Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse Attorney-General’s Department Strategic Workforce Plan 2017-2020 Contents Message from the Secretary ............................................................................................................ 3 Broader Horizons model .................................................................................................................. 4 About this document ....................................................................................................................... 5 Guidance for users ....................................................................................................................... 5 Embedding Broader Horizons ...................................................................................................... 6 Our influences .................................................................................................................................. 7 Our priorities ................................................................................................................................ 7 Changing external environment .................................................................................................. 9 Where we are heading................................................................................................................... 12 Our people ................................................................................................................................. 12 Agile Global Diverse ................................................................................................................... 13 Performance expectations we meet.......................................................................................... 13 Skills we have and maintain ....................................................................................................... 14 Experience and knowledge we have and expand ...................................................................... 14 New approaches we develop and pursue ................................................................................. 14 Role of the Workforce Planning Committee ................................................................................. 15 Achieving our future workforce ..................................................................................................... 16 Message from the Secretary The department operates in a diverse and complex environment to address challenging and diverse issues. Our highly skilled and engaged workforce is central to achieving our future objectives. We continue to need specialists and practitioners in government law, national security, civil and criminal justice, and emergency management and an experienced body of policy, program and administrative employees. Our current people strategies and programs, including our performance expectations, diversity strategy, recruitment and recognition programs, aim to attract, develop and retain a workforce that addresses our current priorities. Our future success is dependent on a workforce that is also agile, outward looking, engaging more effectively with risk and responding flexibly to our changing environment. Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse, AGD’s Workforce Plan 2017-2020 responds to the challenges we are facing by articulating the workforce we need for the future. It outlines the attributes and skills we need and value. These include: external ideas and perspectives working cooperatively with other organisations on cross-sectoral problems experience across different parts of the organisation exploring new ideas and trialling new ways of delivery This workforce plan for AGD is equally relevant to our executive, leaders and managers, and individual employees in the department. Other components of Broader Horizons include tools and guides for managers, teams and individuals. I encourage everyone to consider these workforce challenges and response strategies, and play an active part in implementing local solutions to deliver our future workforce. Chris Moraitis PSM 3 Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse AGD Strategic Workforce Plan 2017-20 Broader Horizons model We will achieve our future workforce through four areas of focus. Everyone has a part to play in building our future workforce and each circle outlines the accountabilities for individuals, managers, and the SES. The circles on the left represent our current workforce moving towards the future workforce as we build on our strong foundation with new skills and approaches. We will develop Broader Horizons tools and guides that link with the department’s key people strategies, including diversity, learning and development, performance management, and reward and recognition. An action plan, tools and guides will help to embed Broader Horizons within the department. 