Recruitment & selection

Recruitment and Selection

Recruitment in the NSW Public Service is governed by a legal framework that includes:

Government Sector Employment Act 2013 (GSE Act) which establishes an ethical framework where recruitment and promotion of employees is on the basis of merit. It also enables the employment and assignment of senior executives (Division 4) and non-executives (Division 5) in the Public Service.
Government Sector Employment Regulation 2014 (GSE Regulation) which supports the GSE Act, with information on Public Service employment including on allowances for assignments and secondments.
Government Sector Employment (General) Rules 2014 (GSE Rules) which set out the legal requirements for recruitment, particularly Part 3 on the merit principles that apply to employment decisions in the Public Service.

The Recruitment and Selection Guide assists recruiters and hiring managers in the NSW Public Service to make informed recruitment and selection decisions.

Whole of government recruitment programs

A number of programs are in place to support efficient merit-based recruitment.

NSW Public Service Recruitment Pools

Recruitment pools are a way of recruiting for roles that are commonly needed across the NSW Public Service. By submitting one application, applicants can be considered for many roles across multiple Public Service agencies.

NSW Government Graduate Program

The NSW Government Graduate Program accepts and assesses applications from Graduates of undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. It provides a whole-of-government experience and professional development program which focuses on providing graduates with exposure to a broad range of projects and work though rotations across different NSW agencies.

Aboriginal Employment and Development Program

The Aboriginal Employment and Development Program aims to increase the number of capable Aboriginal people entering the NSW public sector and the program contributes to a long term approach to increasing Aboriginal staff representation.

Talent Acquisition

The Talent Acquisition procurement scheme allows for suppliers to be prequalified to provide to NSW Government products and services which source, assess and select talent for executive and non-executive roles.

Products and services covered by the scheme include:

Design and Delivery of Assessments
Talent Search (executive and non-executive)
Psychometric Tools
Recruitment Technologies (video interviews, reference checks)

Applying for a role in the NSW Public Service

NSW Government is committed to employment practices that are fair, responsive and inclusive. The Guide to Applying for a role in the NSW Public Service explains the application and selection process for those seeking employment in the NSW Public Service.