Introducing Psp's Nsw State Manager: Alex Scott!
By Emily Harris
Public Sector People are excited to announce a new appointment to our growing Public Sector People team- the appointment of our NSW State Manager, Alex Scott! While Alex is not entirely new to the organisation (he's worked for partner company Design & Build for 10 years!) he's decided to make the transition from private to public sector recruitment and will be focused on developing the PSP brand in NSW.
While Public Sector People has long serviced the NSW market across Local and State Government, having an experienced and dedicated leader like Alex at the helm, will allow us to further capitalise on the great opportunities within New South Wales, help to cement our vision of being the most trusted recruitment agency in Australia and grow our brand across Australia's East Coast.
We caught up with Alex this week, to learn more about Alex's move to Public Sector People, his new role and his goals for the Sydney PSP branch moving forward. Read his answers below:
Congratulations on your new role with PSP Alex! You’ve come on board as our NSW State Manager. Can you tell us a little bit more about the role and the key things you’ll be working on?
Thanks, the focus of the role is to help build on the great work the PSP guys have done in Sydney and continue to establish the brand across public sector recruitment in NSW. We’ll do this by having a bought-in team who all individually share the same values as the company does; building trust.
You’ve actually worked at our partner company, Design & Build for over 10 years. What made you make the switch to working within the Public Sector space?
When I first joined, Matt Larner (PSP Associate Director) was always one of the high performers and seeing the work both he and Tom Dumper (PSP Managing Director) have put in over the years, especially since Public Sector People became a separate entity, has been really impressive to watch. I think there are some great opportunities within the Public Sector space, so I wanted to get more involved with this. I've also recruited Engineers into Government projects for 10+ years individually and desk wise it’s a seamless move. Also, the values that underpin Public Sector People and Design & Build are the same, so from a personal perspective it doesn’t feel like a big move, I'm still working within the same company just taking a different step forwards. In terms of the business plan, I went through with Tom and the training program the guys at PSP go through with Matt and Leanne (PSP's Learning & Development Manager), I was really impressed and think there is a great opportunity for both experienced and associate recruitment consultants within PSP so it’s a great time to join!!
You have extensive recruitment experience in engineering roles and therefore have worked very closely with a lot of councils and public sector organisations – how do you think this experience will help you in your new role?
I think it will help me considerably! I will be focusing on Senior to Executive roles on a retained search basis and the process doesn’t change whether I'm recruiting for these roles within D&B or PSP. Added to that, a lot of candidates and clients I know have made the jump from the private sector to the public sector - be that at Councils or at State Government level - so for me I don’t see a difference in what I need to do day-to-day.
This is an exciting role for Public Sector People as it’s establishing our first State Manager in NSW. When recruiting within a new market or location, what do you think is most important when reaching out to new clients and candidates?
Communication; being able to get out there and tell people who we are and what we do. What’s important is that it doesn’t matter who from PSP calls or goes to a meeting, but our overall message must be consistent, and our values (honest communication, focus, feedback and care) must shine through.
What do you find unique about working with clients and candidates within government agencies/local council?
There’s more of a process to follow but that’s a positive as it should mean there are no hidden surprises! Government agencies are also more driven by outcomes than costs or fluctuations in the market. Again, the basics of recruitment don’t change as we’re dealing with people at the end of the day. Every person is an individual - be that a client or a candidate - so it is important you take your time to get to know what outcomes they are looking for so you can deliver and build trust with them.
Why do you think it’s such an exciting time for job opportunities in NSW at the moment – especially within the Public Sector?
Government jobs always offer stability and tend to offer greater degrees of flexibility and care for their employees when compared with the private sector. Given the past 2+ years and all that has happened and how busy the market is now, being able to offer your candidates greater flexibility and work-life balance is critical and always comes back to the top of the list in terms of what candidates want. So, I think there has never been a better time to work in the public sector!
What are your key goals moving forward both in your new role and for the PSP Sydney office?
For the PSP Sydney PSP office, we want to achieve sustainable growth and we also want to incorporate our learning and development scheme into this growth, so that we can be a one-stop-shop for all government recruitment. The nature of recruitment means your goals are always moving and growing so for me what is most important is having a motivated and engaged team that knows what they are doing and why they are doing it. This then motivates them to achieve their individual goals which feed in turn feeds into the broader team's goals.
When you’re not at work where are we most likely to find you?
