Embedding the APS Values: Case studies and other supporting material

Please note: These documents are for reference purposes only and are no longer considered by the APS Commission to be current. They may contain good practice advice and/or advice on the transitional arrangements between the 1922 and 1999 Public Service Acts.

globe Useful references

Case study 20:
Department of Transport and Regional Services:
Selection and recruitment handbook

Background

The Department of Transport and Regional Services' (DOTARS) Selection and Recruitment Handbook is part of a package that includes an information kit for applicants and a selection panel kit to help managers fill job opportunities successfully and at the right time. Designed to meet the minimum legislative requirements under the Public Service Act 1999, the handbook also describes how to meet DOTARS' objectives in engaging, promoting and moving employees to meet its business needs. A centralised recruitment unit supports this approach.

Description

The handbook is designed to be user-friendly for employees involved in selection exercises. While it focuses mainly on the recruitment and selection process it also provides some explanation of the policy and the reasons behind the process.

The handbook sets out in its introduction all relevant APS Values relating to selection and recruitment. It also makes clear the importance of meeting legislative requirements, such as the Public Service Commissioner's Directions relating to the merit Value. Key features of the handbook are that it:

is written in plain English with material presented in a logical fashion so that it can be understood by someone without any recruitment and selection background
clearly explains the need to examine each vacancy to determine the appropriate staffing action, including good practical guidance on analysing the vacancy and developing selection documentation and selection criteria which is crucial to the success of the exercise and helps ensure that the process conforms with the merit Value
emphasises the importance of planning-good planning is more likely to result in a transparent process
provides information to panels on different selection techniques and the practical aspects of their administration, which enables them to take account of the flexibilities in selection that are available and assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of them
has supporting documentation and kits to standardise procedures with practical advice for panel members- for example, on taking referee comments and keeping notes-which helps meet the requirements of the Public Service Commissioner's Directions in relation to fair and transparent processes
encourages a selection and recruitment process which is responsive to applicants, sensitive to Commonwealth employment legislation (for example, provisions covering applicants with disabilities and their reasonable adjustment), obtaining referee reports, conducting interviews, and providing feedback.

Key APS Values

The APS is a public service in which employment decisions are based on merit. (s. 10(1)(b) of the PS Act)

The APS provides a workplace that is free from discrimination and recognises and utilises the diversity of the Australian community it serves. (s. 10(1)(c) of the PS Act)

The APS promotes equity in employment. (s. 10(1)(l) of the PS Act)

The APS provides a reasonable opportunity to all eligible members of the community to apply for APS employment. (s. 10(1)(m) of the PS Act)

For more information please contact:

SANDRA DILLEY
PHONE 02 6274 6228
sandra.dilley@dotars.gov.au