Questions may use different wording, but the panel will still assess evidence against the Grade 7 and Grade 6 Seeing the Big Picture criteria. Listen to the exact question and choose the example that answers it most directly.
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Grade 7 Seeing the Big Picture criteria
- “Develop and maintain an understanding of economic, social, political, environmental and technological developments to ensure activity is relevant.”
- “Ensure plans and activities in your area of work reflect wider strategic priorities and communicate effectively with senior leaders to influence future strategies.”
- “Adopt a governmentwide perspective to ensure alignment of activity and policy.”
- “Bring together views, perspectives and diverse needs of stakeholders to gain a broader understanding of the issues surrounding policies and activities.”
What the panel is testing
Show how external developments, cross-government dependencies and diverse stakeholder needs changed a strategic recommendation or delivery choice.
- A clear Grade 7 responsibility.
- Personal decisions and reasoning.
- Appropriate senior, cross-team or external influence.
- Control of risk, resources, inclusion or quality where relevant.
- A credible outcome and enough detail for follow-up questions.
12 Grade 7 Seeing the Big Picture interview questions
How to structure the answer
Give one or two relevant sentences about how you think.
Set the strategic or delivery context briefly.
State your responsibility and authority.
Explain decisions, evidence, influence and risk.
Give the outcome and a practical learning point.
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