
The Spark is a program designed to equip NSW Government HR leaders and practitioners to support the transformation of the workforce and deliver a world class public service.
Informed by sector feedback and global HR trends, the program has been designed with strategic HR experts from inside and outside the public sector.
The program consists of 12 podcasts and three masterclasses which focus on three key themes: smarter ways of working, people analytics, and the changing role of HR.
An exciting new initiative under The Spark is a cross-sector mentoring program offering NSW Government HR professionals opportunities for continued development in HR capability.
The Spark HR mentoring program
The Spark HR mentoring program pairs mentors and mentees from across the sector to support HR capability development.
Podcasts
Hosted by Tanya Hammond, each podcast is between 30 and 45 minutes long. They are designed to be used as a learning initiative either individually or in teams, and feature HR experts from the public and private sectors.
Episode 1 - Rhonda Brighton-Hall
Smarter ways of working: talent management and the future of work with Rhonda Brighton-Hall.

Episode 2 - Jaye Matheson
Smarter ways of working: supporting managers in leading through disruptive change and adapting to the digital and human centred world of work with Jaye Matheson.

Episode 3 - Natasha Fox & Ben Neal
Smarter ways of working: leading digital workforce transformation with Natasha Fox and Ben Neal.

Episode 4 - Jody Grima & Scott Johnston
Smarter ways of working: curating responsive, flexible & resilient organisational cultures and work practices for ongoing change with Jody Grima and Scott Johnston.

Episode 5 - Tony Ashton
People analytics: trends in establishing and maturing the people analytics team with Tony Ashton.

Episode 6 - Richard Griffiths
People analytics: sourcing workplace and people insights – starting with the basics with Richard Griffiths.

Episode 7 - Rodd Staples
People analytics: taking an evidence-based approach to all things customer, people and culture with Rodd Staples.

Episode 8 - Sandra Crawford
People analytics: imparting insights – the art of story-telling to compel action with Sandra Crawford.

Episode 9 - Jacqui Curtis
Changing role of HR: future role of adaptive and flexible HR models leveraging technology, automation and responding to the VUCA world with Jacqui Curtis.

Episode 10 - Scott Hansen
Changing role of HR: Partnering with the business to identify, develop and execute workforce strategies with Scott Hansen.

Episode 11 - Kirsten Watson
Changing role of HR: the reality of what business partnering is and how it can be achieved through business acumen, 'soft skills' and problem solving.

Episode 12 - Margo Droulers
Changing role of HR: how to transition from transaction "policy police" to leading strategic and trusted business advisors.

Masterclasses
Three virtual masterclasses were delivered in 2020 to provide opportunities to engage in rich and diverse thinking under the facilitation of industry experts, as well as the opportunity to apply learning during and after the session. The series was developed with the support of a leading group of NSW Government HR advisors, to cultivate a network of talented and committed HR practitioners who will be the catalyst for change in their agencies.
Masterclass 1: Smarter ways of working
Understand the impacts of smarter ways of working and demonstrate how HR can lead and support the transitioning workforce through digital disruption and ongoing change
Masterclass 2: Enabling impact with people insights
Identify how data analytics can inform workforce strategy and enable evidence-based decision making, management and practice
Masterclass 3: Adapting to the changing role of HR
Understand how the role of HR in the NSW public sector is changing, the drivers of change and the role of HR as a strategic driver and advisor of the business and sector
Are you a NSW Government HR practitioner?
Join the NSW Government Community of HR Professionals
Connect with HR people from across the NSW public sector, share ideas and experiences, and hear about relevant projects, events and initiatives.
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact us.