About State services commission
The State Services Commission: Leading and Improving the Performance of New Zealand's Public Service
The Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission, also known as the State Services Commission (SSC), is a central agency in New Zealand that is responsible for leading and improving the performance of the state sector. The SSC plays a crucial role in ensuring that public services are delivered effectively and efficiently to meet the needs of citizens.
The SSC was established in 1912 as part of New Zealand's public service reforms. Its primary function was to oversee the recruitment, training, and management of public servants across government departments. Over time, its role has expanded to include a range of functions related to improving public service delivery.
One of the key responsibilities of the SSC is to provide leadership and guidance on matters related to governance, performance management, and accountability across government agencies. This includes developing policies and standards for managing human resources, financial management, information technology systems, procurement processes, and other areas critical to effective governance.
In addition to its leadership role within government agencies, the SSC also works closely with other stakeholders such as citizens' groups, business organizations, academic institutions, and international partners. It engages with these groups through various channels such as consultations on policy development or research projects aimed at improving public service delivery.
Another important function of the SSC is monitoring compliance with ethical standards by public servants. It provides guidance on ethical behavior through codes of conduct for employees across all levels within government agencies. The commission also investigates complaints about unethical behavior by public servants or breaches in compliance with ethical standards.
The SSC has been instrumental in driving innovation within New Zealand's public sector through initiatives such as Better Public Services (BPS). BPS aims at delivering better outcomes for citizens by focusing on results rather than inputs or outputs alone. This approach involves setting clear targets for key areas such as reducing crime rates or increasing educational attainment levels while encouraging collaboration between different government agencies towards achieving these goals.
The SSC also plays a critical role in ensuring that public services are delivered equitably to all citizens, regardless of their background or circumstances. It works towards achieving this goal by promoting diversity and inclusion within government agencies and developing policies that address systemic inequalities.
In conclusion, the State Services Commission is a vital agency in New Zealand's public service sector. Its leadership and guidance have been instrumental in improving the performance of government agencies and delivering better outcomes for citizens. The commission's focus on innovation, ethical behavior, equity, and inclusion has made it an essential partner for stakeholders across different sectors. As New Zealand continues to face new challenges in the 21st century, the SSC will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its future direction.