The Victorian Public Sector Commission works to improve the performance of the public sector so that it provides more effective services for Victorians.
The Victorian public sector is comprised of the 10 Victorian Public Service departments, public entities and special bodies. Read about how we define the Victorian public sector.
Our role
The functions and powers of the Commission are outlined in the Public Administration Act.
Our roles under legislation are to:
- strengthen the efficiency, effectiveness and capability of the public sector in order to meet existing and emerging needs and deliver high quality services
- maintain, and advocate for, public sector professionalism and integrity.
The Commission also coordinates or delivers a range of projects and programs, as required, to support the Victorian public sector to deliver for Victorians.
Strengthening public sector efficiency, effectiveness and capability
We do this by:
- providing advice and support on issues relevant to public sector administration, governance, service delivery and workforce management and development
- developing policy and initiatives in response to whole of government workforce priorities
- collecting, analysing, and reporting on whole of government data
- conducting enquiries as directed under the Act by the Premier.
Maintaining public sector integrity
We help maintain public sector integrity by:
- advocating for an apolitical and professional public sector
- issuing and applying codes of conduct and standards
- monitoring and reporting to public sector body Heads on compliance with the public sector values, codes of conduct and public sector employment principles and standards
- reviewing employment related actions and making relevant recommendations
- maintaining a register of lobbyists and a register of instruments made under the Act.
Organisational structure
Headed by the Commissioner, the Commission has branches that provide specialist advice and services.
We work collaboratively to support and deliver on the Commission’s strategic plan.
When required, time-limited teams are established to deliver projects, analysis and advice.
Office of the Deputy Commissioner
The Office of the Deputy Commissioner provides corporate and communications support, stakeholder engagement, digital services, and a strategic and coordinated approach to the Commission’s work program through collaboration with the Commission’s branches and teams.
Integrity and Oversight
The Integrity and Oversight branch provides leadership in setting the standards and expectations about integrity, ethics and values for the Victorian public sector. It issues codes of conduct and employment standards, and associated guidance, and shares best practice in public sector administration, governance, and integrity. It monitors compliance with the public sector values, codes of conduct and public sector employment principles and standards, reviews employment related actions and maintains a register of lobbyists. It also provides guidance around certain executive employment matters.
Strategic Policy
This branch leads strategic thinking and policy to shape the future vision for the VPS and wider public sector. Drawing on research, emerging public sector trends and both Victorian and inter-jurisdictional data, this branch advocates for VPS and public sector reform. It leads the strategic approach to improve diversity and inclusion, drives longer-term workforce planning and capability development, publishes the annual State of the Public Sector report, and leads the Commission’s strategic plan and annual plan processes.
Data collection, Insights and Improvement
Data Collection, Insights and Improvement collects, analyses and reports on whole of government data to inform strategies and policies to strengthen the efficiency, effectiveness and capability of the public sector. It also collaborates with Corporate and Digital Services to improve systems and processes that improve our work with the sector and the Commissions productivity.
Leadership, Capability and Pathways
The Leadership, Capability and Pathways branch delivers on whole of government priorities to develop and sustain a high-performing, capable and connected Victorian public sector workforce. The team builds leadership capability and capacity, embeds core public service skills and learning networks across the public sector, and delivers employment and career pathway programs. This team also builds First Peoples workforce leadership, capability and pathways.
Workforce Policy and Improvement
The Workforce Policy and Improvement branch focuses on embedding whole-of-government workforce management approaches across the employee lifecycle to meet current and emerging workforce needs across the Victorian public sector. This team works across the sector to deliver a range of initiatives and projects that test new operating models and ways of working. It leads on developing policies and improving practices to support effective and efficient system-wide workforce management.
Corporate and Digital Services
The Corporate and Digital Services branch integrates the Commission’s workforce, risk management, ICT, financial and business operations, along with its digital capabilities. This branch oversees a range of digital platforms and services supporting the public sector, with a focus on delivering seamless user experiences, robust information security, data privacy, and secure data storage.