GEOSCIENCE AUSTRALIA CAPABILITY
FRAMEWORK
Geoscience Australia’s Capability Framework sets out the key capabilities that are required to enable
employees to perform their work at each classification level, from APS1 to EL2. The Capability
Framework is also designed to reflect future workforce requirements for developing people across the
agency.
The Capability Framework is a generic document that applies to all roles within Geoscience Australia.
It is supplemented by and may be used in conjunction with other frameworks that describe the
capabilities and skills required for specific professions.
The Capability Framework describes capabilities in six broad groups:

Supports Strategic Direction (Shapes Strategic Thinking)

Achieves Results

Supports (Cultivates) Productive Working Relationships

Displays (Exemplifies) Personal Drive and Integrity

Communicates with Influence

Demonstrates Professional/Technical Proficiency
The Capability Framework describes indicative behaviours for each of the six capabilities. Some of the
behavioural indicators will apply to all positions while others will be specific to particular roles. This
variation reflects the wide variety of work performed within the agency.
This Capability Framework has been designed to support essential human resources functions
including:

Recruitment and Selection

Performance Management

Learning and Development and Career Development
Relationship to Work Level Standards
The Capability Framework should be viewed as a companion document to the Work Level Standards
(WLS). WLS are used for a number of corporate processes such as job design and redesign,
evaluation of work value, position classification and more generally in performance management and
recruitment where WLS are a resource for creating job descriptions. WLS concentrate on the job
rather than the person and are complementary to a Capability Framework. In contrast, a Capability
Framework focuses on the person requirements.
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
1
Purpose of the Capability Framework
The Capability Framework has been designed to provide a common platform upon which human
resource activities such as recruitment, performance management, learning and career development
can be built.
Recruitment and Selection
This Capability Framework will enable recruitment and selection activities to meet business capability
requirements. The Framework can be used as a tool to identify the critical capabilities and requisite
behaviours needed to fulfil the duties of a role. Once these capabilities and behaviours have been
identified, it is then possible to develop selection criteria that provide an applicant with a clear
definition of the key ‘person requirements’ of the role (as opposed to ‘job requirements’ that stem from
the Work Level Standards) and enable panels to assess potential applicants. The Capability
Framework allows selection panels to design recruitment and selection strategies that can be
customised for a particular role.
Performance Management
The Capability Framework has been designed to enable managers and employees to clearly define
the key behaviours expected, at each level, of all employees. This will facilitate development
conversations and ensure the programs and products developed are aligned with the core capabilities
required.
Learning and Development, including Career Development
The Capability Framework is designed to support the learning and development of all employees in
the agency. It provides a means for managers to determine current and future development in their
section or area and to assist individuals in determining their own career development path. It will
enable employees to identify their areas of strength and to plan training and other learning activities to
build on those strengths.
How to Use the Capability Framework
The Capability Framework is structured around six core capabilities which have been identified as
being of particular relevance to the agency to enable employees to effectively deliver high quality
services to the Australian public. Each capability contains a number of categories which break down
the capability into smaller components. Each category has associated behavioural descriptions for
each level from APS1 to EL2.
Senior leaders can use the Capability Framework to:

Align the capabilities of their employees to the strategic business needs of the agency

Assist with a range of human resource functions including recruitment and selection,
performance management, learning and development and career planning.
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
2
Middle managers can use the Capability Framework to:

Identify the capabilities required of their employees

Identify the capabilities required of themselves as managers

Develop selection criteria when filling positions

Address employee development needs during performance discussions

Support individual career planning

Ensure learning outcomes are articulated and satisfied through training and other learning
activities.
Employees can use the Capability Framework to:

Understand the capabilities required to work at their current level

Understand the capabilities required to work at a different level

Identify opportunities for growth during performance discussions with their supervisor/manager

