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Last updated: 25 August 2003
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.
Useful references
Case study 3:
Attorney-General's Department:
Induction program for new employees
Background
The induction program for new employees in the Attorney-General's Department (AGD) previously consisted of one morning session each quarter, which up to 40 new employees would attend, and the placing of information on the intranet. The Secretary of the Attorney-General's Department, general managers and other key department staff gave short (20 to 30 minute) talks about their areas of responsibility. These were supplemented with relevant literature, which included information about the APS Values.
When a staff survey showed that almost 50% of employees had not attended an induction session it was decided to change the induction format to ensure that all new employees have the information they need. Based on direct feedback from staff and the staff survey data, the format of induction was changed to make it easier for new staff to obtain the relevant information quickly and easily, and therefore smooth their transition into the department.
Description
Induction for new employees begins with the offer of employment. With their offers of employment, prospective employees receive a copy of the APS Values, the Code of Conduct and information on relevant provisions of the Crimes Act. The offer clearly explains the applicability of the APS Values to employment with the AGD. By accepting the offer, candidates must acknowledge that they have read and understood the APS Values, the Code of Conduct and extracts of other legislation.
Once in the workplace, employees are encouraged to access an intranet-based new employee package, and are invited to a morning tea hosted by the Secretary, which is attended by senior managers and experienced staff from each group within the organisation.
The intranet package for new employees includes a section on the establishment and maintenance of high ethical standards and outlines the steps the AGD has taken to further reinforce the APS Values and their application to all employees. The package also includes information on AGD's people management guidance 'employees-relations advices' and other guidance to ensure that new staff are aware of their obligations. Supervisors are asked to ensure that new staff have sufficient time to enable them to work through the package in the first weeks of employment.
As well as including information about the APS Values as an integrated package, the AGD also reinforces specific APS Values. For example, in the intranet package there is information on the department's Service Charter and how it contributes to the delivery of services to clients fairly, effectively, impartially and courteously. The package also includes detailed information on proper records management, the importance of good record keeping, and information promoting programs about equity and workplace diversity. Links to the APS Commission's website are also provided, particularly the section regarding details of the APS Values and Code of Conduct.
Induction also involves a morning tea hosted by the Secretary with up to 20 new employees. This allows new employees to network, meet the Secretary and a member of the Executive, and talk with a range of experienced department staff. The morning tea helps introduce new employees into the culture of the organisation, and rewards departmental staff by inviting them to attend.
Including information about the APS Values when inducting new employees ensures that they know of the importance that the department attaches to them. The Values are presented as part of an integrated package so that new employees have an understanding of the total framework within which the APS works.
For more information please contact:
PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT ADVISER
PHONE 02 6250 6845
