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Leadership

This competency can be demonstrated in different ways, and candidates often approach it from either personal leadership or leading others. A common weakness in submissions is an overemphasis on task-level detail (such as step-by-step training or procedure-writing) rather than clearly articulating leadership behaviours and impact.

Strong submissions clearly demonstrate how the candidate has taken initiative, shown ownership, and reflected on their development. Assessors are typically looking for a structured and specific example that includes:

• Evidence of personal ownership, such as taking responsibility for a project, stepping in to resolve an issue, or covering additional responsibilities beyond the role (e.g. acting for an absent supervisor)
• Examples of leading others, including how the candidate motivated, supported, or mentored team members
• Situations where the candidate stepped outside their core remit, demonstrating initiative in projects or wider organisational processes
• Reflection on what was learned and how the experience contributed to their development
• The impact of their actions, including outcomes for the team, project, or organisation

Examples of Strong Evidence

• Ownership and initiative:
  A candidate takes the lead on resolving a key issue or delivers a project outside their usual responsibilities, demonstrating accountability and proactive decision-making.

• Leading and developing others:
  A candidate manages or supports junior team members, showing how they provided guidance, motivation, and contributed to team effectiveness. This is particularly relevant in environments such as audit where team leadership is common.

Demonstration of Leadership Behaviour

Candidates should provide evidence of actively demonstrating leadership through:

• Taking responsibility beyond their defined role
• Leading or contributing to projects and process improvements
• Supporting, mentoring, or managing junior team members
• Making decisions and influencing outcomes
• Reflecting on their experience to show growth and development

Importantly, candidates should focus on leadership behaviours and impact, rather than detailed descriptions of tasks or processes.