APS Engagement Network

An APS wide network, where public servants can share information about their engagement work, lessons learned, and collaborate on expanding engagement in the APS. 

aps engage2

What it might look like: The Network would be a similar model to the Public Sector Innovation Network – with regular face to face meetings, and a digital platform for ongoing collaboration.

 

 

Why the contribution is important

The APS and other public services already do a lot of good engagement, but there is very little awareness of it and sharing of good practice. This network helps solve that problem, as well as helping build engagement capability.

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Would APS staff use this, or would they be reluctant? If it starts off successfully, how do you keep it going (sometimes these things can run out of steam)?

by ProjectTeam on February 23, 2018 at 01:15PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 2.8
Based on: 5 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Jillllll February 23, 2018 at 14:48

    Good in theory. The usual barrier exist: public servants move on frequently so high turnover; often hard to get traction with busy APS staff.

    The proposal for an online platform could support greater interaction though. It could also serve as a repository of the Network's knowledge.

  • Posted by Tarek February 26, 2018 at 16:59

    A challenge for this, as per Jill's comments, is the level of buy-in. Working officials change roles, and have competing demands. A less-frequent (annual?), higher-level briefing to SES (Bands 1-2?) might be more effective?

  • Posted by jgibbons March 02, 2018 at 23:49

    A contrasting perspective to the above, it could also be beneficial to target early career public servants who perhaps have more time and energy for establishing networks and engaging with online platforms. The network could aim to establish connections and a culture of sharing information that these junior public servants take with them throughout their careers.

  • Posted by WorkinginCivic March 05, 2018 at 14:38

    I agree with Tarek that sharing best practice should occur at senior levels, via an occasional (perhaps annual) meeting. This approach may overcome the problem of working level officials having the knowledge, but not the authority, to implement new ideas.

  • Posted by markimark March 07, 2018 at 11:36

    A sound idea and more appropriate than awards and brochures being made to promote 'success' stories. It would depend how it the group/ network was set up and it would be necessary to plan out how this network will maintain its momentum after a typical positive and enthusiastic start. I like the idea of maintaining an online platform that people can go to get ideas.
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