2025 has been a year of growth, collaboration and innovation for the APS HR Professional Stream (HRPS), as we continue to build HR capability across the Australian Public Service and strengthen the role of HR professionals as trusted business advisors.
This year, the APS HRPS community grew to over 6,400 members, reflecting the increasing engagement and value of our initiatives. Key achievements in 2025 include:
- Supporting 53 participants in the Australian Government Graduate Program – HR Stream, with 55 expected to join in 2026.
- Supporting 13 participants in the AG School Leaver Program – HR Stream, with 11 anticipated for the 2026 AG Career Starter Program.
- Publishing an additional 21 editions of the HR Mobility Bulletin to support improved mobility of HR professionals across the APS.
- Refreshing the APS HRPS SES Advisory Group and SES Working Group to guide the implementation of the APS HRPS Strategy.
- Establishing the APS HRPS Talent Council of Chief People Officers to support a strong pipeline of senior HR leaders.
- Providing specialist HR panel members to support the selection of six high-quality leaders into SES and key EL2 roles.
- Hosting networking events in Hobart, Brisbane, Townsville, Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.
- Continuing our partnership with the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) to support professionalisation across the service.
- Delivering 5 practitioner-led webinars and masterclasses.
Planning for 2026 is already underway, with a calendar of key events and internal team initiatives to be finalised shortly.
In addition to these initiatives, the APS HRPS advanced three key priority areas in 2025:
1. Developing HR foundational skills and capabilities
Through co-design with agencies of all sizes, foundational HR functions are now better understood. A pilot workshop, HR Case Management – Managing Potential Misconduct, was delivered to 25 participants in June 2025, with another session planned for November 2025.
2. Identifying and developing future HR leaders
The APS HR EL2 Talent Pathway Pilot is equipping 20 high-performing EL2 HR professionals with strategic insight and leadership capability. Since its launch in July 2025, participants have engaged in development sessions, mock interviews, mentoring, and will soon undertake job shadowing, a residential at HMAS Penguin, and a final wrap-up session. Program evaluation will follow its conclusion in December.
3. Strengthening HR data and analytics
Three streams of work have progressed to enhance the APS approach to HR data and workforce insights. A comprehensive HR Data Dictionary of over 110 metrics is with the APSC for endorsement and hosting. The APS Data Capability Framework has been reviewed for HR relevance, with decisions on Centres of Excellence and updates to the Career Pathfinder Tool expected soon.