IC Level Pathway

This table sets out the overarching IC pathway. For more detailed information about the descriptors for each of the levels, you can either click on the boxes and a pop-up will appear, or click on the level at the top, for e.g. IC2, and it will take you to a separate page which provides more detail about that level.

IC1   IC2   IC3   IC4   IC5   IC6  
IC1 - Elvie Values

Understands

Understanding of Elvie Values.
IC1 - Craft Knowledge

Foundational: Learns Anew

Builds foundational knowledge of their craft and learns to use professional concepts.
IC1 - Elvie Knowledge

Limited

Limited understanding of wider Elvie context.
IC1 - Advising Others

Seeks Advice

Likely to be seeking rather than giving advice.
IC1 - Scope and Complexity of Work

Limited

Works on issues of limited scope and is responsible for straightforward tasks and processes.
IC1 - Problem Solving and Judgement

Basic: Pre-Defined Solutions

Applies basic knowledge and problem-solving techniques to define and resolve problems. Solutions are usually straightforward and pre-defined by procedures or precedence.
IC1 - Approaches, Procedures and Policies

Follows Existing

Follows existing guidelines, processes and procedures.
IC1 - Reliability and Delivery

Developing: May Make Mistakes

Work is generally good, but mistakes may be made, which require feedback and support from more senior team members to support progress and learning.
IC1 - Proactivity and Anticipation

Reactive

Reacts to issues and problems as they arise.
IC1 - Efficiency and Productivity

Supported to Prioritise

May need support to manage time and prioritise tasks.
IC1 - Independence

Instructed

Normally receives general instruction on day-to-day work and new assignments.
IC1 - Collaboration

Teamworker

Works well in the team and develops stable working relationships internally.
IC1 - Communication and Influence

Exchanges Information

Exchanges standard information with team members and manager.
IC1 - Feedback

Accepts

Accepts feedback graciously and is keen to find ways to improve.
IC1 - Mentoring and Development

Mentee

Mentored and guided by more experienced team members.
IC2 - Elvie Values

Applies

Understands and applies Elvie values in their work and approaches, for e.g., respectful, works well in the team, offers to help others, shows curiosity about new ideas.
IC2 - Craft Knowledge

Broad: Developing Knowledge

Demonstrates generalist knowledge of their craft and develops their professional expertise.
IC2 - Elvie Knowledge

Basic

Basic understanding of wider Elvie context.
IC2 - Advising Others

Provides Standard Advice

Provides standard and straightforward professional advice to others.
IC2 - Scope and Complexity of Work

Moderate

Works on issues of moderate scope which are routine and varied. Analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors.

Owns small to medium tasks and processes from start to finish. May provide some support for projects.
IC2 - Problem Solving and Judgement

Routine: Known Solutions

Applies polices, procedures and learned techniques to analyse and resolve a variety of routine issues.

Uses judgment within the parameters of established policies and procedures to provide known, well-executed solutions.
IC2 - Approaches, Procedures and Policies

Works Within (and sometimes improves)

Works within the parameters of defined procedures and practices. May modify team-level processes and methods, as required.
IC2 - Reliability and Delivery

Steady, Learns From Failures

Learns quickly and makes steady progress without the need for constant significant feedback from more senior team members. Rarely makes the same mistake twice; learns from failures.
IC2 - Proactivity and Anticipation

Learning to Anticipate

Mainly reactive, but learns from past experience and shows an increasing ability to anticipate issues related to their own work.
IC2 - Efficiency and Productivity

Developing Priorisation and Productivity Skills

Develops their productivity skills by learning and refining their working style and time management.
IC2 - Independence

Guided

Normally receives little instruction on day-to-day work, but may require general instructions and guidance on new assignments.
IC2 - Collaboration

Collaborator

Builds productive internal working relationships and collaborates with others to resolve mutual problems relating to procedures or transactions.
IC2 - Communication and Influence

Prepares and Shares Straightforward Information

Creates initial reports/information/analysis for review by more experienced team members.

Communication and presentations are mostly straightforward.
IC2 - Feedback

Values

Values and uses feedback to improve.
IC2 - Mentoring and Development

Buddy

May act as a buddy for new team members to help them learn the ropes.
IC3 - Elvie Values

Demonstrates

Consistently demonstrates Elvie values. For e.g. no ego, respectful, strong team player, proactively comes with options for solutions to problems.
IC3 - Craft Knowledge

Depth: Knows Their Stuff

Demonstrates strong generalist knowledge of their craft.
IC3 - Elvie Knowledge

Emerging

Emerging understanding of wider Elvie context.
IC3 - Advising Others

Advises on Difficult

Often advises others on more difficult matters.
IC3 - Scope and Complexity of Work

Diverse

Works on tasks and problems of diverse scope where analysis of information requires evaluation of variable factors.

