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 28:
Australian Bureau of Statistics:
Planning and resource allocation

Background

The provision of a high-quality national statistical service is a complex management exercise because of the diverse nature of user requirements and, in most instances, the lead time required to develop collections. While it is not possible to satisfy all demands, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) seeks to react positively and responsibly to the demonstrated needs of its users. At the same time, the ABS is constrained by the availability of funding. It must also consider the load placed on providers of information for its collections.

The ABS's corporate plan sets out the mission, values and objectives of the organisation, thereby defining the desired state that it is planning toward over the next three-to-five years. Together they help stimulate longer-term thinking in response to a changing environment and help the ABS assess what it does and how it does it.

A three-year forward work program (FWP) is developed within the overarching framework provided by the Corporate Plan. The plan is rolled forward by one year as the first year of the program is implemented. For the purpose of internal planning, the ABS's work program comprises 28 individual statistical program components and 28 corporate and statistical support program components. Most individual programs are further subdivided into a number of projects. As detailed work programs are developed, resources are allocated and performance indicators are established.

Each year, senior management extensively and formally considers relative priorities and competing resource requirements of all programs. Particular attention is given to:

the extent to which particular statistical activities continue to be justified with other work for which a demand has been expressed by users
the cost imposed on respondents by collections, in terms of time, effort and intrusion
prospective total resources available to the ABS within the three-year period
the market potential and revenue implications of the various initiatives proposed
productivity gains which have been achieved or which might be possible in the future
total demands on the service areas that the proposed forward work program will entail.

Description

The ABS planning process involves a cycle of planning, implementing and reviewing. Review of the transparency, accountability, efficiency and effectiveness of program operations is therefore an ongoing component of managing the ABS's work program.

Annual program reports are prepared and presented to management for review and discussion. This helps ensure that program activities are aligned with the objectives defined in the strategic planning process. A continuous review of performance measures, included in such reports, is undertaken to improve their consistency and relevance. This allows better assessment of program performance over time and comparative assessment of performance across programs.

The ABS is a very active participant in audits initiated by the Australian National Audit Office, and also employs the services of an external auditor to do compliance and performance audits. In addition, the ABS regularly conducts reviews of a wide range of its statistical activities in order to ensure appropriate statistics are collected, compiled and disseminated. These reviews cover aspects such as user requirements, data collection, analysis and dissemination.

The ABS has established a benchmarking network of national statistical agencies to compare output effectiveness and efficiency between agencies, and to identify and learn from areas of best practice. This benchmarking is in addition to the ongoing internal review of ABS statistical and service activities aimed at ensuring their relevance and efficiency.

Information on the outcomes, outputs, and main medium-term development plans is provided for each program. Direct costs (on an accrual basis) are also provided for individual programs.

In establishing its forward work program, the ABS is advised by the Australian Statistics Advisory Council and other user groups. The information obtained through these forums is supplemented with information obtained from bilateral discussions with key clients, conferences and seminars, outposted statistical officers, and day-to-day contact with clients in the course of disseminating data.

Key APS Values

The APS focuses on achieving results and managing performance. (s. 10(1)(k) of the PS Act)

The APS is openly accountable for its actions, within the framework of Ministerial responsibility to the Government, the Parliament and the Australian public. (s. 10(1)(e) of the PS Act)

For more information please contact:

SEAN THOMPSON
PHONE 02 6252 7191
sean.thompson@abs.gov.au