ACTPS Performance Development

The ACTPS Performance Framework is a mechanism to ensure that everyone in the workplace is clear on what is expected of them at work. In the ACTPS, feedback on work performance is part of the way we work because it leads to improving our services to the ACT Community.

Conversation and discussion is the easiest way for a manager and staff member to help each other understand:

  • what specific results they both need to achieve at work;
  • what’s gone well at work and what behaviour they both appreciate and like to see; and
  • how to develop their skills or behaviour in order to do their job even better.

Use the ACT Public Service Shared Capability Framework [PDF document PDF 306KB] [Word document Doc 326KB] to help you be specific about what you’re great at, what you can improve and what capabilities you need to take the next step in your ACTPS career.

Regular conversations help to build this mutual understanding. While most ACTPS workplaces require managers and staff to have formal performance and development planning discussions twice a year it is important to know that feedback conversations can be:

  • at any time;
  • informal or formal;
  • to address a specific issue or just a general conversation about ‘How are you going?’; or
  • a ‘sit down’ discussion as part of the performance planning cycle.

Use the handy ‘1 page performance discussion record’ template below to make a note of key topics and actions you have discussed.

The ACT Public Service Performance Framework Policy and Guidance Statement

ACT Public Service Performance Framework Policy [PDF document PDF 256KB]
ACT Public Service Performance Framework Policy [Word document DOC 245KB]


The guidance statement provides further detail to help agencies in implementing the policy.

ACT Public Service Performance Framework Guidance Statement [PDF document PDF 1.3MB]
ACT Public Service Performance Framework Guidance Statement [Word document DOC 703KB]

Templates for recording performance discussions

Each Directorate/agency utilises the ACTPS Performance Framework and is responsible for implementing performance policy and arrangements consistent with the ACTPS Performance Framework.

Below are templates which have been developed for recording performance discussions for individual or team discussions, with executive and non-executive staff.

Templates for discussion with non-executive staff

Template for recording performance and development discussions (individual and team discussions) [PDF document PDF 261KB]
Template for recording performance and development discussions (individual and team discussions) [Word document DOCX 601KB]

Templates for discussions with executive staff

Template for recording performance and development discussions (executives) [PDF document PDF 637KB]
Template for recording performance and development discussions (executives) [Word document DOCX 228KB]

Templates for discussions with Directors-General

Template for recording performance and development discussions (Director-General) [PDF document PDF 639KB]
Template for recording performance and development discussions (Director-General) [Word document DOCX 228KB]

Performance Development Guides

Talking about and reviewing performance is not always easy - it is a skill in itself. The guides on this website are designed to help you address particular issues and strengthen your performance skills and team relationships.

A quick guide to the ACTPS Performance Framework [PDF document PDF 293KB]
A quick guide to the ACTPS Performance Framework [Word document DOC 416KB]

Getting the most out of your Performance and Development in the ACTPS [PDF document PDF 258KB]
Getting the most out of your Performance and Development in the ACTPS [Word document DOC 102KB]

Talking about Behaviour – a guide for ACTPS employees [PDF document PDF 2.6MB]
Talking about Behaviour – a guide for ACTPS employees [Word document DOC 495KB]

The Art of Giving, Seeking and Receiving Feedback [PDF document PDF 406KB]
The Art of Giving, Seeking and Receiving Feedback [Word document DOC 650KB]

Developing a Performance Plan [PDF document PDF 273KB]
Developing a Performance Plan [Word document DOC 319KB]

Planning for Learning and Development [PDF document PDF 398KB]
Planning for Learning and Development [Word document DOC 134KB]

Tips for a Difficult Performance Discussion [PDF document PDF 251KB]
Tips for a Difficult Performance Discussion [Word document DOC 96KB]

Performance Development Guides for ACTPS leaders and managers

The above guides for all staff also apply to people managers.

Getting the best from people at work: a guide for supervisors and managers [PDF document PDF 262KB]
Getting the best from people at work: a guide for supervisors and managers [Word document DOC 302KB]

Having good quality performance management and development discussions: a guide for supervisors and managers [PDF document PDF 549KB]
Having good quality performance management and development discussions: a guide for supervisors and managers [Word document DOC 757KB]

Having team performance discussions: a guide for supervisors and managers [PDF document PDF 234KB]
Having team performance discussions: a guide for supervisors and managers [Word document DOC 69KB]

Responding to work performance concerns quickly: a guide for ACTPS supervisors and managers [PDF document PDF 231KB]
Responding to work performance concerns quickly: a guide for ACTPS supervisors and managers [Word document DOC 282KB]

Guides for Executives

The above guides for all staff also apply to Executives.

Leading performance management and development [PDF document PDF 170KB]
Leading performance management and development [Word document DOC 70KB]

*For inquiries regarding other formats for accessibility purposes please contact psm@act.gov.au.