The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has released 3 key products designed to strengthen APS-wide capability in recruitment and performance. These products include:
- the non-SES Performance Framework
- changes to merit list sharing
- the SES Recruitment Guide.
As HR practitioners, you’re encouraged to review these products and prepare for implementation by the key dates outlined below.
Non-SES Performance Framework
The new framework complements the SES Performance Leadership Framework and establishes a consistent, APS wide approach to performance management. It embeds outcomes and behaviour-based performance requirements for all non-SES employees and supports a culture of high performance across the APS.
All agencies are expected to begin implementation as soon as practicable, with implementation to be completed by the end of 2028. Where any part of the framework conflicts with provisions in an agency’s Enterprise Agreement, the Enterprise Agreement prevails.
Visit Performance Management in the Australian Public Service for more information.
Merit list sharing
From 1 February 2026, APS agencies must share merit lists with other agencies upon request in specific circumstances. This change aims to improve the use of merit lists across the APS and support mobility by providing more employment opportunities for merit-listed candidates, while still allowing agencies advertise roles when needed.
To support implementation, the APSC will be developing further resources, including updated guidance.
More detail is outlined in Circular 2025/07: Merit list sharing in the APS.
SES Recruitment Guide
The APSC has developed a new SES Recruitment Guide in response to agency feedback seeking tailored support for SES recruitment processes. The guide provides a centralised, end-to-end overview of SES recruitment, outlines the key differences from non-SES recruitment, and supports implementation of changes outlined in Circular 2025/06: The Commissioner’s role in SES Recruitment.
Visit SES Recruitment Guide to access the full guidance.