The State Services Commission's strategic direction is based on the overall outcome that

New Zealanders have a high performing, trusted and accessible State sector, delivering the right services in the right way at the right prices.

To achieve this outcome the State Services Commission will focus on delivering the priorities the Government has identified for the wider State sector, at the same time ensuring its core activities deliver the priorities of the Minister of State Services.

An efficient and productive State Services is a key element in the Government's plan for a faster-growing economy. The Government expects the State sector to focus on providing better and more effective front line services for New Zealanders while using taxpayers' money wisely in a time of fiscal constraint. To deliver the Government's direction, the three central agencies - the State Services Commission, the Treasury and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet - must lead by example and exhibit high standards of professionalism, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Three key priorities that the Minister of State Services has asked the State Services Commission to deliver are outlined below. Although the Commission will lead the work in delivering these priorities, our central agency partners will also play a key role in supporting their delivery.

Capping the size of the core government administration

The Government has applied a global cap, effective from 31 December 2008, to the size of the core government administration to ensure that priority is given to front line services that directly benefit New Zealanders. It wants to see people and funding move into areas that will deliver the best value for money, and the best improvements to front line services.

The State Services Commission will monitor the implementation of the cap and together with the Treasury will undertake a review of the effectiveness of the management and monitoring regime for the policy. The review, to be completed in early 2010, will consider information on staffing, expenditure and progress in giving priority to the front line reported by departments to the Commission, and consultancy and personnel expenditure reported by departments to the Treasury.

Setting new expectations for pay and employment conditions in the State sector

Given the current economic climate, it is essential that there is restraint in pay and conditions within the State sector. The State Services Commission will exercise a greater level of oversight and involvement across a range of employment related areas, based on the following principles:

• Any changes to pay must not lead private sector movements and must take into account the total cost and value of employment conditions.
• State sector agencies that are required to consult with the Commission regarding changes to conditions of employment are expected to demonstrate that changes in pay and employment conditions are fiscally sustainable within baselines, responsible, and demonstrate value for money.

Strengthening trust in the State Services

Through the New Zealanders' Experience research programme we have identified and understand the key drivers that have the greatest influence on New Zealanders' satisfaction with, and trust in, public services. State servants have also responded on their experience of integrity and conduct in their workplaces.

This evidence is informing the Commission's continuing role in leading, articulating and reinforcing standards and values, to maintain the appropriate levels of integrity and conduct among employees in the State Services. A code of conduct for the State Services, Standards of Integrity and Conduct , was issued by the State Services Commissioner and came into effect on 30 November 2007.

SSC work programme

During 2008/09, SSC determined that there is no longer a need for a separate Development Goals brand. While there was support for the Development Goals at a high level, feedback suggested that it was hard to translate the Goals into priorities for action at a practical level. While the Development Goals brand has been discontinued, the objectives for the wider State Services have not changed and the SSC's work programme still reflects some of the themes and objectives of the goals.

Areas of work currently being undertaken at SSC are published on this website, listed alphabetically under the homepage top level navigation heading Work Programmes.

Further information:

The Office of the State Services Commissioner

The role of the State Services Commissioner in the State sector

The agencies that comprise the State Services and wider State sector