Can you help us identify what information sharing forums and inter-agency networks exist across the APS?
One of the first activities we have been undertaking as part of the new Centre for Excellence in Public Sector Design is to try and map out the innovation and design ecosystem within which the Centre lives. Part of that task includes identifying what channels there are for how information (including ideas) moves through and beyond the APS and where various capabilities lie.
We know there are lots of formal mechanisms (inter-departmental committees, reports, regular meetings, etc.) but we’re interested in getting a better picture of some of the less formal pathways as
well.
The following are some of the networks that we have identified that exist across the APS. If you know of any others, could you please let us know about them in the comments below?
(Also if you know of any good tools for mapping and describing the people and elements within networks/eco-systems, we would be much obliged if you could let us know about them too. We are on the hunt for a way to map out and share what we do find.)
Design, Innovation & Strategy Networks
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- Australasian Joint Agencies Scanning Network (AJASN) – a cross-agency horizon scanning network including some state/territory/local government agencies
(and some from outside of Australia). Facilitated by Delaney Foresight
- Australasian Joint Agencies Scanning Network (AJASN) – a cross-agency horizon scanning network including some state/territory/local government agencies
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- Commonwealth State and Territory Advisory Council on Innovation – a council of high level officials (which meets twice a year) from the Australian Government, the State and Territory governments, and the New Zealand Government who advise and coordinate comment on their innovation policy, activities and programs. With a targeted and strategic approach to innovation issues, the Council aims to improve the effectiveness, integration and coordination of the national innovation system. Facilitated by the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education
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- Coordination Committee on Innovation – a discussion forum for Australian Government departments and agencies with responsibilities or interests that impact on the national innovation system. The Committee comprises representatives from 30 Commonwealth Departments and Agencies and acts as an information sharing forum for Australian Government innovation activities. Facilitated by the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education
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- Innovation Policy Report – aims to highlight departmental, national and international developments in the innovation policy area (not necessarily public sector). It also includes summaries of relevant innovation documents and events. Compiled by the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education
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- Public Sector Innovation Network – a network of public servants and academics interested in public sector innovation. Facilitated by the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education
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- Policy Visualisation Network – a newly established network to bring policy makers and designers together to explore how the APS can better use visualisation techniques to provide better policy analysis, advice or engagement. Facilitation led by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
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- Strategic Policy Network (SPN) – comprising SES policy practitioners from across the APS. The network meets regularly to discuss strategic policy issues including better practice methodologies.
The Strategic Policy Network is developing an online strategic policy resource that will provide APS staff with access to practical policy development tools. Facilitated by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Strategic Policy Network (SPN) – comprising SES policy practitioners from across the APS. The network meets regularly to discuss strategic policy issues including better practice methodologies.
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- SPN+ – an open forum for all APS strategic policy practitioners, building on discussions held by the SPN. Facilitated by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
General Inter-agency Networks
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- APS 200 – senior leadership group made up of Secretary and Deputy Secretary level staff of Commonwealth departments and agencies. The APS200 champions critical projects across the service, focusing on complex challenges that span more than one specific portfolio. It identifies and discusses strategic priorities. Supported by the Department of the Prime Minister
and Cabinet and the Australian Public Service Commission
- APS 200 – senior leadership group made up of Secretary and Deputy Secretary level staff of Commonwealth departments and agencies. The APS200 champions critical projects across the service, focusing on complex challenges that span more than one specific portfolio. It identifies and discusses strategic priorities. Supported by the Department of the Prime Minister
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- Executive Level Leadership Network – provides an opportunity for EL employees from across the APS to come together to strengthen their leadership practice by hearing from a range
of engaging speakers with diverse perspectives, sharing insights and experiences with colleagues, and building collaborative networks across agencies. Facilitated by the Australian Public Service Commission
- Executive Level Leadership Network – provides an opportunity for EL employees from across the APS to come together to strengthen their leadership practice by hearing from a range
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- SES Leader to Leader Series – The Leader to Leader series provides an opportunity for members of the SES to hear from Heads of Departments and Agencies on their leadership experiences and challenges in the context of public sector reforms. This event also provides senior APS leaders with a valuable opportunity to meet and network with their colleagues. Facilitated by the Australian Public Service Commission
Function/Issue Based Networks
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- Procurement Discussion Forum – provides procurement and contract management officials with the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues and to hear from a range of experts on
topics across the full procurement cycle. Facilitated by the Department of Finance and Deregulation
- Procurement Discussion Forum – provides procurement and contract management officials with the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues and to hear from a range of experts on
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- HR Leaders Forum – a vehicle for thought leadership in human resources. It provides an opportunity for HR leaders to discuss current and emerging issues, to share results and lessons from HR activities as well as to explore HR activities that are consistent with best practice. Facilitated by the Australian Public Service Commission
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- APS Policy Implementation Network – a network of SES expert implementers sharing advice on key implementation challenges for the APS. Facilitated by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
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- Cross Agency Communication Forum – a network of people working in the communications space in the APS
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- ICT – includes the Chief Information Officer Committee and the Chief Information Officer Forum, run by the Australian Government Information Management Office
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- APS Human Rights Network – people who are interested in how human rights relate to their work and is principally focused on the work of the APS. Currently the Network has over
500 members. The Network is intended to provide a space to discuss human rights and how they relate to and inform the work of the APS in a friendly, informal and collaborative environment. Coordinated by the Australian Human Rights Commission
- APS Human Rights Network – people who are interested in how human rights relate to their work and is principally focused on the work of the APS. Currently the Network has over
External Not-for-Profit Public Administration Networks
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- Canberra Evaluation Forum – a not for profit, unincorporated networking Association that facilitates people to gather for the purposes of presenting and discussing issues of
common interest concerning program and project evaluation. The Forum is a network of Commonwealth and ACT Government departments and agencies, private sector companies and academics interested in evaluation and performance management issues in the public and private sectors
- Canberra Evaluation Forum – a not for profit, unincorporated networking Association that facilitates people to gather for the purposes of presenting and discussing issues of
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- The Change Management Institute – The Change Management Institute (CMI) is an independent, international, not-for-profit organisation set up to promote and develop the practice of change management. It has an ACT Chapter
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- Institute of Public Administration Australia – the nationwide professional association for those involved in public administration
External Informal Networks
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- TEDxCanberra – now in its third year, TEDxCanberra is a volunteer run, nonprofit ideas event that brings the internationally recognised TED brand to the National Capital once a year in the Spring for an independently organised TEDx event
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- Gov 2.0 – there is a loose, informal network around Gov 2.0. This network was important in running GovHack and GovCamp as part of Innovation Week 2012. There is an informal discussion forum for the group
- OZLoop – an Australian social network of interested public servants and community colleagues expressing and exchanging ideas and knowledge to help build an engaged Australian public sector.