Directions will sustain high performance across the APS
The Australian Public Service Commissioner, Peter Woolcott AO, has today released amendments to the Australian Public Service Commissioner’s Directions 2016. The amendments place a stronger focus on the obligations of agency heads, supervisors and APS employees for developing and sustaining a high-performance culture across the APS.
Mr Woolcott said the Australian Public Service Commissioner’s Directions describe how the Australian Public Service should incorporate and uphold the APS values, conduct recruitment activities and undertake performance management.
“Performance management is about best practices that allow the APS to manage talent and retain high-performing employees. It involves managers dedicating time to develop and mentor staff and teams. It’s not just for managing under performance.
“These amendments make clear that the responsibilities for performance management are no longer limited to agency heads but extend to all supervisors and all employees.
“The amendments are about achieving optimal performance across all agencies. They also hold all APS employees accountable for upholding the APS employment principle that requires effective performance from every employee.
“There is a strong focus on constructive engagement, building capability, promptly managing unsatisfactory performance and seeking opportunities to innovate.
“The intent of the amendments is to strike a balance between a principles-based framework, and setting clear expectations about those elements of a strong performance framework that agencies need to incorporate,” Mr Woolcott said.
The amendments to the directions have the support of all Secretaries.
The Australian Public Service Commission has also released a circular and a guide called Performance Management in the APS. The guide assists agencies to develop performance management practices that will sustain a high-performance culture across the APS. The link to the directions as well as the circular and guide can be found at www.apsc.gov.au/commissioners-directions
For further information, email media@apsc.gov.au.