The Workforce Profile (WP) collection provides a reliable and valuable basis for planning, developing and monitoring human resource policies and strategies at whole of sector and agency level. Data on occupation and function has not been included in the collection to date.

Following successful piloting in a number of agencies, Review and Reform Division (RRD) of Premier's Department has now developed a "position code" for inclusion within the WP from 2002. This code is based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics occupation code (to allow external comparability) but extends it to allow a more accurate description of public sector positions. Data about occupation and resource allocation will support key corporate services reform strategies, in particular the shared corporate services strategy. It will also provide valuable information for workforce and strategic planning, at both agency and whole of sector level.

Introduction of the Position Code will be phased, with initial emphasis on General Government agencies for the 2002 WP collection. RRD will provide assistance to agencies at all stages of the process. The main elements of the strategy are as follows:

The coding of positions in all agencies will be undertaken by a specialised RRD team in collaboration with agency HR staff. The pilot trials in a range of agencies have shown this approach to be optimal as it results in accurate coding with a relatively low resource impact on agencies.

Managing system issues. RRD will support data entry into HR systems where needed. However, reporting as part of the 2002 WP collection will be the responsibility of each agency.

Strategies for on-going maintenance. To ensure on-going provision of accurate data, agencies will need to build maintenance strategies into existing HR practices, eg, as part of the job creation/ evaluation process. Guidelines have been developed for agencies to assist this process.

RRD will contact your existing WP liaison officer in the near future to discuss the timing of coding activities in your agency. RRD contact officers for the project are Sophia Walker (9228 5184) or Katie Irvine (9228 5136) or by email ([email protected]).

Dr Col Gellatly
Director-General

Issued by: Dr Liz Coombs, Executive Director
Review and Reform Division, Premier's Department
Telephone: (02) 9228 4870
Date 1 February 2002
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Read in conjunction with Circular 2003-06