4 About this document Broader Horizons positions the department to deliver its objectives by focusing on the workforce capability needed today and into the future. In this way, Broader Horizons: anticipates future workforce needs and capabilities based on the changing external environment and the objectives of the department identifies the changes needed to transition from the current to the anticipated future workforce identifies response strategies needed to shape and maintain the desired future workforce. The responses shaping our future workforce to achieve Broader Horizons encompass: performance expectations we meet skills we have and maintain experience and knowledge we apply and expand new approaches we develop and pursue A more formal approach to workforce planning will ensure: workforce responses align with the department’s strategic priorities and business objectives actions taken today by leaders and managers on workforce matters contribute to the workforce of the future we have a practical vehicle for achieving other workforce and people priorities including: o the Australian Public Service Commission management structures, job families frameworks o diversity and inclusion, flexible working, learning and development o responding to forward year budget impacts on staffing levels development. Guidance for users Executives, managers and leaders, and individuals have a role to play in achieving our future workforce. Broader Horizons provides a practical point of reference for executives, managers and leaders when: developing annual division, branch and team business plans focusing performance agreements and discussions on our future workforce needs supporting targeted learning and development opportunities in core and professional skills assessing opportunities for movement across sections, branches and divisions coaching their people for high team performance guiding staff selection to achieve the appropriate focus on current and future workforce needs identifying on-the-job development opportunities with their people responding to priorities and new initiatives when forming or reshaping teams, and changing or creating roles. 5 Broader Horizons provides individuals with a practical point of reference when: seeking clarity about performance expectations, and the core and professional skills needed for current and future roles gaining insight into performance outcomes or capability gaps identifying the opportunity for career development through mobility responding to development needs including through on-the-job tasks, learning programs, different roles, and/or new work experiences. Embedding Broader Horizons To embed Broader Horizons within the department: The Workforce Planning Committee will adopt a modified role. HR Branch will develop and implement a communication plan to raise awareness of the roles of individuals, managers and SES. HR Branch will realign key people strategies to ensure they support the future workforce outcomes. HR Branch will develop tools and guides that link with the department’s key people strategies including diversity, learning and development, performance management, reward and recognition. Individuals, managers and executives will need to actively embrace the workforce outcomes of Broader Horizons within their day to day activities. HR Branch will engage with divisions and branches to help them define targeted actions and integrate them with their business planning. To assist the above, HR Branch will develop an action plan that identifies key implementation activities, responsibilities and timing. 6 Our influences Our priorities Our strategic priorities for 2016-201 are: Support the Attorney-General as First Law Officer by providing high-quality legal services to the Commonwealth. Protect Australia by delivering effective national security policies, legislation and programmes. Maintain an efficient and effective Commonwealth justice system. Pursue national responses to serious and organised crime and improve community safety Enable a free society with balanced rights, freedoms and responsibilities. Provide national leadership in emergency management. These strategic priorities are informed2 by: government national and international policy priorities in law, justice, security and emergencies national and global social and political environments our resources and capabilities the needs and capabilities of our partners the need to manage risk appropriately While these priorities and their context remain familiar, other factors will have a profound impact on our ability to maintain and refresh a highly professional and skilled workforce. In particular, a workforce that can respond to an operating environment increasingly characterised by: strong government appetite for legislative responses to complex matters the need to provide high quality legal services and advice on complex legal matters the need to establish and resource Royal Commissions, taskforces and inquiries a focus on innovative responses to national security issues and related incidents the need to respond to natural disasters that, based on trends and forecasts, will occur more frequently and with greater intensity the need to harness technology opportunities. 1 Attorney-General’s Department Corporate Plan, pp6, Australian Government, Canberra, 2016 2 ibid 7 In addition, understanding what attracts people to and what keeps them in the public sector is important. The Australian Public Service (APS) competes for skilled people. As such, it is important to understand what attracts people to working in the public sector and what factors cause people to leave. Since 2013, the Commission has managed entry and exit surveys to assist agencies to obtain information about engagement, retention and staff movements. The most common reason for joining the APS during 2015–16 was the type of work available. Long-term career progression and development opportunities also featured highly in reasons for joining or remaining in the APS. Most employees taking up ongoing positions expected to stay with their new agencies for at least two years. The exit surveys show that it is imperative to provide attractive and flexible work environments.3 This also reflects the department’s experience. Consistent with this feedback, to achieve the desired workforce shift while also responding to the needs of current employees, we will implement a range of response strategies. Broader Horizons positions us to foster a responsive and agile workforce that meets our current and emerging objectives. 