As of 30 January 2008 the requirement that all job applicants address Common Selection Criteria will be removed. This change was a recommendation endorsed by Cabinet, following the Council on the Cost and Quality of Government’s Review into Recruitment Practices in NSW Government (see C2007-21).

The change is part of a series of reforms to simplify recruitment practices. It is also consistent with the Government’s new recruitment branding Careers that Count which aims to place the NSW Public Sector as an efficient, diverse and value based employer appealing to a broad range of candidates in the labour market.

The NSW Government is committed to cultural diversity, equal employment opportunity (EEO), ethical practice and occupational health and safety (OH&S). These principles will continue to be promoted to both prospective job applicants and to staff responsible for recruitment and induction. Agencies play a key role in maintaining these principles in two ways:

1. Ensuring that all job offer letters contain the sentence: “In accepting this position you agree to support core NSW public sector values of cultural diversity, equity and ethical practice, and a healthy, safe and fair workplace.” This provides all new employees with a short value statement that underpins their employment.

2. Ensuring that all new employees receive an appropriate induction on the principles of cultural diversity, EEO, ethical practice and OH&S, and that all employees receive regular refresher training particularly in areas that are closely aligned to their responsibilities.

To assist agencies in providing adequate training, the Public Sector Workforce Office has developed with TAFE a course on Public Sector Fundamentals. One- and two-day courses are available and can be delivered at a number of NSW regional centres. Other relevant agencies such as WorkCover, the Community Relations Commission, the Anti-Discrimination Board, the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Ombudsman, can also advise on available training and other resources.

Where knowledge of any of the former Common Selection Criteria is directly relevant to a position, this should now form part of the (maximum eight) selection criteria. The new arrangements will apply for all positions advertised in the Public Sector Notices from 30 January 2008.

(signed)

Graeme Head
A/Director General