Guide to Performance Management in the Australian Public Service
Effective performance management is essential to building a high-performing, accountable and professional Australian Public Service (APS). The Australian Public Service Commission's Performance Management in the Australian Public Service guide supports agencies to implement performance management practices that help employees succeed, develop capability and contribute to organisational outcomes.
The guide forms part of the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Directions and provides practical guidance on creating a performance culture that aligns individual performance with agency objectives, APS Values and Employment Principles. It promotes ongoing feedback, meaningful performance conversations and continuous improvement across all levels of the APS.
By embedding effective performance management practices, agencies can strengthen capability, improve organisational performance and support better outcomes for the Australian community.
What are the benefits?
- Builds understanding of effective performance management practices across the APS
- Supports the development of a high-performance organisational culture
- Encourages regular feedback, coaching and performance conversations
- Strengthens individual capability, accountability and professional growth
- Aligns employee performance with organisational priorities and APS values
- Supports fair, consistent and transparent performance management processes
What this resource covers
The guide provides practical guidance on:
- establishing clear performance expectations and goals
- supporting ongoing performance and development conversations
- providing timely feedback and coaching
- recognising strong performance and addressing performance concerns
- linking individual contributions to agency objectives
- fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement
The guidance is designed to support performance management at all levels of APS organisations.
About the guide
This guide provides an overview of performance management principles and practices across the APS.
It supports employees and managers to:
- understand their roles and responsibilities in performance management
- engage in meaningful performance and development discussions
- build capability and support continuous improvement
- contribute to a high-performing and accountable APS culture
The guide provides a practical foundation for implementing effective performance management practices that support individual, team and organisational success.