Key contributor to projects. May assume responsibility for smaller projects in their entirety or key workstreams on larger projects.
IC3 - Problem Solving and Judgement

Unusual: Well Reasoned Solutions

Employs analytical and problem solving techniques to assess unusual issues and identify causes. Uses a combination of evaluation, judgment, and expertise to select right course of action and make well reasoned decisions.
IC3 - Approaches, Procedures and Policies

Adapts Existing

Identifies where existing team-level processes, procedures and practices can be improved/enhanced and suggests variations in approach.
IC3 - Reliability and Delivery

Regularly Delivers

Regularly delivers work to a good standard with minimal need for correction or significant feedback. Refines and improves each time they do something.
IC3 - Proactivity and Anticipation

Identifies and Addresses Problems

Identifies issues and problems related to their own work and takes initiative to address these before they escalate.
IC3 - Efficiency and Productivity

Prioritises Effectively

Capable of prioritising tasks; avoids getting caught up in unimportant details.
IC3 - Independence

Supported

Work is done independently and is reviewed at critical points. May seek guidance and direction on more complex issues and projects.
IC3 - Collaboration

Gains Cooperation and Builds Effective Relationships

Gains cooperation and builds effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners related to their area of work

Interactions are mainly with direct team, supervisors, peer groups and external customers and stakeholders related to their area of work.
IC3 - Communication and Influence

Adapts Style and Persuades

Communicates effectively within and across teams and is able to adapt communication style to differing audiences, including advising and presenting to people not familiar with the subject matter, which may require skills of persuasion.
IC3 - Feedback

Seeks and Gives (Team)

Seeks feedback and gives helpful feedback to others in their team (inc peers and managers).

Able to reflect on feedback in a non-defensive way and use it to inform development plans.
IC3 - Mentoring and Development

Mentor

Supports the development of others in their team through mentorship or guidance on specific areas related to their expertise. A good example to others.
IC4 - Elvie Values

Promotes

Actively lives and promotes Elvie values in behaviours and approaches. Proactively contributes to initiatives and projects that support and build Elvie's culture.
IC4 - Craft Knowledge

Depth and Breadth: Becoming an Expert

Exhibits wide-ranging and in-depth knowledge of their craft and understands the relationship with other crafts.
IC4 - Elvie Knowledge

Sound

Sound understanding of wider Elvie context.
IC4 - Advising Others

Advises on Complex

Frequently advises others on complex matters related to their craft.
IC4 - Scope and Complexity of Work

Complex

Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.

Scopes and manages projects of increasing complexity.
IC4 - Problem Solving and Judgement

Complex: Sound Solutions

Uses knowledge and acumen to resolve complex issues. Able to determine solutions and actions based on limited information and precedent.

Identifies and proposes sound solutions to problems affecting their team.
IC4 - Approaches, Procedures and Policies

Determines Approach

Directs the application of existing principles and policies and supports the development of new processes and approaches within their craft.

Determines methods and procedures on new assignments or projects.
IC4 - Reliability and Delivery

Consistently Delivers

Consistently delivers work to a high standard. Gets it right first time - or pretty close. Pushes boundaries, but is pragmatic and realistic about what is possible.
IC4 - Proactivity and Anticipation

Identifies and Mitigates Risks

Able to spot potential risks and pitfalls related to current work, demonstrating an ability to avoid problems before they happen.
IC4 - Efficiency and Productivity

Productive and Efficient

Works productively and efficiently. Persistent in the face of roadblocks; dispatches them efficiently, pulling in others as necessary.
IC4 - Independence

Independent

Works with a high-degree of autonomy and minimal direction. Work is reviewed upon completion and is consistent with objectives.
IC4 - Collaboration

Trusted Partner

Communicates and partners effectively across teams and builds trusted relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners related to their area of work. Trusted and respected within and outside of craft.

Interacts internally at a more senior level regarding important issues relating to their work/projects, and begins to develop relationships with leaders across the organisation.
IC4 - Communication and Influence

Influencer, Reads the Room

Versatile communicator who is able to use influence in delivering ideas and messages that relate to the wider business.

