Architecture roles
Responsibilities of an architect
- Last reviewed
- 18 May 2026
- Owner
- Head of Architecture
Examples of the responsibilities expected of an architect at different levels.
Table of responsibilities
| Responsibility | SEO Architect | G7 Senior Architect | G6 Lead Architect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Across one project or a small group of projects, aligned to a portfolio or domain | Across a programme or group of projects, aligned to a portfolio or domain | Across one or more portfolios or business domains |
| Assurance | Participate in assurance mechanisms, technical service assessment and design assurance of projects | Establish or support assurance mechanisms, assurance submissions, technical service assessment, design assurance of projects and programmes | Review business cases, establish in-line assurance mechanisms, reviewing submissions for assurance, technical service assessment, design assurance of major/critical programmes |
| Strategies | Not applicable | Stretch goal: one or more technology strategies and roadmaps | Own one or more technology strategies and roadmaps |
| Thought leadership | Not applicable | Stretch goal: write thematic papers to influence, lead community discussions | Write thematic papers to influence, lead community discussions |
| Line management | Not applicable | Stretch goal: management and coaching of colleagues | Team plans and management, workforce management |
| Corporate | Stretch goal: recruitment, xGovernment collaboration | Stretch goal: cross-cutting work (actively involved), mentoring, recruitment, xGovernment collaboration | Budget delegation, leading cross-cutting work, mentoring, recruitment, xGovernment collaboration |
Architects (or those aspiring to be architects) should consider:
- which level you're currently working at
- what else you could or should do
- how you can create space to take on additional responsibilities
- support you might need
Read the capability framework page for more information.