Identify areas of strengths that can be built on

Provide a guide during career planning discussions
All employees can use the Capability Framework document to identify capabilities that are required for
the role. The Capability Framework provides a picture of competent performance against each
capability area. Therefore, the document can be used by employees and supervisors to make
comparisons between the level of capability required for competent performance in a current role and
the level of capability that is actually held by an incumbent. Where there are gaps, employees can
focus on improving these via developing their skills and seeking new opportunities to learn. The
document can also be used to identify areas of capability that employees may want to target in order
to improve their competence in preparation for an application for promotion to a role at a higher
classification level. To do this, employees can identify the capabilities that are required at the higher
level, assess their current level of ability and compare current levels to required levels. Employees can
focus on developing those capabilities where there seems to be a gap.
Below a case study is provided that illustrates the use of the Capability Framework. The scenario
below describes how the Framework can be used to support performance management discussions.
Scenario: Performance Management Discussions
Michelle is a supervisor and needs to have a performance management discussion with each of her
supervised staff as part of the annual performance cycle.
Michelle, EL1 supervisor
Michelle receives an email from HR letting her know that the performance cycle has come around and
it’s time for her to have performance discussions with each of her direct reports. She sends an email to
each of her three direct reports (1 x APS6 and 2 x APS5). She asks each of them to print out the
Capability Framework for their classification level and schedules a one-hour meeting with each of
them. Michelle also prints out copies of the Capability Framework for her own reference. For each
employee, Michelle looks through the Capability Framework to identify those areas of skill that each
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
3
employee needs in order to perform their roles effectively. The capabilities that are most important
differ across roles due to the diverse nature of the work undertaken by each employee. Michelle
makes a few notes on areas for discussion for each of her employees to highlight their strengths and
areas for development in relation to each of the areas of capability that are most important for each
role.
Sam, APS5 employee
Sam receives an email from Michelle, his supervisor, asking him to print out the Capability Framework
for the APS5 level and to read through it before their upcoming meeting. Michelle has encouraged
Sam to identify those capabilities that are most important for his role and also to identify examples of
what he has achieved against the capability categories he considers to be most important. Sam does
this, and also highlights a couple of areas that he’d like to work on. Within the next 12 months he
would like to apply for a promotion to an APS6 Team Leader role in another area that he knows will
become vacant following the retirement of the current incumbent. Sam prints out a copy of the Team
Leader role profile. Using this information, he underlines all the capability categories he considers
important for the Team Leader role that he is aspiring to. Focusing on these, he then highlights the
specific areas of capability where he thinks he may need to develop. He makes a list of those
capabilities that he considers important, and that he currently needs to develop, that would enable him
to perform effectively in the Team Leader role.
The performance discussion
Michelle and Sam use the Capability Framework to guide a discussion about how Sam has been
going in his work since they last spoke formally. They find they have agreed on most of the categories
of capabilities that they consider are important for Sam’s role.
As part of the discussion, Michelle and Sam talk about Sam’s particular areas of strength in his role.
They identify that Sam is Highly Competent in the capability area of Strategic Thinking, particularly the
category of Applies critical analysis to generate practical solutions. Michelle suggests that Sam could
further enhance his strategic thinking skills by attending a Strategic Thinking for APS5-6 development
course offered by the Australian Public Service Commission. Sam includes this training in his
performance plan as a learning and development goal to be completed in the coming six months. As
part of this discussion, Sam also highlights his career aspirations. He and his Michelle develop a list of
learning opportunities that Sam could use to target the capabilities that he would need to develop in
order to be competitive in a merit based selection process when a Team Leader role is advertised.
Some of the learning and development opportunities they identify include attending a Team Leader
meeting as an observer, approaching an experienced Team Leader to establish a mentoring
relationship, and attending a local training course on developing leadership skills in the public service.
Sam includes these learning and development opportunities on his performance plan to be completed
in the coming six to 12 months.
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
4
GEOSCIENCE AUSTRALIA CAPABILITY FRAMEWORK
Supports Strategic Direction
APS1 to APS3
APS 1
APS 2
APS 3
Supports shared purpose and
direction
Follows direction provided by supervisor
Recognises how own work contributes to
the achievement of team goals
Understands the reasons for decisions
and recommendations
Demonstrates a basic understanding of
the Australian public service environment
and of the role of the organisation
Demonstrates a basic understanding of
the function outputs of the work area
Follows direction provided by supervisor
Recognises how own work contributes
to the achievement of team and section
goals
Understands the reasons for decisions
and recommendations
Demonstrates a general understanding
of the Australian public service
environment
Demonstrates a basic understanding of
how the work of the area contributes to
the organisation’s broader role and
function
Understands how own performance
goals link with the functions of own
work area
Follows direction provided by supervisor
Recognises how own work contributes to the
achievement of organisational goals
Understands the reasons for decisions and
recommendations
Demonstrates a general understanding of the
Australian public service environment
Understands and recognises the importance of
processes and outputs in the work area
Understands how own performance goals and goals
of work area link with GA’s broader role and function
Incorporates relevant organisational strategies
and policies into performance expectations for
own work
Thinks strategically
Understands the work environment and
participates in team goal setting
Demonstrates an awareness of issues
that may impact on designated work
tasks
Sustains focus on own work goals
Works in a way that is consistent with the
long-term goals of the work area
Understands the work environment and
participates in team goal setting
Demonstrates an awareness of issues
