REFLECT:
APS Values and Code of Conduct: Decision-making model

1. Recognise a potential issue or problem

Ask yourself:

• do I have a gut feeling that something is not right?
• do I feel this is a risky situation?

Recognise the situation as one that may involve tensions:

• between two or more of the Values
• between the Values/Code and personal values.

2. Find relevant information

Find the relevant information and gather the facts:

• what was the trigger and what are the circumstances?
• identify the relevant legislation, policies and guidance (APS-wide and agency specific)
• identify the rights and responsibilities of relevant stakeholders
• identify any precedent decisions.

3. Linger at the ‘Fork in the Road’

Linger at the ‘Fork in the Road’, pause to consult:

• supervisors and managers
• respected colleagues, peers, or support services—remember privacy.
• Talk it through, use intuition and analysis, listen and reflect.

4. Evaluate the options

Evaluate options, identify consequences, look at the processes:

• identify the risks
• discard unrealistic options
• apply the accountability test—would the decision stand up to public scrutiny/independent review?
• be prepared to explain the reasons for your decision.

5. Come to a decision

Come to a decision

• act on it and make a record if necessary.

6. Take time to reflect

Take time to REFLECT and review

• how did it turn out for all concerned?
• learn from your decision
• if you had to do it all over again what would you do differently?