The  Australian Public Service Commission says it will work towards more modern workplace structures but has rejected any immediate move to change the APS classification system following an independent review.

The Hierarchy and Classification Review was launched in 2021 to examine how the APS could flatten hierarchy, streamline management, improve decision making, and utilise the capability and expertise of all employees.

The review made eight recommendations, including reducing the current number of classifications from 13 to eight.

It also recommended referring to people’s roles by descriptive job titles, rather than numerical classifications.

‘Measured steps’ toward modernisation

Mr Woolcott said he strongly supported the idea of modernising the APS to meet future challenges and provide more rewarding careers, and the APS would act on many of the review’s findings.

“But (the APS) will not make changes to classifications at this stage, instead taking measured steps towards more modern structures and ways of working, guided by the issues raised in the review,” he said in a statement.

He said the ‘bold proposal’ for classification reform would be too complex an undertaking to jump straight into.

“The panel makes a good case for its ambitious proposals around classification reform, but the timing and viability of such complex reform needs to be carefully weighed,” Mr Woolcott said. 

 “We are not looking to make changes to classifications at this stage.

“Any decision to proceed with classification reform in the future would need to be looked at further in consultation with staff, stakeholders and as part of the government’s reform agenda,” he added.

Instead overhauling the current system, Mr Woolcott said the APSC would update its guidance on optimal management structures, with workshops to kick off in November.

Unions back response

The union representing Commonwealth public servants, the CPSU has backed the decision to focus on leadership and the capability of supervisors and managers rather than overhauling classifications.

“It is encouraging that the APSC has acknowledged the complexity of the more ambitious proposals around classification reform and will consider the approach to those proposals in consultation with staff and other stakeholders in future,” the union said in a statement.

Mr Woolcott said work on the evolution of the APS was already underway with the release of a Charter of Leadership Behaviours , which sets out what’s expected of senior APS leaders including collaboration, integrity and valuing and empowering others.

The APS Academy was boosting capability development courses for managers, focusing on EL2s.

The APSC in 2021 initiated the review led by Dr Heather, Smith Kathryn Fagg and Finn Pratt.