Strong leadership and strategic direction

Snapshot of activities in 2011:

We have made significant progress towards improving the APS’s strategic policy capability. 

  • Strategic Policy Networks have been established at the Deputy Secretaries and APS/EL  levels.  A revised strategic policy toolkit, where users can comment and upload information, is expected to be launched early in 2012.
  • The Secretaries Board has commissioned seven cross-portfolio APS200 projects so far, with five now finalised, looking at: 
    1. ways to foster APS innovation;
    2. options for reform in mental health;
    3. options for supporting disadvantaged youth;
    4. establishing priorities to guide future investment in the use of locational data collected by government agencies;
    5. identifying current performance and best practice models for regulatory engagement with major projects;
    6. reviewing the ways in which scientific research is used to inform policy; and
    7. looking at options to promote a longer working life in the APS. 
  • All the elements of the Commonwealth-ANU strategic relationship are operational. Both the Australian National Institute for Public Policy (ANIPP) and National Security College (NSC) have successfully engaged participants from a wide range of agencies in short-course training programs, and implemented strategies to translate short-course participation into uptake of award qualifications. The NSC has also commenced award course enrolments in the graduate program. The HC Coombs Policy Forum and the Australian Centre on China in the World (CIW) have established their strategic research priorities. The Forum has successfully engaged a range of agencies in its responsive and horizon-scanning research program, and has implemented innovative solutions to engaging the community in public policy issues (e.g. the Future Forum television collaboration with the ABC). The Sir Roland Wilson Foundation has conducted its first round of applications for PhD scholarships in public policy.
  • Public consultation has resulted in five proposed APS Values and a set of Employment Principles. Revised APS Values and other amendments to the Public Service Act 1999 will be introduced in the Autumn 2012 Sittings.
  • The APSC has established the Strategic Centre for Leadership, Learning and Development, which has:
    • developed an APS Leadership Development Strategy that identifies required APS leadership capabilities, including a requirement for a talent management system to develop a ‘bench strength’ of future leaders for areas of critical business need;
    • designed an APS talent management system, including detailed system, processes and nomination criteria, and
    • set up a pilot talent development program specification for SES Band 2s.

APS reform projects related to leadership and direction

Strengthen strategic policy

Build partnerships with academia, research institutions and the community and private sectors

Improve policy implementation

Revise and embed the APS Values

Articulate the roles and responsibilities of Secretaries

Revise employment arrangements for Secretaries

Strengthen leadership across the APS

Improve talent management across the APS

New APSC with responsibilities to lead the APS