Chapter 3 - Improving our systems

Improving the systems that State Service workforce management rely on continues to be a key priority to ensure that appropriate, timely and accurate workforce data and systems are available to agencies. A number of projects progressed in 2015-16, including the launch of the new e-recruitment system.

Launching the new State Service e-Recruitment System and Jobs Website

One of the highlights in 2015-16 was the launch of the new State Service-wide e-Recruitment System and refreshed Tasmanian Government Jobs Website on 21 March 2016.

This launch was the culmination of the Tasmanian Government e-Recruitment Project (TGeRP), which had been led by SSMO since 2013, and has focused on streamlining what were largely manual recruitment processes into an online workflow, from advertisement to applicants’ selection and commencement.

Quick facts about the Jobs Website

• 2,878 advertisements were published on the Jobs Website - advertising 3,191 jobs.*
• 73 Expressions of Interest for State Service employees were posted.
• 7,571,407 pages were viewed.
• 533,313 individuals visited the site during this period.
• The average number of visits per month was 118,881.

* Note: Withdrawn advertisements, and those advertised multiple times have been removed. SSMO does not report on number of appointments made to these vacancies or Police recruitment.

Agency transition to the online system will have long-term impacts on the efficiency of recruitment workflows, and productivity is likely to increase. The new system and website have had very positive feedback from agencies.

The new system is more user-friendly for applicants seeking work in the State Service as it allows them to create an online profile, apply for vacancies online, and track their progress.

The system has also increased the quality of reporting outputs through the accuracy, range and completeness of data. This will enable the State Service to make more informed decisions about recruitment and provide greater support for workforce planning activities.

The introduction of the new system has seen the end of the printed Tasmanian State Service Notices Gazette, the last edition being published 17 March 2016.* The withdrawal of the Gazette has provided agencies with the ability to advertise vacancies as they become available, further reducing the time taken to fill roles.

Empower Integration and Automation Program

Another of the major activities underway in 2015-16 was the continued progress of the Empower Integration and Automation Program. The Program’s objective is to improve Human Resources systems (like payroll services), such as through reducing the number of manual processes, reducing overheads and significantly improving real-time relational reporting capabilities.

In 2014-15 a preliminary business case to consolidate agencies’ employee management systems was presented to agencies. This year has seen finalisation of the Business Case and associated funding arrangements, and its formal Ministerial endorsement.

The reporting period also saw work begin on a pilot of an advanced reporting platform in the Department of Justice. In 2016-17 the pilot will conclude and the reporting platform will be extended to all agencies.

Further work on the Program will also include developing common configuration and coding arrangements. 

* On 17 March 2016, Employment Direction No. 1: Employment in the State Service was reissued and included amendments that make advertising via the www.jobs.tas.gov.au website the minimum requirement for advertising vacancies. Staff Movement Notices will continue to be published in accordance with the requirements of Section 52 of the State Service Act 2000, and will instead appear in the Tasmanian Government Gazette.