We will address the immediate need for critical data, digital and cyber specialists, recognising these capabilities are difficult to source and take lead-time to grow.

Access to specialisations

How will we know we are achieving these outcomes? (indicators)

3.1. The APS has increased its ability to access specialist capability.

Evidence we will use to track our progress 

Evidence Frequency Horizon
Decrease in reported levels of inter-agency competition for data, digital and cyber talent.
Source: Soft intelligence gathering (APSC, DTA)		 Ad-hoc 1,2,3
Number of digital transformation initiatives that are delivered on time, on budget and to a high standard.
Source: Digital Transformation Agency		 Annually 1,2,3

Additional data that could be collected as the plan evolves

Size of gap between public and private sector remuneration for data, digital and cyber specialists 

Source: Annual Data, Digital and Cyber Salary Benchmarking and Remuneration Report

Workforce utilisation

How will we know we are achieving these outcomes? (indicators)

3.2. The APS strategically utilises the external digital workforce when it is beneficial to the APS.

Evidence we will use to track our progress 

Evidence Frequency Horizon
Number of digital project delivery risks attributed to workforce 
Source: DTA Digital Investment Pipeline		 Biannually 1,2,3
Cost Expenditure on external workforce (ICT and digital) 
Source: Audit of Employment		 As available 1,2,3

Additional data that could be collected as the plan evolves

Number and value of ICT contracts 

Source: Digital Marketplace (2.0)

Initiatives contributing to the achievement of these outcomes

Workforce Planning Initiatives:

  • Specialist deployment framework
  • Specialist work level standards
  • Digital and cyber employee value proposition
  • AI skills suggester
  • Innovative hiring practices, including the sharing of merit lists
  • Reduce barriers to re-entry
  • Data, digital and cyber recruitment pilot 
  • APS digital skills program (pilot) 
  • Technical fast-track 
  • APS digital micro-credentialing bootcamps 
  • Remuneration benchmarking and report (pilot) 
  • Explore options for APS data, digital and cyber remuneration and conditions

Supporting activities and enablers: 

  • Supported career pathways 
  • APS Location Framework 
  • APS Digital and Data Professions and Communities of Practice
  • APS Data Capability Framework
  • Curated ‘data’ learning offerings
  • APS Strategic Commissioning Framework
  • Contractor conversion 
  • Specialist arrangements guidance 
  • APS Centre of Excellence for Workforce Planning