As previously advised, in December 2006 the Government endorsed the recommendations of the Council on the Cost and Quality of Government (CCQG) Review of recruitment practices and recommended a range of legislative, policy and practice reforms to underpin the introduction of a new sector wide e-recruitment system. (see C2007- 05) The NSW Government has asked the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Commerce to develop a detailed Business Case for a sector wide e-recruitment and implementation plan for the legislative and policy changes. The Review confirmed that the public sector needs to position itself better in the tightening labour market by making full use of the efficiencies offered by e-recruitment and removing any unnecessary and time consuming processes.  Strong themes are to promote the public sector as an employer of choice and to integrate recruitment and retention strategies as part of strategic resource management and workforce planning. Overall the changes are intended to make recruitment in the sector faster and more flexible, giving more options to Department heads in line with workforce demands. Specific recommendations include: removing the requirement for set periods for jobs to remain open making it easier to convert temporary staff to permanent positions making use of applicant pools for all types of employment, giving potential employees the option to register for employment opportunities on line and be automatically advised of positions providing sector wide access templates for generic positions descriptions based on a simplified job evaluation framework simplifying selection criteria including the use of common selection criteria. Over the coming months the Public Employment Office will be holding information sessions for HR practitioners and directors, outlining the findings and recommendations in more detail and indicating the process and timetable for implementation, including further consultations with public sector unions. These sessions will also highlight existing flexibilities already available to improve recruitment practices. For further information contact Martina Nightingale, Director Workforce Strategy on 02 9228 3530 or [email protected] R KrukDirector-General Issued : Public Employment OfficeContact: Martina Nightingale, Director, Workforce StrategyEMail: [email protected] no: 9228 3530    Facsimile:    9228 4420File no: PSM/0911-001Date:  8 June 2007This circular has not superseded any other Memorandum/Circular