaluating this through the life of a project
  • think of new and innovative ways of working to achieve the right outcomes
  • act as a recognised expert and advocate for the approaches, continuously reflecting and challenging the team

Business analysis

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set the direction for business analysis within a programme of work, enterprise or wider sector
  • guide tactical decision making and influence the formulation of longer-term strategic plans in an evolving, complex and unpredictable environment
  • give colleagues the means and authority to make decisions about their approach to business analysis activities
  • ensure that the proposed solutions align with the organisational strategy and vision

Business modelling

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set the direction of scope and methodology for the representation of real world complex situations across a programme or organisation
  • document conceptual models to support strategic planning and decision making

Business process improvement

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set the direction within a programme or enterprise to identify opportunities to perform business activities in alternative ways
  • lead the exploration of ways to improve process efficiency and enhance business outcomes
  • enable others to recognise the potential for change in potentially ambiguous and complex settings
  • oversee the implementation of proposed improvements

Business process testing

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead on the application of business analysis and evaluation skills to support the design, execution and assessment of business process tests and usability evaluations within a project or programme of work

Consultancy (business analysis)

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • provide advice and recommendations to stakeholders based on your significant specialist knowledge and experience
  • lead on the definition of guidance and inform how the organisation can use business analysis services more effectively

Enterprise and business architecture (business analyst)

Level: working

Working is the second of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • work with limited direction to translate business drivers, goals and constraints into business objectives
  • help to define required capabilities and support organisational changes to create operating models that meet business objectives

Methods and tools

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • set direction and give others the means and authority to advise on the best methodologies and tools for the work, ensuring they are adopted consistently
  • assess the effectiveness of different approaches (such as Agile or plan-driven) and recommend tools to support organisational collaboration and build capability

Requirements definition and management

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • direct the approach to requirements management
  • enable others to select and apply appropriate life cycle methods
  • influence the prioritisation of complex requirement sets, enabling long-term strategic decision making and short-term tactical fixes
  • ensure the proposed solutions align with the organisational strategy and vision

Stakeholder relationship management (business analysis)

Level: expert

Expert is the fourth of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • develop engagement strategies and lead on communication with stakeholders at all levels
  • actively establish relationships and apply the benefits of professional networks
  • act as a point of consultation and escalation to resolve conflict in complex situations

Systems analysis

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • lead the identification and analysis of IT system capabilities, developing models and system requirements
  • use systems analysis to support a deeper understanding of how processes and systems work, and to identify gaps
  • work with other digital professionals to design and develop system and user interfaces, identify gaps in functionality and assess the effect of proposed software changes on users or the organisation

Testing (business analysis)

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • recommend the value of testing and apply the relevant tools and techniques to ensure test validity
  • advise on business scenarios and develop acceptance criteria to ensure requirements can be traced to develop functionality
  • review prototypes, test plans and test outcome reporting

User experience analysis

Level: practitioner

Practitioner is the third of 4 ascending skill levels

You can:

  • advise on the approach to analysis, prioritisation and validation of user experience needs
  • recommend a range of techniques to analyse the user experience and ensure that it meets business and user needs
  • articulate and communicate how user experience needs affect the design of a system in a project or programme of work
Role Shared skills
Business architect

Methods and tools

Content strategist

Agile working

Digital portfolio manager

Agile working

Graphic designer

Agile working

Interaction designer

Agile working

Updates

Published 7 January 2020

Last updated 30 August 2022

30 August 2022

  • The business analyst role has been fully updated, with new role levels and redefined skills. Role levels have been added for trainee business analyst, lead business analyst and head of business analysis. The principal business analyst role level has been removed.

7 January 2020

  • First published.