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 four branches that provide specialist advice and services in accordance with the Public Administration Act (PAA) or approved by the Victorian Secretaries’ Board.
The Commission works collaboratively across the Victorian public sector to deliver its strategic plan.
The Strategy, Policy, Performance and Integrity branch:
- drives strategic thinking and the development of policy advice to shape the future of the Victorian public sector,
- sets standards and monitors sector performance, and
- provides leadership and advice on public sector professionalism and integrity matters.
A core part of the branch is focused on:
- strengthening cultural capability through delivery of Barring Djinang, the VPS First Peoples Workforce Development Framework, and
- leading system-level reforms that integrate Treaty obligations, cultural capability, and self-determination into VPS workforce practices.
The branch is also responsible for delivering on a range of legislative integrity obligations including:
- maintaining the lobbyist register, the register of instruments, and
- delivering the Commission’s role in reviews of employment-related decisions.
Programs and Engagement
The Programs and Engagement branch drives:
- the Commission’s work to build capability,
- foster engagement, and
- promote professionalism across the Victorian public sector.
We design and deliver development programs, events, and initiatives that strengthen integrity, leadership, and understanding of government. Our branch:
- manages the Victorian Government Graduate Program and the Executive Essentials Program,
- supports peer networks and cohort engagement, and
- coordinates VPSC communications.
Through digital content, campaigns, and automated engagement approaches, we amplify learning opportunities and promote VPSC policies, guidance and data products to enhance performance and professionalism across the sector.
Data and digital services
The Data and Digital Services branch brings together the Commission’s digital services and data functions.
This includes:
The branch's work helps support government strategies and policies.
Corporate operations
This branch brings together the Commission’s people, financial and business operations. It leads initiatives to improve systems and processes that enhance the Commission's productivity.