that may impact on designated work
tasks
Sustains focus on own work goals
Works in a way that is consistent with
the long-term goals of the work area
Understands the work environment and contributes
to the development of work plans and team goals
Understands the implications of issues that may
impact on own work goals
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
5
APS 1
APS 2
APS 3
Harnesses information and
opportunities
Knows where to find information, and
asks questions to ensure a better
understanding of issues
Keeps colleagues informed of own work
activities
Locates information that is relevant to
own work to inform work goals and
practices
Is open to new and revised practices
Learns about other areas in the
organisation
Knows where to find information, and
asks questions to ensure a better
understanding of issues
Uses established guidelines to identify
information that should be conveyed to
others
Keeps colleagues informed of own work
activities
Is open to new and revised practices
and makes suggestions for
improvement
Learns about other areas in the
organisation
Knows where to find information, and asks questions
to ensure full understanding issues
Recognises the relevance of new information for
own work
Keeps others well informed on work progress and
maintains an awareness of the work activities of
colleagues
Recognises opportunities for new and revised
practices and makes suggestions for work area
improvements
Learns about other areas in the organisation and
takes steps to communicate with them
Shows judgement, intelligence
and common-sense
Seeks information from appropriate
sources that is relevant to work tasks
Asks questions to improve own
understanding of issues
Applies established procedures to resolve
basic problems
Exercises some judgement in routine
situations
Considers information in a rational and
logical way
Refers problems to others where
appropriate
Researches and analyses information
relevant to work tasks
Demonstrates a logical approach to
problem solving
Asks questions to improve own
understanding of issues
Identifies issues that may impact on
designated tasks and alerts
supervisor
Exercises some judgement in routine
situations
Suggests improvements to work
tasks
Refers difficult problems to others
Seeks information from appropriate sources and
analyses it to determine its applicability and utility to
own work
Makes recommendations based on evidence
Develops practical solutions based on a logical and
common sense approach
Produces a range of options to address problems
Interprets and applies legislation, policies and
guidelines to make decisions in routine
situations
Anticipates the broader impact of
issues/practices
APS4 to APS6
APS 4
Supports shared purpose and
direction
APS 5
APS 6
Recognises how own work contributes to Demonstrates a general understanding Promotes the organisation’s priorities to others based
the achievement of organisational goals of priorities across the organisation and on a sound understanding of its role in the Australian
can explain these to others
public service environment
Understands the reasons for decisions
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
6
Thinks strategically
APS 4
APS 5
APS 6
and recommendations
Demonstrates a sound understanding of
the Australian public service
environment and GA’s role and functions
Understands and can explain
organisational strategies and policies
that are relevant to own work
Contributes to the development of
section work plans
Incorporates relevant strategies and
policies into performance expectations for
own work
Maintains familiarity with the way in
which the organisation is managed
and how it functions day to day
Contributes to the development of
section work plans
Communicates a sense of direction
to colleagues and stakeholders;
explains the reasons behind
decisions
Communicates with others regarding
the purpose of their work
Understands the reasons for decisions
and recommendations
Educates others on the relationship
between strategic decisions and work
area processes and outputs
Encourages others to provide input on the strategic
direction of the section or unit
Explains the impact of higher level strategies on
operational tasks
Makes and implements strategic decisions to
improve work area processes and outputs
Communicates a sense of purpose and direction to
colleagues, staff and stakeholders and explains the
reasons behind decisions
Understands the work environment and
contributes to the development of plans,
strategies and team goals
Understands the implications of
organisational strategies/goals for own
work and aligns own work to these goals
Identifies issues and problems that
may impact on work area plans and
goals
Participates actively in planning for the
achievement of work area goals
Understands the work environment and
plans and aligns own and team work
practices to the organisation’s
directions and goals
Identifies broader influences that may
impact on the team’s work objectives
Demonstrates awareness of the
implications of issues for own work and
work area
Plans ahead, anticipates problems and
acts proactively to resolve these
Ensures that performance plans are
in place for staff
Understands the work environment and initiates and
develops team goals, strategies, and work plans
Aligns work practices to meet GA’s objectives and
considers the long-term consequences of actions
and decisions
Is alert to changes in the broader work environment
that may impact on work objectives
Understands the links between GA work areas and
takes other areas into account when planning and
decision making
Links performance goals to business area and GA
goals
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
7
APS 4
APS 5
APS 6
Seeks and uses information from various
sources to aid understanding of issues
and to inform decisions
Maintains an awareness of the work
activities of colleagues and makes use of
opportunities for collaboration
Investigates process- and systembased problems to identify
opportunities for improvement
Implements improved work systems and
practices
Learns about other areas in the
organisation and takes steps to share
information
Draws information from a wide variety
of relevant sources and makes sound
judgements of its utility; uses valid
information to aid understanding of
issues and to inform plans and
decisions
Maintains an awareness of activities
and changes within the work area and
adjusts own and team activities
accordingly
Seeks out opportunities for
improvement and takes action to revise
practices accordingly
Investigates and takes steps to remedy
process- and system-based problems
Draws information from a wide variety of relevant
sources and makes sound judgements of its utility
Uses valid information to aid understanding of issues
and to inform plans and decisions
Explores new ideas and disseminates information
appropriately
Investigates and uses best practice approaches
Uses experience and analysis to determine which
information is important and how it should be used
Shows judgement, intelligence Explores information in a critical way to
and common-sense
gain a well-developed understanding of
issues; considers broad issues and their
implications
Develops practical and well-thought
through solutions, addresses problems
and makes adjustments as necessary
Thinks laterally when developing
ideas
Produces a range of options to address
