Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner

Public Sector Standards (HRM)

Products

Resources

Breach Claims: An agency guide

An agency guide has been produced by OPSSC. The guide provides information and assistance for public sector agencies to receive and handle breach of standard claims in accordance with the regulations and work towards a constructive resolution of claims where possible.

Also included are materials for claimants, the standards and the regulations, and suggested agency forms and letters. Claims must be lodged with the agency and not OPSSC.

Grievance Toolkit

The Grievance Toolkit is a resource to support practitioners to resolve or redress an employee’s grievance. The Grievance Toolkit contains the:

  • Grievance framework;
  • Grievance process; and
  • Grievance risk reduction.

Proper Assessment

A recruitment process has a number of components, and there is flexibility for your agency within the Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Standard in how you develop the process.

In summary, to make a proper assessment the panel must:

  • examine each candidate's claims or CV as claims to the position (that is, the panel's judgment from the material available as to the suitability of the person to do the job);
  • seek to verify the candidate's relevant claims (for example, an external assessment as to the suitability of the person to do the role, such as a work test or referee report1). The extent of verification may vary depending on the context of the position – for acting roles of 6 months or less, these may be regulated by internal agency policy which is fair and consistent. For further information see A proper assessment in context (Powerpoint 3.89MB), and
  • prior to final signing off, have someone scrutinise the process for robustness (in other words, would an independent person consider the panel's approach met the principles of merit based assessment?). Here a quality assessment of the process can be useful before finalising the decision. See sample template Quality Assessment Check list (Microsoft Word, 75Kb).

Making a proper assessment is a safeguard for s.8 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 which outlines the general principles of human resource management public sector agencies must comply with.

1 Panel members can be referees as the 'independence' of the verification is of the candidate's claims – not of the panel's assessment.

Proforma for a business case in relation to the Public Sector Standards or WA Code of Ethics

A business case is a recommended procedure for agencies where there is variation to standard practice. OPSSC suggests that when establishing a business case agencies should include the:

  • rationale for the exemption to normal practice;
  • timeline for the period of the arrangement; and
  • appropriate endorsement by the head of the agency or senior delegate.

A business case should be carefully documented so that the decision can be reviewed and communicated effectively to staff.

Using a business case will reduce the risk of agencies being non compliant with the standards and increase confidence in the probity of decision making. If you would like information about documenting a business case please see the sample proforma below.

Please note: A business case is not an exemption from the Standards or Code of Ethics. The Commissioner of Public Sector Standards may at any time conduct a review of compliance and make a determination.

Exemptions

This guide provides information to assist agencies to:

  • determine whether seeking an exemption under section 25(1) (a) of the Public Sector Management Act 1994, is appropriate with respect to the particular circumstance facing an agency; and
  • establish exemption application guidelines for agencies.

The Right Path to the Right People

The Right Path to the Right People is an interactive online recruitment, selection and appointment tool. It supports human resource and line managers to navigate the recruitment, selection and appointment process. The Right Path to the Right People's key features includes a fast track guide, tips, detailed information, templates and additional links.

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Page last updated: September 24 2009