Overview

The NSW Government Sector Senior Executive Work Level Standards (WLS) provide a classifying framework to enable departments and agencies to determine the appropriate band for senior executive roles under the Government Sector Employment Act 2013 (GSE Act), excluding Department Secretaries.

NSW government sector and Public Service agencies are required to apply the WLS when classifying a senior executive role within bands 1-3. Included within the WLS are design principles to assist agencies in creating senior executive structures and roles that are effective in meeting organisational and Government priorities. While alignment to the design principles is not mandated, departments and agencies should consider their application where appropriate.

The WLS focus on 6 key factors for each band level:

1. expertise
2. accountability
3. scope
4. key relationships
5. operating environment
6. judgement and independence.

These factors collectively define the expected work and responsibilities at each band, supporting role classification and evaluation. The characteristics across the 3 bands are cumulative in nature.

The WLS are intended for HR specialists with expertise in evaluating senior executive roles. The WLS also support mobility of senior executives across the sector by providing consistent role classifications.