Walking my dog, shanking it on the golf course or a pub!
What does prioritising people mean to you?
Literally what it says, when working in recruitment it is all about people. We don’t have a product or a physical service to provide we are there to create opportunities for people. If you don’t put people at the heart of your service, you won’t be successful. You can only achieve the right outcome if you have done right by all people involved along the way.
Interested in finding out more about Alex's new position and the opportunities he'll be working on in the NSW space? He can be contacted on:
Email: ascott@publicsectorpeople.com.au
Phone: 0424 150 589
Do you know the benefits of partnering with a Local Buy pre-approved supplier? In Queensland's public sector, staffing solutions are crucial in ensuring smooth operations, and partnering with organisations through Local Buy can save you time and money. As your trusted recruitment agency specialising in the public sector, with the privilege of being a Local Buy's Preferred Supplier, we understand the unique challenges and requirements that Local Government Councils, State Government Departments, Government Owned Corporations (GOCs), Water Authorities, and Not-For-Profit organisations face. Being under Local Buy's label assures you of our quality standards and guarantees an easy mind when choosing PSP for recruitment services. Partnering with us offers numerous benefits that can streamline hiring processes and drive your organisation forward. Who is Local Buy? The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) created Local Buy in 2001 when councils sought procurement help. Access to Local Buy is a valuable component of LGAQ membership, and the profits are returned each year to the LGAQ, investing to help keep council membership fees low. Local Buy helps Councils meet legislative, reputation and compliance needs, simplifying the process by connecting councils to pre-qualified local Queensland suppliers, big and small. This saves time and money and reduces councils' need to tender, advertise and prepare contracts. What is a Pre-Qualified Supplier? A Local Buy Pre-qualified Supplier refers to a company that has been thoroughly evaluated and deemed to possess the essential technical, financial, and managerial expertise required to deliver services or provide goods per specific standards. Once a company is appointed as a Local Buy Pre-qualified Supplier, it becomes visible to councils and other government organisations searching for the products and services offered through that arrangement. Why Organisations Choose Local Buy Local Buy is a trusted and efficient procurement partner for Queensland's public sector entities and beyond. They help organisations by reducing risk, saving time/money and improving governance, and buyers have spent over $1.9 Billion through Local Buy Arrangements over the past three years. Reduce Risk: Mitigating risks associated with procurement is essential for any organisation. Government procurement is costly, and organisations need to manage fraud and corruption risks, complying with Queensland Audit Office standards. Local Buy offers a robust framework that ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices, minimising the likelihood of legal or reputational issues. Save Money: Maximising cost-efficiency is one of the top priorities for most government organisations. Local Buy facilitates cost savings through competitive pricing and streamlined procurement processes, often removing the necessity of opening a Tender process. Improve Governance: Effective governance is essential for maintaining transparency, accountability, and integrity in procurement practices. Local Buy promotes good governance by providing a centralised platform for procurement activities, standardised procedures, and clear guidelines. By adhering to Local Buy arrangements, organisations can enhance governance frameworks, minimise procedural discrepancies, and ensure fair and equitable treatment of suppliers. Access to Trusted Suppliers: Local Buy is a gateway for councils and other organisations to connect with a network of trusted suppliers who understand the unique needs and challenges of Local Government. With over 4,000 registered suppliers and a growing pool of 250 organisations utilising Local Buy, entities gain access to a diverse range of vendors offering quality products and services. Conclusion The statistics speak volumes about the effectiveness and popularity of Local Buy among Queensland's public sector entities. With 800 purchasers actively utilising the platform, including all 77 Queensland councils , a significant portion of Requests for Quotations (RFQs), approximately 60% , are processed through their VendorPanel. Moreover, the consistent growth in the number of organisations leveraging Local Buy, coupled with a 12% usage increase in 2024, underscores its proven track record in delivering tangible results. Notably, the $850 million spent through Local Buy over the past year reflects its substantial impact on procurement outcomes and financial stewardship across the region. As an approved Preferred Supplier, Public Sector People is proud to be part of Local Buy's proven success and continuous growth. This partnership reinforces our commitment to public sector excellence and the highest standards in providing our services. Our tailored expertise ensures that we can efficiently source candidates who possess the requisite skills and align with your organisation's values and objectives. With our compliance assurance, streamlined processes, cost efficiency, and access to a diverse talent pool, we are here to help you overcome recruitment challenges. Contact our specialists today to learn more about us and how we can support your team's growth: Get in touch
