APS Job Family Framework

Introduction

The APS Job Family Framework (the Framework) was established in 2010 for the purposes of collecting, analysing and comparing information on the type of work performed across the APS.

The Framework is a workforce segmentation tool used for workforce planning purposes. It outlines an occupational grouping for the APS. Occupations talk about the type of work performed. They are a way of defining and grouping roles that require the performance of similar or identical sets of tasks.

The Framework can be used to assist in undertaking benchmarking, environmental scanning and labour market analysis. As such, it enables agencies to gain a deeper understanding of their workforce, and to anticipate any future workforce supply challenges.

Through its linkages to Australian labour market segmentation via the Australia New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), the Framework also facilitates comparative analysis between work completed in the APS and the broader Australian economy.

Prior to mapping or applying the Framework in the context of your own agency, please review

Structure of the Framework 

The Framework is a three-tiered model consisting of the following tiers:

Background to the 2021 edition of the Job Family Framework

The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) commissioned a review of the Framework in late-2020 to ensure the framework was reflective of the type of work performed across the APS. The review was centrally led by the APSC and subject matter experts from key agencies joined the Review Panel to work through any issues identified and provide solutions.

The Review Panel provided subject matter expert advice and recommendations on the following:

• Effective governance of the Framework and clear audit trail of decisions made by the Committee, and approved by the APSC delegates
• Alignment with global best practice for occupational segmentation as part of strategic workforce planning
• Promotion of the use of the Framework as a workforce segmentation tool to support strategic workforce planning across the APS

Based upon the recommendations, the Framework has been updated to:

• Remove duplication across job families, functions and roles. The Framework is now aligned to the principles of an occupational taxonomy
• Align with the APS Professions, and includes a new suite of relevant job roles to align with data, digital, cyber and HR roles
• Remove all roles that are obsolete and no longer in use as agreed by the Review Panel

The changes to the Framework will support development of analytics, insights and whole of APS strategic foresight based on data collected through the use of the Framework in agencies.

A Terms of Reference has been created to provide governance and outline the purpose of the Framework, what it will and won’t do for agencies, workforce planners and strategists.

Requesting changes to the Framework

You can request to add a new role or update an existing role to the Framework by completing the APS Job Family Framework Change Form. Prior to submitting the form, please review the

Support for the Framework

To support you with the 2021 edition of the Framework and the changes from the previous framework, please review the Frequently Asked Questions and

Additional supporting material on how to undertake workforce segmentation can also be found within the APS Workforce Planning Community of Practice Job Family Framework Hub.

Contact the APS Workforce Strategy and Planning team at APSWFP@apsc.gov.au if you have any questions or need guidance on how to apply the Framework in your agency.