Conveys advanced and complex information in a clear and accessible way.
IC4 - Feedback

Seeks and Gives (Outside Team)

Seeks and provides constructive feedback to others both within and outside of their team and craft.
IC4 - Mentoring and Development

Mentor

Supports the development of others in their team through mentorship or guidance on specific areas related to their expertise. A good example to others.
IC5 - Elvie Values

Cultural Role Model

Role models Elvie values to colleagues. Leads initiatives and approaches that positively promote and build Elvie's culture and identifies solutions to cultural challenges.
IC5 - Craft Knowledge

Subject Matter Expert

Applies broad and specialised expertise in their craft and/or several related crafts. Is recognized internally as a subject matter expert.
IC5 - Elvie Knowledge

Strong

Strong understanding of wider Elvie context.
IC5 - Advising Others

Expert Advisor

Provides expert advice and weighs in on complex decisions and problems that affect other teams and/or the company at large.
IC5 - Scope and Complexity of Work

Critical and Unique (Elvie Wide)

Works on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of variable factors, some of which are intangible, ambiguous or unknown.

Scopes and manages large, complex projects involving multiple teams.
IC5 - Problem Solving and Judgement

Advanced: Creative Solutions

Applies advanced problem solving techniques and conceptual thinking to understand critical issues and implications. Quickly breaks down complex problems into potential solutions, knowns and unknowns in order to get solid resolutions faster

Provides solutions to issues in creative and effective ways within own craft and across the organisation.
IC5 - Approaches, Procedures and Policies

Designs Appropriate

Leads the design and development of appropriate craft-level policies, processes, models and approaches.
IC5 - Reliability and Delivery

Strong Track Record

Strong track record of delivery and creating improvements and positive changes across major parts of their department.
IC5 - Proactivity and Anticipation

Anticipates Future Issues

Anticipates future issues related to own work and wider team and makes considered decisions to avoid them.
IC5 - Efficiency and Productivity

Maximises Own and Others' Productivity

Able to reduce the complexity of projects and processes and maximise their own and others' productivity.
IC5 - Independence

Independent and self-directed

Autonomous and self-directed. Directs and guides the activities of others in the team or project team.
IC5 - Collaboration

Elvie Activator and Networker

Creates formal networks with key decision makers internally and externally related to key issues and ideas in their craft.

Interacts regularly with senior management and external partners/stakeholders, which frequently involves discussing and negotiating matters of significance concerning their functional area. May manage relationships with major external suppliers and partners (particularly at L6 level).
IC5 - Communication and Influence

Skilled Influencer and Facilitator, Builds Consensus

Skilled facilitator, who is able to listen to and guide debates to build consensus and confidently manage conflicts. Able to influence diverse and senior stakeholders.
IC5 - Feedback

Seeks and Gives (Outside Team)

Seeks and provides constructive feedback to others both within and outside of their team and craft.
IC5 - Mentoring and Development

Mentor Upwards and Outwards

Supports the development and learning of others through offering mentorship and guidance outside of the team, including to more senior colleagues.
IC6 - Elvie Values

Cultural Role Model

Role models Elvie values to colleagues. Leads initiatives and approaches that positively promote and build Elvie's culture and identifies solutions to cultural challenges.
IC6 - Craft Knowledge

Holistic: Principal Expert

Serves as an expert in the craft and principal advisor. Understands deeply the end-to-end nature of their craft.
IC6 - Elvie Knowledge

Integrated

Integrated and strategic understanding of wider Elvie context.
IC6 - Advising Others

Principal Advisor

Principal advisor who advises on complex, strategic matters.
IC6 - Scope and Complexity of Work

All Encompassing and Strategic

Works on issues that impact Elvie's success and/or address future strategy, concepts and products.

Leads large, strategic projects that are business critical.

Decisions may impact Elvie and its long-term success.
IC6 - Problem Solving and Judgement

Critical: Strategic Solutions

Capable of solving the most difficult and critical problems the team encounters.

Provides and uses professional concepts in developing resolution to critical and strategic issues.

Formulates strategic solutions based on a longer-term view, taking into account Elvie's strategy, goals and objectives.
IC6 - Approaches, Procedures and Policies

Conceptualises New

Applies extensive knowledge of theories and best practice to direct and guide the development of new ideas, approaches and policies within own craft.
IC6 - Reliability and Delivery

Elvie Star

Impeccable track record of delivering improvements and impact within own department and the wider business.
IC6 - Proactivity and Anticipation

Forecasts and Embraces Change

Anticipates change relating to craft and ensures Elvie stays ahead of the curve.

