NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) maintains a comprehensive and rigorous program towards employer of choice status. Some of the key components of this program are detailed below.

Values

Department culture is represented by the way in which we act and work together. We are committed to a leadership approach that gives effect to our values. We uphold our values in all dealings with clients, stakeholders and each other. The values to which we aspire can be summarised as follows:

• Integrity - we behave ethically and act with honesty, fairness, courage and loyalty.
• Professionalism - we conduct ourselves in a business-like manner to deliver efficient and expert services in the public interest and we are accountable for our decisions.
• Innovation - we strive for excellence, creativity, leading-edge science and quality.
• Respect - we respect each other, our families, our clients, those with different ideas and from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Aboriginal Employment Strategy

NSW DPI has produced an Aboriginal Employment Strategy which promotes equity and opportunity for Aboriginal people within our workforce. The Strategy aims to increase the employment of Aboriginal people within the department as well as to provide training and support for Aboriginal employees to enhance their capacity to contribute effectively to NSW DPI programs and outcomes.

NSW DPI has employed three permanent Aboriginal staff under the Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Program, an initiative to assist agencies in improving employment outcomes to Aboriginal people. NSW DPI also provides in-house training courses in cultural diversity and aboriginal cultural awareness.

Continuous improvement

NSW DPI aims to deliver improved outcomes for both our staff and the business. In its Corporate Plan 2005-2008, NSW DPI includes its commitment to maintaining a skilled and cohesive workforce operating in a safe, satisfying and fair work environment. To support this commitment, a Human Resources Strategic Plan 2006-2008, annual Workforce Plan, and annual EEO Management Plan have been developed.

Diversity of career paths

NSW DPI offers a diversity of careers, with 3600 staff working in laboratories, mines, offices and forests, on the land, on the sea and rivers, and with all kinds of primary producers and their industries throughout the state. The department operates from over 130 offices in metropolitan and regional centres, small country towns and remote locations, offering staff the opportunity to enjoy country living while making an important contribution to vital state industries.

Staff can use the department's promotion and progression processes to advance through their chosen path in professional, technical, advisory, educational, research, regulatory and administrative areas.

Employee Assistance Program

NSW DPI’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides an independent, confidential and professional counselling service to all employees and their immediate family members. The EAP contributes to a satisfying, safe and healthy work environment, and acknowledges the importance of fostering an environment in which employees are encouraged to lead well-balanced and fulfilling lives both at work and at home.

Flexible work practices

NSW DPI is committed to offering staff supportive and flexible work practices including:

• part-time hours
• job share arrangements
• flex-time arrangements
• career breaks scheme which utilises leave without pay for an extended specified period of time with the right to return to a position at the same level.

Leave provisions

NSW DPI has comprehensive leave conditions, including long service, sick, recreation, parental, family and community services and leave without pay arrangements.

Overseas work

Opportunities exists for employees to undertake national and international travel to undertake research and development projects, exchange technologies and undertake market access negotiations to promote the products of New South Wales primary industries.

Policies

NSW DPI has a number of formal policies and programs in place across to support our employees, including:

• Code of Conduct
• Combating Workplace Harassment and Bullying policy
• Injury Management policy
• Staff Training and Development policy

Safe and healthy workplace

NSW DPI is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its staff, students, visitors, contractors and neighbours. The OHS Strategy provides a basis for integrating OHS improvement into all areas of the department's operations. The OHS team advises and guides management and staff to ensure the working environment is safe and to develop an awareness of safe working practices. New staff participate in an OHS induction program to ensure they can carry out their duties safely.

Salary packaging

NSW DPI provides enhanced salary packaging arrangements for laptops, motor vehicles and superannuation. The processing of salary sacrificing into superannuation is undertaken in-house at no cost to the employee, and SASS members can now pay personal contributions from pre-tax salary.

Scientific excellence

NSW Department of Primary Industries is the largest provider of science and research services within the NSW Government and has an international reputation for scientific excellence. NSW DPI scientists have been ranked in the top 1% of world research institutions in agricultural science and plant and animal science.

Career progression occurs through the NSW Research Scientist classification scheme, which ensures scientists’ work is independently assessed and continues to be of national and/or international standard. More than 50 scientific disciplines are represented in the department's workforce.

NSW DPI encourages and supports scientists to undertake higher education as part of an ongoing commitment to enrich the skills of its workforce.

Service Awards

NSW DPI shows its appreciation to staff by formally recognising the dedication and loyalty of long-serving employees. The Service Awards apply to all permanent and temporary employees currently employed by the department. Major career milestones are recognised, commencing when an employee attains 10 years of service and then at every subsequent 10th anniversary (20, 30 and 40 years). A certificate is awarded for all Service Awards.

Staff Achievement Awards

NSW DPI’s Staff Achievement Awards recognise and honour employees who have demonstrated excellence in customer service, innovation, project excellence, sustained performance and contribution to cross-divisional team work. The Staff Achievement Award is open to all staff of NSW DPI throughout the state. The Board of Management selects up to ten employees per annum to receive the prestigious awards.

Training and development

NSW DPI values and invests in the development of its employees by offering generous study leave and promoting a broad range of learning and development opportunities, including scholarships, fellowships, executive and senior management programs and in-house courses. These opportunities enhance the skills, performance and employee satisfaction and prepare employees for new roles and changes in career directions.

Women’s Employment Strategy

NSW DPI launched the Women’s Employment Strategy on 8 March 2006. This strategy outlines the department's commitment to ensure equity, support diversity, and provide opportunity in the workplace for our female employees. An Action Plan has also been developed by the Women’s Consultative Group and was officially launched by the Director-General on 8 March 2007.