problems
Interprets and applies legislation, policies
and guidelines to make decisions across
a range of situations
Has a broad view of issues and is able
to reason objectively
Is able to conduct basic research
tasks and to analyse and report on
findings
Applies an appropriate level of
investigation, consideration and critical
evaluation to issues
Takes a broad view of issues, including
context and business impacts and is
able to reason objectively to develop
practical solutions
Interprets and applies legislation and
guidelines for decision making in
situations involving a degree of
ambiguity or uncertainty
Has sound research and analytical
skills and the ability to apply them to
routine and non-routine policy, projects
and issues in the workplace
Identifies risks and uncertainties and
takes these into account when
setting goals
Shows sound understanding, critical analysis and
reasoning skills in identifying and addressing complex
and/or sensitive issues and when documented
procedures are not available
Takes a broad view of issues and is able to reason
objectively to develop practical solutions
Recognises the links between interconnected
issues
Interprets and applies legislation to make decisions
involving subtlety or intricacy and requiring sound
judgement
Applies sound research and analytical skills to
complex policy, projects and issues in the workplace
and generates practical solutions to problems
Promotes improved work practices
Harnesses information and
opportunities
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
8
EL1 to EL2
EL1
EL2
Inspires a sense of purpose and
direction
Promotes the organisation’s priorities to others based on a
sound understanding of its role in the Australian public
service environment
Provides input into the formulation of GA’s strategic
direction; Works with staff to translate strategic priorities
into concrete outcomes
Understands GA’s current challenges, objectives and future
directions
Provides vision and direction to colleagues, staff and
stakeholders and links strategies to the goals that have
informed them
Has a broad knowledge of government policies and
programs and an appreciation of their application to
GA’s operations
Provides significant input into the development of GA’s strategic direction
and has a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the
organisation’s priorities in the context of the Australian public service
environment
Translates strategy into operational goals and builds a shared
understanding of GA’s priorities and outputs
Encourages others’ contributions in setting the strategic direction of the
work area and communicates expected outcomes
Provides vision and direction to staff, clarifies priorities and inspires staff
to achieve them; translates long term goals into shorter-term
performance expectations
Has a wide ranging knowledge of government policies and programs and
an appreciation of their application to GA’s operations
Focuses strategically
Understands the organisation's objectives and aligns work
practices to meet them
Considers the long-term consequences of actions and
decisions
Understands the internal and external factors influencing GA
and aligns operations accordingly
Supports organisational developments, thinks about future
needs, and plans to meet long- and short-term agendas
Gives consideration to the likely future interests and
needs of stakeholders
Understands GA’s operating environment and the changes occurring
within the organisation and across the APS
Considers the ramifications of a wide range of issues, anticipates
priorities and develops long-term plans for own work area
Promotes and generates support for organisational developments,
anticipates priorities and future needs and plans to address these
Gives consideration to the likely future interests and needs of
stakeholders groups
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
9
EL1
EL2
Harnesses information and
opportunities
Investigates information and options from various sources to
increase understanding of issues; asks targeted questions to
identify valuable information and critical information gaps
Maintains an awareness of the organisation, monitors the
context in which the organisation operates
Finds out about best practice approaches and is committed
to implementing them
Supports innovation and is prepared to challenge
conventional approaches
Draws ideas from current industry practice
Investigates information and options from various sources to increase
understanding; asks critical questions; identifies critical information gaps
Maintains an awareness of the organisation, looks for recent
developments that may impact on own business area and finds out about
best practice approaches
Monitors quality and flow of communication to understand important
issues
Identifies and responds to areas of emerging risk and threat to GA
and identifies opportunities for process improvements and innovation
Challenges the status quo when necessary to achieve a positive
outcome
Draws ideas from different industries and areas of expertise
Shows judgement, intelligence
and common-sense
Exercises astute judgement with a sensitivity to issues
impacting on the work area and GA; Is able to apply
legislation and policy to novel or complex situations
Selects the best options from a range of potential solutions
and demonstrates how recommended actions solve
identified problems
Has a broad and encompassing view of issues and context;
Anticipates risks and identifies opportunities in the
broader environment
Applies intellectual rigour and knowledge to understand,
analyse and reason through complex and critical issues
Generates innovative and practical solutions to problems
and understands the implications of decisions and actions
for GA’s objectives and stakeholders
Exercises astute judgement with a sensitivity to issues impacting on the
organisation and the wider community; Is able to apply legislation and
policy to situations that are novel, sensitive or controversial; Develops
innovative alternatives to resolve complex problems
Selects the best options from a range of potential solutions and assesses
and demonstrates how recommended actions solve the identified
problems
Anticipates long-term and strategic risks, addresses them quickly;
identifies and clarifies risks for others and assists them to respond
Has a broad and encompassing view of issues; scans the organisational
and external environment; identifies opportunities in the external
environment
Applies intellectual rigour to understand, analyse and reason through
complex and critical issues
Generates innovative and practical solutions to problems and
understands the implications of decisions and actions for GA’s objectives
and stakeholders
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
10
Achieves Results
APS1 to APS3
APS 1
APS 1
APS 2
APS 3
Identifies and uses resources wisely
Monitors task progress against
performance expectations
Alerts supervisor early if work is behind
schedule
Makes effective use of own capabilities
Is committed to using GA resources,
including technology, effectively,
efficiently and lawfully
Is open to ideas to improve the efficiency
of work practices and the use of
resources
Maintains records and files that are
accurate and up to date
Monitors task progress against
performance expectations
