Core work

The Strategic Commissioning Framework is a principles-based APS policy document. Under the framework, agencies must move away from outsourcing the core work of the APS or the agency. Some work is considered core APS-wide, while other work will be defined as core at an agency level.

APS-wide core work

APS-wide, there are core tasks and functions that must be done by the APS and must not be outsourced to an external workforce. These include:

• developing cabinet submissions, once they are in a Cabinet classified environment
• drafting cabinet submission recommendations at any stage of policy development
• drafting legislation and regulation
• leading policy formulation
• roles that are on an agency’s executive team.

Other core APS functions should be brought back in-house as a priority, noting arrangements may take time to adjust. These include:

• undertaking procurement and managing contracts
• undertaking standard cost benefit analysis (excluding major capital, infrastructure, complex IT and secure assets such as defence)
• delivering programs and managing grants.

Core work for your agency

Each agency must determine what it considers core work (and will therefore not outsource), building on the APS-wide list above. This should inform decisions about the work to be done in-house. 

This approach gives agencies discretion to identify what is core work in their context, factoring in the agency’s expertise, responsibilities and future capability requirements. It is expected that core work will vary between agencies. The core work of your agency may change over time. Agencies can refresh the list of core work annually.

You can describe core work as particular tasks, functions and/or job roles – whatever is most meaningful for your agency. Make note of both the specific work and the high level job family it best aligns to (for instance, Compliance and Regulation / Policy).

If a function is not core, it falls outside the scope of the framework. For non-core work the agency can staff the function with APS employees and/or use some external labour as appropriate (noting direct employment is the default).

Things to consider as you define your core work:

• integrity and managing risk/conflict of interest – what work is best done by public servants?
• capability gaps – do you need to break reliance on outsourcing relating to particular skills/capabilities, in order to meet future needs?
• legislated responsibilities, enduring functions, expected focus of future work
• stability and business continuity – what functions are best delivered by a stable employee base to ensure continuity of operations?
• commonality with agencies doing similar work – for instance, regulators or service delivery agencies may wish to touch base with each other as they identify their core work, to understand areas of natural alignment in what they consider ‘core’.

Not all work will be considered ‘core’. Your agency will have important and valuable functions that enable your core work, but are not identified as ‘core’ in their own right.