A Strategy to Support APS Strategic Human Resource Capability

The Australian Public Service Commissioner, Peter Woolcott AO, today announced the release of an APS HR Professional Stream Strategy to further professionalise the APS HR workforce.

“The Strategy will provide a systematic service-wide approach to lifting strategic HR capability, and attracting and retaining the best strategic HR talent available,” said Mr. Woolcott.

Several reviews of the APS over recent years have highlighted capability gaps across a number of professions, including in strategic HR management.

This has led to the development of a formal professions model, with the aim of lifting in-house skills and expertise and providing rewarding public service careers.

The APS HR Professional Stream Strategy has been developed through consultation with an established reference group comprising Deputy Secretaries representing a range of APS agencies.

The Strategy includes initiatives that will help identify core, long-term capability needs, standards and career pathways to support HR professionals in the APS. These initiatives include the creation of a HR Professional Network, the implementation of a HR mobility program, the development of a workforce strategy for HR professionals, and streamlining the recruitment of HR professionals, including graduates.  

Mr Woolcott also announced the appointment of Ms. Jacqui Curtis as the APS HR Head of Profession.

In this role, Ms. Curtis will champion strategic HR capability and strong collaboration.

The role will be rotated every two years between relevant senior executives to share ownership across APS agencies and leverage diversity of thinking over time.

Ms. Curtis is the Chief Operating Officer at the Australian Taxation Office, leading Enterprise Strategy and Corporate Operations.

The Strategy can be accessed at www.apsc.gov.au.

For further information, email media@apsc.gov.au