Integrity and Political Savvy (Developing)

70% on-the-job learning

• Learn about the role, boundaries and accountability of a public servant. Read the Public Service Commission’s A guide on integrity and conduct, factsheets on free and frank advice and policy stewardship.
• Learn about the Government’s objectives and your minister’s priorities, and how these relate to the work of your agency. To see this at a broad level, read the Speech from the Throne.
• Talk with your colleagues about the minister’s style preferences and way of working, particularly as they relate to the work you do (e.g. drafting briefings).
• Develop an understanding of how the minister’s office operates.
• Read party manifesto and cross-party coalition and confidence and supply agreements as they relate to your sector.
• Develop an understanding of other agencies and ministers who may have an interest in your agency’s policy work.
• Attend staff meetings to get a regular download on the minister’s priorities.
• Work alongside a senior colleague to develop a simple briefing that delivers free and frank advice.
• Regularly read the minister’s media releases and speeches posted on the Beehive website to get an understanding of what issues are current and how the minister addresses them.
• Develop an understanding of your agency’s stakeholders, their interests, and influence on your work.
• Talk with colleagues about the role of your agency’s executive leadership team and how they like to work.
• Seek guidance from senior colleagues on working with decision makers and in dealing with sensitive situations.
• Support advisors attending select committees and ministerial meetings to understand how they prepare for them.

20% learning from others 

• Discuss with your manager how your team’s work fits within the Government’s and the minister’s priorities.
• If possible, accompany your manager or senior colleagues to meetings with the minister, and your agency’s executive leadership team.
• If possible, accompany your manager or senior colleagues to select committees.
• Look to senior colleagues for guidance on working with ministers and decision makers.
• Attend regular feedback sessions by private secretaries to policy staff (if they exist).

10% formal learning

• Specific induction training including Public Service Commission’s Tikanga whakauru mahi a te Ratonga Tūmatanui | Public Service Induction.