Alerts supervisor early when work is
behind schedule and makes alternative
arrangements
Makes effective use of own capabilities
Is committed to using GA resources,
including technology, effectively,
efficiently and lawfully
Is open to ideas to improve the efficiency
of work practices and the use of
resources
Maintains records and files that are
accurate and up to date
Reviews task performance and
communicates outcomes to supervisor
Understands individual and team
capabilities and makes effective use of
own capabilities
Is committed to using GA resources,
including technology, effectively,
efficiently and lawfully
Contributes ideas to improve efficiency
in work practices and the use of
resources
Participates willingly in interventions
designed to effect workplace
improvement
Applies and builds professional
expertise
Develops own skills to a level appropriate
for work demands
Takes time to learn GA policies and
procedures
Accepts and applies valid input and
suggestions from others
Gives accurate and consistent advice to
on routine matters
Develops own skills to a level appropriate
for work demands
Takes time to learn GA policies and
procedures
Accepts and applies valid input and
suggestions from others
Gives accurate and consistent advice to
on routine matters
Develops and uses own expertise
appropriately to perform work tasks
Encourages others to learn and use GA
policies and procedures and to keep their
knowledge up to date
Uses colleagues and stakeholders’
feedback and suggestions to improve
the quality of own knowledge, work
outputs and services
Gives accurate, consistent and relevant
advice on a range of routine matters
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
11
APS 1
APS 1
APS 2
APS 3
Responds positively to change
Shares information with others
Is able to respond to and accommodate
changing demands in the workplace
Supports and works positively when
changes to work practices or structures
occur
Adjusts own work and schedule in
response to the needs of others
Shares information with others
Is willing to be flexible to accommodate
the changing needs of the team
Supports and responds positively to
change initiatives
Adjusts own work and schedule in
response to the needs of others
Alerts others to changes in own work
schedules that may affect them and
makes alternative arrangements where
needed
Develops plans to guide own work
Copes effectively with changing demands
and priorities and during periods of
uncertainty
Supports and provides some input into
change initiatives
Modifies own work practices to
respond to changing circumstances
and organisational objectives
Talks to others about the benefits of
change
Is open to taking on new work
responsibilities, if needed
Takes responsibility for managing
work projects to achieve results
Organises own work effectively with
guidance
Monitors own performance
Completes own work tasks within set
timeframes
Perseveres when faced with difficulties
Remedies own mistakes
Keeps others informed of progress
Maintains accurate records and files
Seeks feedback to gauge satisfaction and
seeks assistance when required
Organises own work effectively with
guidance
Monitors own performance and commits
to achieving specified results
Completes own work tasks within set
timeframes
Perseveres when faced with difficulties
Takes responsibility for own mistakes and
works to correct them
Understands the impact of own work
practices and goal achievements on
others
Keeps others informed of progress
Maintains accurate records and files
Seeks feedback to gauge satisfaction and
seeks assistance when required
Organises and completes own work
effectively under limited guidance
Sets priorities and monitors work flow to
achieve goals within set timeframes
Monitors own work performance against
stated goals and works independently
on specific tasks
Persists with work tasks, works though
difficulties and seeks alternative solutions
when problems arise
Keeps others informed of progress
Maintains accurate records and files
Seeks feedback to gauge satisfaction and
seeks assistance when required
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
12
APS4 to APS6
APS4
APS5
APS6
Identifies and uses resources wisely
Reviews task performance and
communicates outcomes to supervisor
Makes effective use of individual and
team capabilities
Is responsive to changes in
requirements; Actively contributes to a
culture in which GA resources, including
technology, are used effectively, efficiently
and lawfully; Contributes ideas to improve
the efficiency of practices and the use of
resources; Makes some contribution to
planning the work of the area to
improve standards of performance and
delivery
Identifies opportunities for using own
expertise to contribute effectively to
the team
Reviews project performance and
identifies opportunities for
improvement
Is responsive to changes in requirements
Actively contributes to a culture in which
GA resources, including technology, are
used effectively, efficiently and lawfully
Contributes ideas to improve efficiency in
the workplace in and the use of resources
and assists others to work more
effectively
Contributes to planning the work of the
area to improve standards of performance
and delivery
Constructively evaluates own and team’s
performance
Reviews project performance and
identifies opportunities for improvement
Is responsive to changes in requirements
Implements and encourages work
practices that support the efficient,
effective and lawful use of GA resources,
including technology
Reviews work area performance and
engages in planning to optimise standards
of performance and delivery within the
work area
Negotiates the allocation of
responsibility for work outcomes
within the team
Applies and builds professional
expertise
Develops and uses own expertise
appropriately to perform tasks and support
the work of the area
Guides others in learning and using GA
policies and procedures and assists
them to keep their knowledge up to
date
Uses colleagues and stakeholders’
feedback and suggestions to improve the
quality of knowledge, work outputs and
services in work area
Gives accurate, consistent and relevant
advice to colleagues and external parties
and other stakeholders
Contributes own expertise to achieve
outcomes for the business unit
Draws on and utilises the expertise and
skills of others in the organisation
Understands the technical and
professional skills and expertise
required in the work area and ensures
that these are accessible
Creates opportunities for others to
develop new skills
Ensures effective use of own and team’s
expertise
Consults appropriately to ensure
comprehensive input from a range of
relevant professional perspectives
Contributes own expertise to achieve
outcomes for the business unit and
encourages others to draw upon own
specialist and technical expertise
Makes effective use of the expertise and
skills of others in the organisation
Creates a work environment that
provides opportunities for the
expansion and development of staff
capability
Monitors the capability of staff
members in the area to ensure that
required levels of expertise are
available now and in the future
Consults appropriately and includes
others to ensure that comprehensive
professional input is used
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
13
Responds positively to change
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
