Job evaluation

The Memorandum of Understanding between the NSW Government and the Public Service Association (PSA) indicated that where agencies need to evaluate positions they shall do so as desktop evaluations. This means that agencies do not need to convene panels for the purpose of evaluating a position. Any dispute over a job evaluation should be dealt with in accordance with the appropriate agency dispute resolution procedures.

DPC is updating references to job evaluation in policy documents and the Personnel Handbook to reflect this change.

Agencies should continue to use an accredited job evaluation methodology (that is, Cullen Egan Dell Job Evaluation System, Hay Job Evaluation System or OCR Job Evaluation System).

Capability Framework

The NSW Public Sector Capability Framework has been developed to provide a common and consistent language to describe the knowledge, skills and abilities (capabilities) required to achieve the government’s commitment to deliver better services to the community. The framework and supporting documents can be accessed at http://www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/public_employment/nsw_public_sector_capability_framework.

The framework was developed in consultation with agencies, and is linked to the Government’s new e-recruitment system. Agencies are encouraged to adopt the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework as far as possible.

An initial library of template position descriptions and job advertisements has been developed which align to the capability framework. The position descriptions reflect some of the most common jobs in the sector across a range of levels, and have been referred to and discussed with the PSA. Agencies can modify and evaluate these position descriptions.

The library of position descriptions allows benchmarking against existing positions. This will save time evaluating jobs and promote greater consistency across the sector. The new position description template is shorter and designed to focus on attracting the right capabilities for positions in the public sector.

To support the implementation of the framework, DPC has conducted a series of briefing sessions, workshops and train-the-trainer sessions over the past few months for agency staff. Information and supporting documents are also available through our website.
DPC will continue to review the application of the framework with agencies and update as necessary to ensure that it is flexible and reflects the capabilities needed by the sector.

John Lee
Director General