Introduction
The Victorian public sector values (VPS values) are a set of six values that guide the work of public servants in Victoria, Australia. These values are designed to promote ethical decision-making, professionalism, and accountability among public servants. This article will discuss the role of the VPS values in the workplace, how they are applied in practice, the importance of alignment with departmental values, and how they are used in the recruitment process.
The VPS values play a critical role in shaping the culture of the Victorian public sector. They are designed to promote ethical decision-making, accountability, and professionalism among public servants. The values guide public servants in their daily work and help them navigate complex ethical dilemmas.
By upholding the VPS values, public sector employees can help build trust with the public and maintain the integrity of the public sector. When public servants act with integrity and impartiality, they promote transparency and accountability, which are essential for maintaining public confidence in the government.
Moreover, the VPS values can help foster a positive workplace culture. By encouraging professionalism, collaboration, and respect, the values can create a supportive and inclusive work environment that attracts and retains talented employees.
The VPS values, just like the APS values and code of conduct, are not just theoretical concepts; they are designed to be applied in practice. In order to uphold the VPS values, public servants need to understand how to apply them to their daily work.
For example, in order to act with integrity, public servants need to be honest and transparent in all their dealings. They should not engage in activities that create a conflict of interest or compromise their impartiality. They should also maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of individuals, especially when dealing with sensitive information.
To uphold the value of accountability, public servants need to be responsible for their actions and decisions. They should be willing to accept feedback and criticism, and be transparent about their decision-making processes.
To promote professionalism, public servants need to be committed to providing high-quality services to the public. This means taking pride in their work, being responsive to the needs of stakeholders, and continually striving to improve their skills and knowledge.
Finally, to foster a culture of respect, public servants need to treat all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances. They should be open-minded and inclusive, and work to promote diversity and equality in the workplace.
While the VPS values are essential for all public sector employees, it is also important for employees in specific departments to align with their department’s values. This helps to ensure that the department’s goals and objectives are aligned with the broader goals of the public sector.
For example, the Department of Education and Training (DET) has its own set of values, which include learning and teaching, respect, excellence, collaboration, accountability, and integrity. By upholding these values, employees in the DET can help ensure that the department provides high-quality education and training services that meet the diverse needs of all learners.
When recruiting new employees, the DET may use the department’s values as part of the key selection criteria. This helps to ensure that new employees are committed to upholding the department’s values and goals.
The VPS Code of Conduct
In addition to the VPS values, public sector employees in Victoria are also expected to adhere to the VPS code of conduct. The code outlines the ethical standards and behaviours expected of public servants, including requirements related to conflicts of interest, gifts and benefits, and use of government resources.
The code of conduct also sets out the process for reporting and investigating breaches of the code, and the potential consequences for breaches, which may include disciplinary action or dismissal.
The VPS code of conduct is an important tool for ensuring that public servants maintain high ethical standards and act in the public interest. It helps to ensure that public servants are held accountable for their actions and that there are consequences for unethical behaviour.
Using the VPS Values in the Recruitment Process
The VPS values play a role not only in the daily work of public servants but also in the recruitment process. When recruiting new employees, public sector organizations may use the VPS values as part of the key selection criteria.
For example, a job advertisement may list the VPS values or APS values as a key selection criterion, requiring candidates to provide evidence of how they have demonstrated the values in their previous work experience. This helps to ensure that new employees are committed to upholding the values and have a track record of ethical decision-making, professionalism, and accountability.
The Victorian public sector values are a critical tool for promoting ethical decision-making, accountability, and professionalism among public servants. By upholding the values, public servants can help build trust with the public and maintain the integrity of the public sector.
The values are not just theoretical concepts; they are designed to be applied in practice. Public servants need to understand how to apply the values to their daily work and uphold the VPS code of conduct.
Moreover, it is important for public sector employees to align with their department’s values to ensure that their work is aligned with the broader goals of the public sector. When recruiting new employees, public sector organizations may use the VPS values as part of the key selection criteria to ensure that new employees are committed to upholding the values and have a track record of ethical decision-making, professionalism, and accountability.
In summary, the VPS values are essential for maintaining the integrity and accountability of the public sector in Victoria, and it is important for public servants to uphold them in their daily work.
Public Service Careers Coach, PS Careers Practice Manager