APS4
APS5
APS6
Establishes task plans and simple project
plans with measurable milestones to guide
the achievement of work goals
Responds in a positive and flexible
manner to change
Anticipates issues that are likely to arise
as a result of changes
Provides input into change initiatives
Modifies own work practices to respond to
changing circumstances and
organisational objectives: assists others to
do the same
Talks to others about the benefits of
change
Is open to taking on new work
responsibilities, if needed
Establishes clear plans and timeframes for
project implementation
Accommodates changing priorities and
requirements and responds with initiative
to periods of uncertainty
Participates in the implementation of
change initiatives
Modifies own work practices and work
practices of the area to accommodate
changing circumstances
Actively assists and supports others in
dealing with uncertainty and change
Encourages collaboration and cooperation in dealing with change
Evaluates processes and outputs to
monitor the impact of change
Establishes clear plans and timeframes for
project implementation for the
implementation of new practices
Accommodates changing priorities and
operating environments and responds with
initiative, flexibility and resourcefulness to
periods of uncertainty
Publicly supports change processes
and participates in the implementation of
change initiatives
Collaborates, provides guidance and
direction to others dealing with uncertainty
and change and helps them to adapt
Ensures current work plans and
activities support change initiatives in
the work area
Monitors the impact of change and
associated progress and outcomes
Responds to the findings of evaluation
processes to alter work practices and
schedules as needed or provide
support and guidance to staff
Encourages a collaborative approach to
dealing with change
14
Takes responsibility for managing
work projects to achieve results
APS4
APS5
APS6
Contributes to planning own and team
work targets and deadlines
Sets priorities and monitors work flow to
achieve goals within set timeframes
Regularly monitors own work performance
against stated goals; works independently
to manage specific tasks, processes or
activities
Persists with work tasks, works though
difficulties and seeks alternative solutions:
collaborates with others where necessary
Keeps others informed of progress and reevaluates milestones where necessary
Adheres to documentation procedures
Seeks feedback from supervisor to gauge
satisfaction and seeks guidance when
required
Monitors project progress and
manages priorities; Sees projects
through to completion
Co-ordinates own and team activities to
ensure deadlines and targets are met;
Assigns work, sets priorities, and monitors
workflow and standards for self and team
Measures performance and is
accountable for results; Is able to work
independently and manage specific tasks,
processes or activities
Takes personal responsibility for own and
team work outputs and/or services
provided to stakeholders; Keeps others
informed of progress and re-evaluates
milestones where necessary; Performs
well under limited direction; Adheres to
documentation procedures; Seeks
feedback from supervisor to gauge
satisfaction
Monitors project progress and adjusts
plans as required to ensure completion
Takes responsibility for managing work in
a team, including assigning work, setting
priorities, and monitoring workflow and
standards
Monitors and measures performance of
self and team, is accountable for results,
establishes priorities and plans for work
completion
Develops solutions that are outcomes
focused and informed by a strategic
perspective; Demonstrates a strong
commitment to meeting agreed work
targets and standards
Performs well under limited direction
Adheres to documentation procedures
Seeks feedback from supervisor to gauge
satisfaction
EL1 to EL2
Builds organisational capability
and responsiveness
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
EL1
EL2
Reviews project performance and focuses on identifying
opportunities for continuous improvement; Remains flexible
and responsive to changes in requirements
Actively encourages a positive work culture that is committed
to the efficient, effective and lawful use of GA resources
Is highly responsive to changing demands and maintains
high standards of performance in work area; Reviews
performance of business functions and is alert to
opportunities for process improvement; Understands
factors that are critical to success and engages in
practices designed to effect ongoing improvement in
these areas; Allocates and deploys resources to meet
objectives
Evaluates ongoing project performance, identifies critical success factors
and oversees continuous improvement activities
Encourages a positive work culture that is committed to the efficient,
effective and lawful use of GA resources
Assists others to respond quickly to changing demands and maintains
high standards of performance in work area
Uses best practice approaches to refine levels of function, performance,
accountability and compliance
Understands factors that are critical to success and uses practices
designed to effect improvement; investigates and instigates opportunities
for improvement across work areas; Deploys resources to meet objectives
based on future business needs; monitors these activities
15
EL1
EL2
Marshals professional expertise
Ensures that own expertise contributes to achieving business
unit outcomes and goals and encourages others to draw on
this expertise
Consults internal and external experts, taps into their
technical or professional capability and identifies ways to
apply this to improve work outcomes
Provides opportunities for the expansion of capability in staff
members and makes effective use of individuals’ skills
Consults and works collaboratively with others to ensure
comprehensive professional input is used
Ensures own expertise contributes to achieving business unit outcomes
and goals and encourages others to draw on this expertise
Consults internal and external experts, taps into their technical or
professional capability and identifies ways to apply this to improve work
outcomes and support the achievement of business objectives
Consults and works collaboratively with others to ensure comprehensive
professional input is used and has a positive impact on work area
outcomes
Creates opportunities for improving capability in staff members and
makes effective use of the individuals’ skills; takes responsibility for the
expansion of capability in others
Steers and implements change
and deals with uncertainty
Establishes clear plans and timeframes for the
implementation of new practices and outlines specific
activities
Accommodates changing priorities and operating
environments and responds with initiative, flexibility and
resourcefulness to periods of uncertainty
Translates change initiatives into practical strategies
Engages others in change process and provides clear
guidance and support for those experiencing change in the
workplace
Evaluates progress in change initiatives across the section
Responds to the findings of evaluation processes to alter
initiatives and change strategies as needed
Takes steps to ensure a smooth transition through the
implementation of change initiatives
Establishes clear plans and timeframes for project implementation and
