Senior Executive Service (SES) recruitment plays a critical role in building a capable, high performing and cohesive APS. These senior leaders drive strategic leadership, support the delivery of government priorities and influence the organisational culture of the APS.
To recognise the significance of these roles, SES recruitment has legislative and policy requirements beyond those for APS recruitment.
Supporting the integrity of SES recruitment
There is a requirement to include the APS Commissioner, or a Commissioner’s Representative on all SES selection panels.
The Commissioner's role in SES recruitment is to ensure that the recruitment process is consistent with the requirements of the Public Service Act 1999 and the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Directions 2022.
The Commissioner's representative plays an important role in supporting the integrity and inclusiveness of SES recruitment by promoting diversity on selection panels and supporting fair opportunities for candidates from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
For further information on who may act as a Commissioner’s representative please see the Circular 2025/06: The Commissioner’s role in SES Recruitment.
APS Professions
For SES roles that align with an APS Profession, a relevant specialist representative must be included in the panel. This recognises the increasing importance of professional expertise across the APS, enabling panels to assess both leadership capability and the specialist skills and knowledge required for specialised functions.
Agencies must liaise with the relevant profession to confirm their specialist panellist or seek assistance to arrange a specialist panellist.
Notifying intent to advertise
Agencies are required to notify the APSC of their intent to advertise all SES roles. This notification must include the specialist panellist approved by the APS profession (where relevant to the role) and the proposed Commissioner’s Representative. The approval of the Commissioner’s representative on a selection panel will be considered in the context of the panel’s overall composition.
To support agencies in understanding of their obligations and put these requirements into practice, the APSC has developed a dedicated guide on SES recruitment in the Public Service.