3 State of the Service 2015-16, Australian Public Service Commission, Australian Government, Canberra, 2016 8 Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse AGD Strategic Workforce Plan 2017-20 Changing external environment Global megatrends4 – changes affecting governments, societies and economies over a long period – are affecting our operating environment. We need to understand how these megatrends will influence our work, and respond proactively by taking steps today to shape our future workforce. Platform Economics Impact of technology Description Rapid technology change is enabling radical changes to business models and approaches. Exponential growth in technology including device, connectivity, data volumes, computing speed as well as rapid advances in automated systems and artificial intelligence, means that robotic devices can perform many tasks more quickly, safely and efficiently than humans. This change is transforming supply chains, reshaping the workforce and redefining jobs. The peer-to-peer economy is expanding, and freelancing is a large (and growing) employment model in other countries. Companies may opt for staffing models that include a smaller number of core people, with many other roles provided by the freelancer or portfolio worker community. Implications for AGD Given our role in areas such as cyber security, national security and emergency management, our people capabilities must keep pace with this fast changing digital environment. We also need to take advantage of opportunities to reshape jobs arising from automation of our work. Platform economics reflects an expectation for greater workplace autonomy and employment flexibility. Our working environment needs to respond to this expectation. 4 Hajkowicz SA, Reeson A, Rudd L, Bratanova A, Hodgers L, Mason C, Boughen N, Tomorrow’s Digitally Enabled Workforce: Megatrends and scenarios for jobs and employment in Australia over the coming twenty years, CSIRO, Brisbane, 2016 9 Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse AGD Strategic Workforce Plan 2017-20 Changing Demographics Diversity Entrepreneurism Description 5 Implications for AGD There is an increasing trend of individuals creating their own job. This may be because: the ‘ideal’ job in a large organisation is no longer there digital technology enables lean innovation (the fast/fail approach) to establishing new enterprises people are seeking greater flexibility than that offered by traditional organisations The need to address increasingly complex and cross-jurisdictional challenges will continue. Emphasis on innovative responses will increase. Organisations will foster innovation by increasing workforce diversity to inject different perspectives into problem solving and to achieve market competiveness. Australia’s population is ageing and life expectancies are growing. Retirement ages will continue to increase because of several factors including financial market impacts, and improved health outcomes that allow people to continue productive work. However, nearly one in five Australians is expected to be over 65 years old in 2035, compared with one-sixth of the population today5. Younger people entering the workforce are connected, technologically advanced, creative and entrepreneurial. They have new perspectives on desirable work environments, ethical issues and communication styles. Our success in attracting and retaining people is dependent on our ability to implement responsive flexible working arrangements. We need to achieve the workforce outcomes of our diversity agenda. We also need to change how we work by engaging with others who have diverse perspectives and increase their involvement in our work. These changing demographics will generate increasingly diverse needs within our workforce. Our leaders and managers need to be adept at responding to these diverse needs. 2015 Intergenerational Report, Australia in 2055, The Treasury, Australian Government, Canberra, 2015 10 Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse AGD Strategic Workforce Plan 2017-20 Growth in Services Sector Automation Description Increasing automation of systems is raising the complexity of tasks and requiring higher skill levels for entry-level positions. Income growth in Asia is associated with increased educational and skills levels, as well as growing competition for Australia’s labour force. Implications for AGD This may result in raising the skills and education bar for entry into professions and occupations. Our challenge is to ensure we manage any tendency to ‘over qualify’ roles. Many low-skilled jobs will move offshore or be automated. Employment growth in services sectors, particularly education and healthcare, is driving job creation. This is expected to continue as Australia moves to a knowledge economy. Service sector jobs requiring social interaction skills and emotional intelligence will become increasingly important. This growth in services may increase the workforce competition we face if we are unable to provide the level of social interaction people in our workplace are seeking. 