Making the public sector work better for women is the sector-wide women’s employment and development strategy to improve women’s recruitment, development and retention over the next five years.

It commits to achieving the following sector-level benchmarks by 2012:

• Increase women’s representation in non-traditional occupations from 16% to 20%;
• Increase women’s representation in senior positions (grade 12 and above or equivalent) from 28% to 35%; and
• maintain women’s representation at a minimum of 60%.

In partnership with agencies, the Department of Premier and Cabinet will also develop benchmarks to reduce the gender pay gap.

To support achievement of these benchmarks, the Department of Premier and Cabinet will coordinate the following programs and initiatives:

• Training and an online resource kit to support line and human resources managers to implement flexible work practices;
• An e-mentoring program for women building their careers in regional and remote areas, in non-traditional occupations and in senior positions;
• A career mobility program piloted with mid-career finance professionals;
• An annual conference for women building their careers;
• Four agency-hosted Senior Women’s Network events each year;
• Scholarships and a child care subsidy for women to undertake the Executive Fellows Program at the Australia and New Zealand School of Government; and
• CEO Kits to help agencies to attract and retain women’s talent at senior levels.

Making the public sector work better for women will help to make the public sector a preferred employer for women. It aligns with the Government’s broader NSW Public Sector Workforce Strategy 2008-2012 which supports the State Plan.

Making the public sector work better for women, a summary of the strategy, a fact sheet about women’s employment in the sector, and updates on the strategy’s programs and initiatives is available from www.eeo.nsw.gov.au/women.

This Circular applies to all public sector agencies.

This includes all agencies and employees in the Government Service (Public Service Departments, Non-Public Service Divisions and Special Employment Divisions), the Teaching Service, NSW Police and the NSW Health Service. State Owned Corporations are encouraged to adopt provisions consistent with this Circular.

Robyn Kruk 
Director General

Issued : Workforce Planning Development and Equity (PSWO)
Contact: Meg Price, Manager, Workforce Planning, Development and Equity
Email: [email protected]
Telephone no: 9228 5222    Facsimile: 9228 4704   
File no: PSM/09187