Secondment/Exchange program
The secondment and exchange program provides an opportunity for staff to work in other organisations to enhance their skills and knowledge by sharing experiences, information and knowledge. This arrangement is also a reward mechanism for sustained high performance and forms part of our retention strategy.
Placement in APS Agencies
A total of six staff members were seconded over the reporting year on a full cost-recovery basis. Five staff members from Assurance Audit Services worked in finance areas of selected agencies set out in Table 5. These placings facilitated a better understanding of the working environment and finance operations in these agencies. One staff member from Performance Audit Services was engaged in non-audit work experience in a line area of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
Placement in Parliamentary Committees/Departments
Two Performance Audit staff were selected for short term placement with the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit and the Department of the Senate. These placements were intended to improve the individual’s understanding of the Parliamentary process and foster stronger relationships between the ANAO and Parliamentary committees and departments.
Exchange Placement – Canada and Ireland
The exchange placements program with the Office of the Auditor-General of Canada and the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of Ireland continued this year. The placements involved staff members from the Assurance Audit Services Group working overseas for a four to eight week period, with reciprocal arrangements as set out below. These placements are viewed as an important development opportunity for the individuals concerned, who are exposed to a range of valuable work experiences. In addition, some placements have enabled us to reduce the use of contractors at peak periods. A similar program for the Performance Audit Services Group has been established with the Office of the Auditor-General of Canada, to commence in August 2006.
Table 5: Summary of Staff Secondments and Exchanges During 2005-2006
