MEMBERS of the public service should have “meaningful” and “descriptive” job titles, rather than numerical classifications, a new review has found.

The APS Hierarchy and Classification Review, released today (August 26), found job titles like APS 1- 6, EL1 and 2 and SES 1-3 were “hampering productivity” and disallowing colleagues to communicate with higher classifications.

The review recommends cutting the current 13 classifications to eight, with suggestions for new titles including primary, advanced and expert “core officers”.

Suggestions for seniors positions include manager, general manager and executive general manager. It was not recommended that the title of secretary be changed.

In response to the review, one APS graduate said “You are a rank first, and a person second”.

If adopted, it would be the first time since 2000 that the classification system was changed.

“A move to generic, non-numeric classification titles, accompanied by more specific job titles, is intended to encourage a focus on role and contribution rather than position on a ladder,” the report reads.

“Such practices embed a culture of deference to others on the basis of their level rather than expertise or experience. Hierarchical behaviours like these do not align with modern, flexible and productive organisations that are focused on citizen outcomes.”

The review recommends greater investment in those at the EL2 level in an attempt to create a “flatter” and more “streamlined” public service.

It calls for the mandating of management and leadership training for all staff with supervisory responsibility.

“The EL2 level should be recalibrated to play an enhanced and strengthened leadership role,” reads the report.

“Successful implementation of the recommendations relies on the urgent investment in enhancing EL2/Manager capability to reposition these roles as APS powerhouses – particularly looking at capabilities in risk management, ministerial engagements, strategic HR and change management.”

APS Commissioner Peter Woolcott said the APS will act on many of the review’s findings but at this stage will not make changes to the current classifications.

“A key theme of the review is strengthening APS culture and capability, and we will begin our work there,” Mr Woolcott said.

“My priority is updating our guidance on Optimal Management Structures. This will go a long way to deliver the aims of the review, while allowing agencies to adjust their structures flexibly over time.”

Read the full report here.