All NSW Government employees will soon be allocated a Government Employee Number (GEN).

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is introducing the GEN as a key step in thinking about the NSW Government sector as one and enabling improved workforce management and analysis.

Over time, the benefits of GEN are planned to include:

• ‘single sign-on’ access (no need to re-enter passwords) to a number of cross-sector computer applications through the NSW Identity Hub
• option for agencies to adopt single sign-on to their own applications (some agencies are already planning for this)
• cross-agency email lists and ‘white pages’ directory
• potential for work-related chat rooms and communities of interest
• potential sector wide email address – @nsw.gov.au – retained when you move between agencies
• confirming entitlements related to continuity of service
• improved career opportunities by enabling employees to view available roles across the sector and managers to search for candidates in other agencies.

During April or May 2015 you should receive an automated email from NSW Identity Hub [email protected] which will contain your GEN along with your temporary password. This will enable you to login to the Identity Hub, the system that generates and stores your GEN, and confirm that your details are correct.

Your GEN is your government sector employee number. It will stay with you even if you transfer between agencies, leave the NSW Government sector or return at a later date. The GEN will not replace any existing agency identification numbers.

Because creating your GEN involves collecting some information about you, the PSC has taken a ‘privacy by design’ approach, planning for security and privacy at all stages of the process. A Privacy Code of Practice has been developed in consultation with the NSW Privacy Commissioner and authorised by the Attorney General. It specifies certain information that you should be aware of with respect to your privacy.

If you do not receive your GEN by end of May 2015, please contact your HR department.

Graeme Head
NSW Public Service Commissioner