Resilient and agile in the face of adversity, ambiguity and change.
IC6 - Efficiency and Productivity

Maximises Own and Others' Productivity

Able to reduce the complexity of projects and processes and maximise their own and others' productivity.
IC6 - Independence

Independent and self-directed

Autonomous and self-directed. Directs and guides the activities of others in the team or project team.
IC6 - Collaboration

Elvie Activator and Networker

Creates formal networks with key decision makers internally and externally related to key issues and ideas in their craft.

Interacts regularly with senior management and external partners/stakeholders, which frequently involves discussing and negotiating matters of significance concerning their functional area. May manage relationships with major external suppliers and partners (particularly at L6 level).
IC6 - Communication and Influence

Drives Direction and Inspires Others

Leads internal conversations about the direction of major areas of their craft, drives consensus to the adoption of this direction and uses this direction to motivate other team members.

External spokesperson for Elvie on key issues.
IC6 - Feedback

Promotes Feedback

Actively promotes the giving and receiving of feedback to improve the effectiveness of others. Able to deliver difficult feedback constructively and confidently, including upwards.
IC6 - Mentoring and Development

Elvie Mentor

Role model and mentor to everyone in their team, as well as others across Elvie.

Swipe to see more levels >

IC1 Entry
IC2 Developing
IC3 Career
IC4 Senior
IC5 Lead
IC6 Principal
Elvie Values
Understands
Applies
Demonstrates
Promotes
Cultural role model
Cultural role model
Craft Knowledge
Foundational: Learns anew
Broad: Developing knowledge
Depth: Knows their stuff
Depth and breadth: Becoming an expert
Subject matter expert
Holistic: Principal expert
Elvie Knowledge
Limited
Basic
Emerging
Sound
Strong
Integrated
Advising Others
Seeks advice
Provides standard advice
Advises on difficult
Advises on complex
Expert advisor
Principal advisor
Scope and Complexity of Work
Limited
Moderate
Diverse
Complex
Critical & unique (Elvie wide)
All encompassing & strategic
Problem Solving and Judgement
Basic: Pre-defined solutions
Routine: Known solutions
Unusual: Well reasoned solutions
Complex: Sound solutions
Advanced: Creative solutions
Critical: Strategic solutions
Approaches, Procedures and Policies
Follows existing
Works within (and sometimes improves)
Adapts existing
Determines approach
Designs appropriate
Conceptualises new
Reliability and Delivery
Developing, may make mistakes
Steady, learns from failures
Regularly delivers
Consistently delivers
Strong track record
Elvie star
Proactivity and Anticipation
Reactive
Learning to anticipate
Identifies and addresses problems
Identifies and mitigates risks
Anticipates future issues
Forecasts and embraces change
Efficiency and Productivity
Supported to prioritise
Developing priorisation and productivity skills
Prioritises effectively
Productive and efficient
Maximises own and others' productivity
Maximises own and others' productivity
Independence
Instructed
Guided
Supported
Independent
Independent and self-directed
Independent and self-directed
Collaboration
Teamworker
Collaborator
Gains cooperation and builds effective relationships
Trusted partner
Elvie activator and networker
Elvie activator and networker
Communication and Influence
Exchanges information
Prepares and shares straightforward information
Adapts style and persuades
Influencer, reads the room
Skilled influencer & facilitator, builds consensus
Drives direction and inspires others
Feedback
Accepts
Values
Seeks and gives (team)
Seeks and gives (outside team)
Seeks and gives (outside team)
Promotes feedback
Mentoring and Development
Mentee
Buddy
Mentor
Mentor
Mentor upwards and outwards
Elvie mentor

IC Profile / Analogy

This table provides an overarching profile for each level, along with an analogy to bring to life the general expectations of the role.

Level Profile
Rope Analogy
IC1 Entry
An entry-level player who is at the start of learning their craft.
Learns about rope.
IC2 Developing
A supporting-level player who is honing their craft and working to understand organisational context.
Can tie basic knots. Shown complex knots.
IC3 Career
An established performer with strong communication skills who proactively builds relationships. This role is the fully qualified, experienced professional, journey-level position.
Calculates rope strength. Knows a lot about knots.
IC4 Senior
A high-level performer with strong relationships and the ability to lead projects. Possibility to oversee the work of mid and junior level ICs.
Understands rope making.
IC5 Lead
A leading performer who prefers to manage projects over managing people.
Knows more about rope than you ever will.
IC6 Principal
Indispensable individual contributor.
Invented nylon.