Are you feeling that you need a change for your career in 2024? Do you want to explore new opportunities? If so, you're not alone. Many people look to make a career transition when entering a new year. The concept of a career move has become more diverse than ever. Beyond the traditional notions of climbing the government ladder, professionals now consider various possibilities – from seeking promotions to changing sectors or transitioning to new organisations. It requires a flexible mindset and a strategic approach tailored to your unique aspirations. But where do you start? In this article, we'll provide you with 10 tips that can help you make a successful career move in 2024. From identifying your reasons for a career change to staying positive and motivated throughout the process, we've got you covered. Let's dive in! 1 - Defining Your Career Objectives Start by defining what a career move means to you. Are you seeking a promotion within your current organisation, aiming to switch industries, or exploring opportunities in different agencies? Clearly understanding your objectives will guide your strategy and help you make informed decisions. Before diving into the job market, take the time for introspection. Evaluate your skills, values, and interests. Set clear, realistic goals for your career change within the public sector to align your aspirations with potential opportunities. 2 - Ask Internally If you are already working for a public sector organisation and enjoy your current position, consider exploring internal opportunities first. Moving within the same organisation offers advantages such as familiarity with the company culture, established trust, and a quicker onboarding process. Whether you are considering climbing up the ladder with a promotion, or a side step to a different sector, it’s always best to assess your internal opportunities first before looking elsewhere.
Recruiting temporary staff and contractors for the public sector can be a complex and time-consuming process. However, the Queensland Government has established the Contingent Workforce Panel to streamline this process and make it easier for government agencies to source and manage high-qualified temporary staff and contractors.
Recruiting temporary staff and contractors for the public sector can be a complex and time-consuming process. However, the Queensland Government has established the Contingent Workforce Panel to streamline this process and make it easier for government agencies to source and manage high-qualified temporary staff and contractors.
RLeadership & Strategic positions are often challenging to appoint across the wider Public Sector for a multitude of reasons. Although different in each case, it's often due to competition from the private sector as well as various government departments, demands of the candidate market coupled with salary and career expectations and pressure on salaries. Although you may think the easiest way to find those professionals would be to work with as many recruitment agencies as possible to cover a wider audience, the solution which offers a higher level of success is likely different.
Now is a great time to consider taking an opportunity within the Public Sector in Queensland. The Sunny state is growing.
In the lead up to Australia’s Jobs and Skills Summit for 2022 (the Summit), the Federal government have revealed the country’s most in-demand jobs based on the government’s Skills Priority List, current data on job vacancies, current employer demand and the projected growth in employment over the next five years. These ‘hottest’ occupations included construction managers, civil engineers, ICT business and systems analysts and software and application programmers.
Onboarding is often argued as the prime opportunity for employers to win the hearts and minds of new employees. However, organisations can underestimate the importance of onboarding, as they’ve already ‘landed’ their dream candidate. But, an employee’s experiences with an organisation within the first 6 months to a year (which is how long experts believe onboarding to last) will play an integral role in an organisation’s overall productivity levels. The initial interactions a new starter has with the government agency or public sector organisation will colour their future experiences with that government agency and consequently, negative onboarding experiences often contribute significantly to that new starter leaving the new workplace within the year.
The Hybrid Work Model emerged after the pandemic first hit, where many employees were forced to work remotely for an extended period of time to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions. It’s important to note that in 2019 before COVID-19 was detected in Australia, about a third of the country’s working population was regularly working from home (Siebert,2020). However, at the height of COVID restrictions in 2020, 56% of all Australian Public Service employees were working from home (Australian Public Service Commission, 2020). This is significant, as traditionally due to the sensitive nature of the information Australian Public Service Workers often deal with and the requirements of the services they provide (e.g. emergency services) those working within Local Councils or Government agencies have always been required to work predominantly in the physical office.
Today, we wanted to congratulate Marcel Lafontaine who during Public Sector People’s recent End of Financial Year celebrations, walked away with two awards; the Top Biller Award and the Building Trust award. The Top Biller award is fairly self-explanatory; it’s the award given to the consultant who has made the most sales for the business (which in itself is an amazing achievement). However, the Building Trust award is decided on by the PSP leadership team and is awarded based on the recipient’s ability to live out Public Sector People’s overarching vision and values.
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