Australian Public Service commissioner Peter Woolcott has spoken about the organisational culture of government employees. 

The public service leader is keen to begin reforms on culture and capability, including a new charter of leadership behaviours that has been developed by the Secretaries Board.

The changes come in response to the recommendations of a recent APS Hierarchy & Classification Review. The review called for changes to prevent bureaucracy operating in silos to adequately respond to the challenges of the future. 

Mr Woolcott says work has already begun, with a new charter of leadership behaviours expected of APS SES personnel. The charter lays out the expectation that department and agency bosses will be dynamic, respectful, have integrity, value others, and empower people.

“Our APS Values continue to set the expectations of impartiality, integrity and accountability for the APS’ organisational culture,” Mr Woolcott told an audience in Canberra.

“The charter takes this further, describing the behaviours required of a modern and dynamic public service culture. One that is collaborative, rather than siloed; one that invests in people; respects diversity; and creates an environment where ideas can be contested,” he said.

“The charter is now launched and what we do from here is important.”