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.

globe Useful references

Case study 23:
Attorney-General's Department:
Development of a certified agreement

Background

Consultation for the 2002 certified agreement at the Attorney-General's Department (AGD) started six months before the nominal expiry date of the previous agreement with the aim of having it ready to commence when the previous agreement expired.

Description

Staff involvement

The department's Workplace Relations Committee (WRC) comprising four management representatives, staff representatives and two union representatives, was established in December 2001. Committee membership represented each classification level and part-time employees.

Members attended a one-day training and planning session facilitated by an external provider. This gave them an understanding of the legislative and policy framework, different approaches to agreement making, an understanding of the principles and dynamics of communication and consultation, as well as developing a recommended role for the WRC in the agreement process. This approach complements and embeds the APS Values in providing an environment that encourages and contributes to effective workplace relations systems and procedures.

Consultation and communication

The WRC was set up as a consultative forum. E-mail networks were established to help disseminate and collect information between employees and management, as well as to promote consultation amongst employees themselves and within classification levels. In addition, communication methods such as a certified agreement intranet site with an anonymous staff feedback capability, a newsletter and regular staff information sessions fostered staff participation.

Division heads were provided with a briefing paper on all initiatives in the agreement and were required to conduct information/discussion sessions with their staff before voting started. The active involvement of senior management was well received by staff and contributed to a feeling of commitment to, and ownership of, the outcome at all levels.

The above approaches underscore the application of the APS Values in providing a system that enables staff to express views on issues that affect their workplace, maximise their input into the agreement-making process, as well as reinforcing managers' commitment to effective workplace relations practices.

Staff ownership

Staff ownership of the agreement-making process and the agreement itself was promoted and supported in several ways, including the:

ability for staff representatives to caucus and workshop at any time to discuss issues of concern
relative freedom for representatives to communicate with their constituents when and how they wanted
WRC developing key objectives by which the consultation would occur and how the agreement would operate-the broad objectives being:
- valuing and developing AGD employees
- working together
- ensuring health and wellbeing.

Outcome

The agreement, endorsed by an 89% majority in June 2002, has strong ownership by staff and focuses on promoting a flexible and healthy workplace. WRC meetings continue to ensure staff have the opportunity to provide feedback on the implementation and operation of the agreement. The agreement also specifically commits the parties to uphold the APS Values and the Code of Conduct.

Key APS Values

The APS establishes workplace relations that value communication, consultation, cooperation and input from employees on matters that affect their workplace. (s. 10(1)(i) of the PS Act)

The APS has leadership of the highest quality. (s. 10(1)(h) of the PS Act)

The APS provides a fair, flexible, safe and rewarding workplace. (s. 10(1)(j) of the PS Act)

The APS focuses on achieving results and managing performance. (s. 10(1)(k) of the PS Act)

For more information please contact:

DIRECTOR EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
matt.madin@ag.gov.au