Australian Public Service Guide to Working in Place

Working in place is a collaborative, flexible way for the Australian Public Service to work with communities to address local challenges and build long-term, positive change. Rather than applying one-size-fits-all solutions, this approach tailors support by involving local people, community organisations and other stakeholders in developing solutions that meet their specific needs and priorities. By recognising local knowledge, strengths and resources, working in place enables more effective and sustainable outcomes.

Working in place operates across a spectrum - from place-focused approaches where government consults communities, through to place-based approaches with shared decision-making, to place partnerships where governance and responsibility are co-designed and shared. This guide provides APS staff with seven key ways of working to support place initiatives: coordinating across government, setting up supportive governance, building capability, collaborating across sectors, empowering local people, enabling shared decision-making, and learning and improve continuously.

This guide draws on successful Australian place-based initiatives including Stronger Places, Stronger People; Communities for Children; Justice Reinvestment; Local Jobs; and Empowered Communities. Whether you're designing a new program, improving service delivery, or tackling community disadvantage, this resource provides best practice examples and practical strategies to help you work effectively in place.

Participant benefits

• Learn how to design initiatives that meet real community needs through practical strategies and examples of successful place-based approaches across Australia.
• Discover how to coordinate across government and reduce service gaps using the seven key ways of working for effective collaboration and long-term outcomes.
• Gain tools to empower communities through shared decision-making so diverse voices shape the solutions that affect them.

Suitable for 

All staff

Category and User Level 

This learning experience aligns with the Engagement & Partnership Craft at the Foundation level.