outlines specific activities
Effectively addresses emerging challenges and risks and develops
and implements change initiatives designed to address them
Demonstrates a high level of initiative, flexibility and resourcefulness when
dealing with uncertainty and change
Is able to determine a course of action despite a lack of clarity
regarding requirements and goals
Undertakes planning to ensure a smooth transition through change
initiatives and evaluates progress and outcomes
Clarifies purpose and benefits of change for others; provides direction and
support in times of uncertainty
Brings the team along to support change; unites staff behind new
projects, goals and activities
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
16
Ensures closure and delivers on
intended results
EL1
EL2
Takes responsibility for managing the work area including
assigning and managing workloads, identifying resource
needs and ensuring workplace and project goals are
accomplished within deadlines
Develops project plans that have clear and appropriate
goals, timeframes and budgets; builds contingencies
into plans
Develops solutions that are outcomes focused and informed
by a strategic perspective
Supports a culture of achievement, encouragement and
excellence within area of responsibility; Provides
sufficient support to enable others to deliver on
objectives
Ensures that documentation procedures are maintained
Seeks feedback from stakeholders to gauge performance, is
accountable and takes personal responsibility for own and
team work outputs and/or services provided
Takes responsibility for managing the business unit including assigning
workloads, monitoring resources, work flows and standards and ensuring
workplace and GA’s goals/objectives are delivered within deadlines
Develops project plans that have clear and appropriate goals, timeframes
and budgets; builds contingencies into plans
Promotes, articulates and supports a culture of achievement,
encouragement and excellence; Provides sufficient support to enable
others to deliver on objectives
Identifies and develops plans to accommodate risks that may impede
completion and escalates strategic issues that are critical to the
achievement of GA’s goals and objectives
Seeks feedback from stakeholders on performance and progress of
business unit in relation to objectives and takes personal responsibility for
own and team work outputs and/or services provided to stakeholders
Supports Productive Working Relationships
APS1 to APS3
Nurtures internal and external
relationships
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
APS1
APS2
APS3
Actively participates in teamwork and
team activities
Deals sensitively and politely with
stakeholders and team members
Develops positive relationships with other
team members
Contributes to a positive working
environment
Actively participates in teamwork and
activities
Deals sensitively and politely with
stakeholders and team members
Develops positive relationships with other
team members
Contributes to a positive working
environment
Establishes rapport and deals sensitively
and politely with stakeholders and team
members
Encourages positive relationships within
the team and actively participates in
teamwork
Liaises effectively with team members and
stakeholders
17
APS1
APS2
APS3
Listens to, understands and
recognises the needs of others
Actively listens to colleagues and clients
Works co-operatively with team members
and stakeholders
Demonstrates supportive and inclusive
team behaviour
Tries to understand the needs and
perspectives of others
Actively listens to colleagues and clients
Works co-operatively with team members
and stakeholders
Demonstrates supportive and inclusive
team behaviour
Understands issues from other people’s
perspectives
Actively listens to colleagues and clients
Works across relevant work areas to
ensure a co-operative and coherent
approach to meeting stakeholder needs
Responds to internal and external
stakeholders in a timely manner
Follows up to ensure that stakeholder
needs are met
Ensures others are kept informed of
issues
Works as a supportive and co-operative
team member and acknowledges the
efforts and achievements of others
Supports others in difficult situations and
during difficult periods
Values individual differences and
diversity
Treats others with respect and courtesy
Has a basic tolerance and awareness of
the benefits of supporting workplace
diversity
Shows respect to colleagues and
stakeholders from all backgrounds and
cultures
Tries to see things from different
perspectives
Treats others with respect and courtesy
Has a basic tolerance and awareness of
the benefits of supporting workplace
diversity
Shows respect to colleagues and
stakeholders from all backgrounds and
cultures
Shows an appreciation of the need to
understand the perspectives and needs
of others; demonstrates this
understanding in own behaviour
Treats others with respect and courtesy;
Demonstrates trust, respect and
understanding towards others
Is aware of and endorses the benefits of
supporting individual differences and
workplace diversity
Shows respect to colleagues and
stakeholders from all backgrounds and
cultures
Is able to consider issues from different
perspectives and sees the value of
individual differences and viewpoints
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
18
Shares learning and supports others
APS1
APS2
APS3
When appropriate, provides some
feedback to others
Supports other staff, especially when
workloads are high
Balances personal needs with those of
the team
Identifies learning opportunities
Understands and acts on constructive
feedback
When appropriate, provides on-the-job
feedback to support the development of
others
Supports other staff, especially when
workloads are high
Balances personal needs with those of the
team
Identifies learning opportunities
Understands and acts on constructive
feedback
Provides support, advice, and guidance
for others; Makes time to assist
colleagues
Provides encouragement to others and
feedback on performance when
required
Keeps team members informed and
shares information
Identifies learning opportunities
Understands and acts on constructive
feedback
APS4
APS5
APS6
Takes the initiative in building rapport and
maintaining relationships with internal and
external stakeholders
Creates a working environment that
encourages a positive and co-operative
approach
Liaises effectively with members of
relevant networks internally and externally
Is able to represent GA’s objectives in
dealing with stakeholders
Is responsive to changes in stakeholder
needs and expectations
Takes the initiative in building rapport and
maintaining relationships with internal and
external stakeholders
Is responsive to stakeholder needs
Creates a working environment that
encourages a positive and co-operative
approach
Builds professional networks and liaises
effectively across a range of networks
Develops and maintains positive
interpersonal relationships with
internal and external stakeholders
Represents GA’ effectively to other
agencies, stakeholders and the
community
Develops and maintains productive
professional relationships with a wide
range of internal and external
stakeholders
Anticipates and is responsive to
stakeholder needs
Seeks ways to build mutually beneficial
relationships with stakeholders
Establishes practical and effective