11 Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse AGD Strategic Workforce Plan 2017-20 Where we are heading Our people Today, we are recognised for our high quality and professional people. We are a highly capable workforce that continues to respond to shifting priorities, structural changes and a challenging environment. To continue to meet current needs and respond to the future, our people need to: value external ideas and perspectives work cooperatively with other organisations on cross sectoral problems have experience in different parts of the organisation be comfortable operating within multidisciplinary networks, partnerships and clusters have diverse backgrounds and experiences be willing to explore new ideas and trial new ways of delivery make decisions and exercise good judgement. In achieving this shift, we need to understand our current workforce. Our ‘typical’ female employee is 28, and an APS6, working in a legal or policy role and has been with the department 1-3 years. Our ‘typical’ male employee is 30, an APS6, working in a policy role and has been with the department for 1-3 years. The required shift in our workforce is the extent to which the current and future workforces differ. To achieve the desired workforce we need to: participate in agile team arrangements such as scrums and task groups broaden the experience of individuals at level facilitate professional development and career planning for individuals continue to provide an attractive and flexible working environment foster leadership, responsibility and empowerment at all levels. 12 Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse AGD Strategic Workforce Plan 2017-20 Agile Global Diverse To achieve our Agile Global Diverse workforce, we need people with a combination of the following capabilities: Values breadth of knowledge Leverages business and commercial acumen Agile Captures and transfers knowledge Adopts different ways of working Sustains a global view and is outwards looking Global Leverages technology to do business differently Fosters a respectful and positive workforce culture Diverse Values innovation Embraces diversity The department’s response to achieving our future workforce has four areas of focus: performance expectations we meet skills we have and maintain experience and knowledge we apply and expand new approaches we develop and pursue. Performance expectations we meet The AGD Performance Expectations are a key component of Broader Horizons. The AGD Performance Expectations outline the capability needs of our people and guide consistent performance at each classification level: creates solutions demonstrates agility communicates effectively leads with commitment collaborates with purpose accountable for quality outcomes We will continue to value and foster the AGD Performance Expectations. 13 Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse AGD Strategic Workforce Plan 2017-20 Skills we have and maintain To achieve the Broader Horizons outcomes, we will continue to value people who demonstrate all the following skills: leads at all levels manages people, resources and tasks solves problems nurtures productive working relationships engages with stakeholders mitigates risks utilises technology effectively operates efficiently Experience and knowledge we have and expand We will recognise and nurture experience and knowledge in: accounting and finance administration commerce and economics ICT literacy international partnerships law and legal expertise people management policy program management. New approaches we develop and pursue We will also develop, attract and retain those who display the following approaches to their work: fosters industry and community engagement and knowledge mobilises data and makes evidence-based decisions deploys innovative visual communication strategies keeps the end-user in mind embraces possibility. 14 Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse AGD Strategic Workforce Plan 2017-20 Role of the Workforce Planning Committee The Workforce Planning Committee (WPC) will adopt a strategic and forward-looking role by overseeing implementation of our workforce plan and facilitating our progress to the future state workforce. In particular, the WPC will: focus on identifying and developing internal talent foster a positive and agile workforce culture including by being the focal point for flexible working policies forecast workplace pressures on capability and capacity, and provide guidance on required people capabilities and resourcing priorities act as custodians of the principles that underpin recruitment decisions for SES across the department shape investment in our workforce including through workplace conditions, work design, and our leadership capability and capacity oversee the implementation of our workforce plan evaluate our people and workforce outcomes and strategies. WPC will continue to have a hybrid role determining both department-wide operational and strategic decisions. The WPC will take a whole-of-department approach to workforce affordability and average salary level (ASL), providing leaders a framework within which to operate. The WPC will have shared accountability for decisions that affect the structure and resourcing of the department including management profiles, span of control, and appropriate roles/functions/classifications. In this way, the department can move towards a model whereby the WPC considers recruitment decisions on an exception basis rather than by rule, and makes decisions from a consistent, transparent, and well-understood foundation. The WPC will also consider the role of the mobility register in better facilitating and recognising those with a breadth of experience, as well as enhancing the diversity of perspectives in our teams. 