The Australian Public Service Commissioner (APSC), Peter Woolcott has amended his Commissioner’s Directions to strengthen the obligations on Agency heads, supervisors and employees to develop a high-performance culture across the Australian Public Service (APS).
Mr Woolcott (pictured), said the Directions set out how the Public Service is to adhere to the APS values, run its recruitment activities and undertake performance management.
“Performance management is about best practices that allow the APS to manage talent and retain high-performing employees”, Mr Woolcott said.
“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.”
He said the amendments were 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,” Mr Woolcott said.
“There is a strong focus on constructive engagement, building capability, promptly managing unsatisfactory performance and seeking opportunities to innovate.”
He said the amendments to the Directions had the support of all Secretaries.
The APSC has also released a Circular and a guide called Performance Management in the APS.
Mr Woolcott said the guide would assist Agencies to develop performance management practices that would sustain a high-performance culture.
The Commissioner’s Circular and Guide Performance Management in the APS can be accessed on the APSC website at this PS News link.
