Australian Public Service Guide to Working in Place

Working in place is a collaborative, community-centred approach that helps the Australian Public Service work with local communities to address complex challenges and achieve sustainable outcomes. Rather than applying a standard solution across different locations, it focuses on understanding local needs, strengths and priorities, and partnering with communities to develop responses that are tailored to place.

The guide outlines a spectrum of place-based approaches, from community consultation through to shared decision-making and co-designed governance arrangements. It draws on lessons from successful Australian initiatives and provides practical guidance for policymakers, program designers and service delivery teams.

Participant benefits

• Learn how to design initiatives that respond to local community needs using proven place-based approaches.
• Define the APS's seven key-ways of working in place and how they support collaboration and long-term outcomes.
• Gain practical insights from successful Australian place-based initiatives and case studies.
• Develop strategies for working effectively across government, community and stakeholder groups.
• Build capability to support shared decision-making and strengthen community participation in shaping solutions.

What this resource covers

• Coordinating effort across governments and sectors.
• Establishing supportive governance and partnerships.
• Building local capability and leadership.
• Enabling shared decision-making with communities.
• Strengthening collaboration and trust.
• Supporting continuous learning and improvement.
• Applying place-based approaches to policy, programs and service delivery.