15 Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse AGD Strategic Workforce Plan 2017-20 Achieving our future workforce The workforce capability needed to meet Broader Horizons is articulated below, along with the strategies, accountabilities and responsibilities that foster the workforce capability we need. We will implement these strategies to supplement our focus on performance expectations, skills, experience and knowledge, and new approaches. Individuals We value employees with breadth of experience and knowledge Encourage reciprocal secondments with agencies consistent with Broader Horizons outcomes Engage more with the private sector to identify skill sets not easily found in public sector Agile Identify and foster talent at all levels Values breadth and depth of knowledge We recognise career development can be horizontal Managers & Leaders SES Agile Global Diverse Experience & knowledge New approaches Experience & knowledge Experience & knowledge Facilitate transfers within the department and portfolio to enhance both breadth and depth of experience and knowledge Provide opportunities for short term placements for example into innovation scrums Ensure responsiveness to government priorities through a broader understanding of the department and partner roles Skills Experience & knowledge Value and recognise those who are ‘masters at level’ Experience & knowledge 16 Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse Values breadth and depth of knowledge We facilitate people moves to support Royal Commissions, taskforces, reciprocal interagency secondments based on knowledge of skills and capabilities AGD Strategic Workforce Plan 2017-20 Individuals Managers & Leaders SES Agile Global Diverse Skills Performance Expectations Experience & knowledge Experience & knowledge Foster industry and community engagement and knowledge Experience & knowledge Apply multi-disciplinary knowledge to achieve organisational outcomes Experience & knowledge Understand our knowledge sources, both internal and external Experience & knowledge Utilise knowledge and experience to implement continuous improvement measures Experience & knowledge Make decisions based on thorough evaluation Experience & knowledge Work effectively within and outside AGD to share knowledge including across the APS, industry and community sectors Experience & knowledge Understand where to seek out subject matter expertise Experience & knowledge Share knowledge to add value to consultations Experience & knowledge Know the skills and capabilities of our people Ensure a transparent approach to selecting people for priority opportunities Foster development in business and commerce Agile Leverages business and commercial acumen We value business and commercial experience We use knowledge effectively Captures and transfers knowledge We learn from our experience Knowledge is shared effectively Seek out expertise in business and commerce 17 Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse AGD Strategic Workforce Plan 2017-20 Individuals Facilitate moves and transfers by effective sharing of information and knowledge We embrace change and recognise the need for agility Managers & Leaders SES Agile Global Diverse Experience & knowledge Respond to dynamic government priorities Performance Expectations Encourage willingness to undertake different tasks Performance Expectations Skills Performance Expectations Support people and manager wellbeing Performance Expectations Recognise teams and people who achieve outcomes in changing circumstances Performance Expectations Recognise managers who encourage their people to work on priority tasks Global We effectively respond to and manage the unexpected Adopts different ways of working We optimise people in an unpredictable environment We work differently We are mindful of the pace of work Encourage innovative responses Prioritise workloads of individuals and teams Foster surge/scrum/project based work environments Allocate teams and people to ‘outcomes to manage’ and move away from traditional ‘task completion’ Ensure job design allocates workload and responsibilities fairly to achieve optimal results Skills Skills Skills Seek to avoid and manage fatigue and burnout Encourage teams to celebrate success Performance Expectations Foster active learning from lessons of the past New approaches 18 Skills Skills Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse We engage creatively with our diverse stakeholders AGD Strategic Workforce Plan 2017-20 Individuals Managers & Leaders SES Agile Global Diverse Deploy innovative marketing and visual communication strategies New approaches Communicate with the end-user in mind New approaches Performance Expectations Establish them effectively and efficiently Royal Commissions and taskforces are an ongoing part of how we do our work Global Adopts different ways of working We are global thinkers Sustains a global view and is outward looking Manage them well Performance Expectations Ensure opportunities are shared New approaches Disband them in a planned and deliberate manner Skills Actively communicate with people at transition points in the team lifecycle e.g. on commencement, during the engagement, during