Circular 2002-05 provided information about the introduction of the "position code" field within the Workforce Profile Data Collection (WP).

The coding of positions in all agencies has been undertaken by a specialised team from the Premier's Department which has been working with each agency's HR staff. The coding commenced in March 2002 and is now nearing completion across the sector. In many agencies the coding was completed in time to provide position code data with their 2002 WP return. All agencies will have their coding completed for the 2003 collection.

The issue of on-going maintenance of the data has been addressed throughout the coding project. This has included working with agencies to build maintenance strategies into existing HR practices (eg, as part of the job creation/ evaluation process) and using the initial coding as a training exercise for agency staff.

The coding is a complex process, however, and retaining the consistency and accuracy of the coding across the sector is critical to its value. As a result, an automated position coding tool (PCAT) has been developed for agencies. PCAT will be located on the Premier's Department web site and can be accessed using an Internet browser. PCAT and user support materials will be available from April 2003. In addition, Review and Reform Division will conduct information sessions for agencies. Further information about the information sessions and how to access and use PCAT will be provided soon.

Once PCAT is available, its use for position coding, whether for maintenance or new positions, will be mandatory.

It is important that your agency has its position coding up to date prior to providing the 2003 Workforce Profile return. If you have any concerns, please contact the Position Code Help Desk on 9228 3924 or email [email protected]

Dr Col Gellatly
Director-General

Issued by: Sue Brown, Principal Project Officer

Review and Reform Division, Premier's Department

Telephone: (02) 9228 3918

Date 20 March 2003

Read in conjunction with C2002-05.