Strengthening workforce capabilities

Snapshot of activities in 2011:

  • On 31 January 2011, the APSC released the APS Bargaining Framework.  The Framework strengthens the previous framework with more specific parameters around common terms and conditions, but without mandating entitlements (in order to reduce good faith bargaining risks).  The APSC expects that the agreements for the majority of APS agencies will be finalised by the end of 2011.
  • The Beale report on the SES was released on 16 September by the A/g Special Minister of State for the Public Service and Integrity, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP.
  • The APSC is working in partnership with approximately 54 agencies to re-position Workforce Planning as a business owned strategic planning tool that is integrated with yearly business planning cycles.  The primary focus of work to date is the development of two foundation components of an APS-wide Workforce Planning Framework for consideration by the Secretaries Board in December:
    • a practical workforce planning guide, with supporting tools and templates; and
    • an occupational group (Job Family) model to enable the APS to map and understand its workforce.
  • The Secretaries Board meeting in September 2011 considered a whole of Government online graduate portal which provides greater visibility of APS job opportunities and career pathways.
  • Updated recruitment guidelines and toolkit provide practical tools and templates to assist agencies with obtaining greater efficiencies.
  • The APSC and the Queensland University of Technology have reviewed contemporary thinking and practice with regard to the operation, role, and value of employee mobility and / or exchange programs.  The APSC has also:
    • established a baseline of mobility initiatives across the APS;
    • established a cross-jurisdictional working party to develop a common national framework for temporary employee placements/secondments across Commonwealth, State and Local government jurisdictions;
    • engaged with professional associations across the public and private sector on potential exchange arrangements;
    • reviewed the Branching Out facility on the APSjobs website (the tool facilitates lateral movement of APS employees across the service) as the basis for a redesign of the website and the introduction of new functionality in 2012, and
    • in early 2012, a national framework for temporary employee movement between jurisdictions for professional development purposes is expected to be completed.

APS reform projects related to workforce capabilities

Ensure employment bargaining arrangements support one APS

Assess the size and role of the SES

Coordinate workforce planning

Streamline recruitment and improve induction

Expand and strengthen learning and development

Strengthen the performance framework

Encourage employees to expand their career experience