wind down, and on re-joining line areas Skills Maintain current and relevant public policy knowledge New approaches Develop people to have diverse experiences within current roles New approaches New approaches New approaches New approaches Recruit for diverse experience We apply strategic and critical thinking in a global context Develop people in understanding the global context Develop our people to assist us in where we are moving 19 Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse AGD Strategic Workforce Plan 2017-20 Managers & Leaders SES Agile Global Diverse Encourage engagement with industry and community New approaches Foster whole of government knowledge and experience Experience & knowledge Reward people who are outward focused Performance Expectations Encourage and support opportunities to extend our thinking Experience & knowledge Place equal emphasis on what is achieved and how it is achieved Performance Expectations New approaches New approaches Individuals Our people have the Broader Horizons skills Diverse Sustains a global view and is outward looking Our people have the Broader Horizons skills We have strong data analytics and predictive analysis expertise Leverages technology to do business differently Fosters a respectful and collaborative culture We enhance our productivity and efficiency by automating routine tasks and roles Our people have a varied and positive experience in the department Encourage our people to develop skills to improve our understanding of global markets, competition and customers Define future workforce sourcing options to meet data analytics and analysis needs Make evidence-based decisions using research and data New approaches Identify and pursue workforce automation opportunities Skills Skills Link technology improvements to workforce productivity outcomes Identify technology opportunities that drive decentralised decision making and different business models Skills Ensure people who leave have a good story to tell Performance Expectations Welcome back people who have expanded their experience Performance Expectations 20 Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse AGD Strategic Workforce Plan 2017-20 Individuals Foster understanding of our value through outward communication and marketing Managers & Leaders SES Agile Global Diverse Skills Experience & knowledge Establish a department alumni We meet the workforce needs of people and managers Fosters a respectful and collaborative culture We learn from people moves Set clear workforce and people capability priorities for our teams and our people Skills Develop our people for career opportunities New approaches Support managers in resourcing our teams Skills Understand why people leave Performance Expectations New approaches Performance Expectations Skills Foster a respectful culture and provide opportunities that reinforce our employee value proposition Embed a culture of staying longer Diverse Adopt a greater range of short and longer term engagement options including ongoing, non-ongoing, contract and service providers We recognise the link between a diverse workforce and innovative outcomes Values innovation We are comfortable working without defined parameters Value people with diverse backgrounds and experiences Experience & knowledge Inject diverse perspectives into our work Performance Expectations Embrace ‘trial and error’ New approaches Experience & knowledge New approaches Reward local innovation Trial and learn from using different team 21 Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse AGD Strategic Workforce Plan 2017-20 Individuals Managers & Leaders SES Agile Global Diverse Performance Expectations Encourage autonomy Performance Expectations Develop our leaders to have both broad understanding as well as deep knowledge Experience & knowledge New approaches arrangements We value personal attributes and cultural fit as much as technical skill We create ‘social communities’ that empower members to be innovative Values innovation We access skills both internally and externally Diverse We understand our people are seeking continuous development and career opportunities Embraces diversity We encourage flexible working We provide career and development Value emotional intelligence and foster flexible attitudes Establish communities of expertise Encourage multidisciplinary teams Experience & knowledge Foster partnerships with external organisations New approaches Foster targeted secondments into the department Experience & knowledge Provide responsive feedback on performance and potential Skills Develop our people through the work they are undertaking Skills Actively support flexible working arrangements including role sharing, part time, different locations Skills Provide greater choice in where and how our work is performed Skills Respond to new ways of working Skills Experience & knowledge Value those who have horizontal careers 22 Broader Horizons: Agile Global Diverse opportunities AGD Strategic Workforce Plan 2017-20 Improve understanding of peoples’ performance in the context of their level and team Individuals Managers & Leaders SES Agile Global Diverse Skills Skills New approaches Skills Skills Skills Provide helpful career guidance We offer diverse experiences We encourage ‘experience junkies’ Facilitate opportunities to diversify Encourage and recognise multidisciplinary teams Value diverse experience at level Create opportunity for our people to be exposed to different experiences 23
© Copyright 2026 Paperzz