professional networks internally and
externally
Identifies and is responsive to
stakeholder needs and incorporates
these into planning
Represents GA effectively to other
agencies, stakeholders and the
community
APS4 to APS6
Nurtures internal and external
relationships
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
19
APS4
APS5
APS6
Listens to, understands and
recognises the needs of others
Works with stakeholders and across
relevant work areas to ensure a cooperative and coherent approach to
meeting stakeholder needs
Responds to internal and external
stakeholders in a timely manner
Follows up to ensure that stakeholder
needs are met
Shares information and ensures others
are kept informed of issues
Recognises and encourages positive
efforts from others
Actively participates as a team member
and supports participative decision
making
Works collaboratively with team members
and with a range of internal and external
stakeholders
Takes time to listen to staff, colleagues
and stakeholders and to respond to their
needs
Works, liaises and consults effectively
across work areas and with other
stakeholders; builds rapport and cooperation across teams
Recognises contributions made by others
and rewards achievements
Works collaboratively and maintains cooperative partnerships across areas
within GA and with a range of internal and
external stakeholders
Takes time to listen to staff, colleagues
and stakeholders and to respond to their
needs
Works, liaises and consults effectively
across work areas and with other
stakeholders; builds rapport and cooperation across teams
Recognises and supports others and
contributes to a culture in which
achievements are rewarded
Promotes an environment of teamwork
and co-operation in which members
feel able to present their perspectives
and have influence in decision-making
Values individual differences and
diversity
Demonstrates trust, respect and
understanding towards others
Is aware of and endorses the benefits of
supporting individual differences and
workplace diversity
Shows respect to colleagues and
stakeholders from all backgrounds and
cultures
Recognises individual differences at work
and attempts to understand diverse
perspectives
Encourages an environment in which
diversity is valued and accepted
Demonstrates trust, respect and
understanding towards others; is flexible,
tolerant and open
Promotes an understanding of
workplace diversity principles
Shows respect to colleagues and
stakeholders from all backgrounds and
cultures
Explores diverse views
Recognises individual differences and
working styles and makes
accommodations to suit these
Introduces practices to assist in
managing diversity in the workplace
Demonstrates trust, respect and
understanding towards others; Accepts
and supports differing perspectives on
issues
Promotes an understanding of, and
commitment to, workplace diversity
principles
Works to build diversity in teams where
this will contribute to productive work
Interacts with colleagues and stakeholders
from a diverse range of backgrounds and
cultures based on a sound appreciation of,
and respect for, cultural differences
Manages diversity in the workplace, works
positively with colleagues and staff
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
20
Shares learning and supports others
APS4
APS5
APS6
Provides effective, regular support,
advice, guidance and coaching for others:
follows up with others on effectiveness
of advice and support
Provides encouragement to others and
feedback on performance when required
Provides clear direction to others
Provides effective, regular support, advice,
guidance and coaching for others; assists
others to respond to development needs
Provides regular, effective and
constructive feedback and links this to
development needs
Provides clear direction to others
Undertakes performance management
responsibilities in a timely and
constructive manner
Recognises and responds to
underperformance in an appropriate
and timely way
Identifies learning opportunities for others
and makes effective use of
opportunities for delegation
Provides effective, regular and
constructive feedback and encouragement
to others and links this to others’
development needs
Coaches others and encourages career
development
Demonstrates commitment towards
and seeks opportunities for the
ongoing learning and development of
staff; Agrees on clear performance
standards and provides clear direction to
others; Undertakes performance
management responsibilities in a timely
and constructive manner; Recognises and
deals with underperformance effectively
and in an appropriate and timely way
Identifies learning opportunities for others
and uses delegation constructively to help
others to learn; Gives timely praise and
recognition
Cultivates Productive Working Relationships – EL1 to EL2
EL1
EL2
Nurtures internal and external relationships
Builds and maintains relationships within GA, across
the APS, with Government and stakeholders
Develops and sustains productive internal and external
networks and seeks to develop mutually beneficial
relationships; provides opportunities for others to
access and build on these networks
Anticipates and ensures responsiveness to stakeholder
needs
Seeks opportunities to develop new relationships and
maintain long-term relationships within GA, across the
APS, with Government and with stakeholders and
business partners in pursuit of agency outcomes
Recognises shared agendas and works toward
mutually beneficial outcomes
Develops and sustains productive internal and external
networks and develops mutually beneficial relationships;
provides opportunities for others to access and build on
these networks; Anticipates and ensures responsiveness
to stakeholder needs
Facilitates cooperation and partnerships
Works collaboratively to develop co-operative
Works collaboratively to establish co-operative
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
21
Values individual differences and diversity
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
EL1
EL2
relationships and beneficial alliances within and outside
GA
Takes time to listen to all staff, colleagues and
stakeholders and to respond to their needs
Works, liaises and consults effectively across work areas
and with other stakeholders; builds rapport and cooperation across sections and business areas
Helps to create an environment in which contributions
are recognised and achievements acknowledged
Promotes an environment of teamwork and co-operation
in which members feel able to present their perspectives
and have influence in decision-making
relationships and beneficial alliances within and outside
GA and between stakeholders
Encourages input from key stakeholders
Consults effectively across work areas and with other
stakeholders; builds rapport and co-operation across
sections and business areas
Encourages others and facilitates the creation of an
environment in which contributions are recognised and
achievements acknowledged
Rewards co-operative behaviour
Promotes co-operation and provides leadership in
implementing practices that will encourage and allow
participative decision making to occur
Resolves conflict using effective and appropriate
strategies
Demonstrates trust, respect and understanding towards
others; Encourages the exploration and inclusion of
diverse perspectives in the workplace
Draws on different perspectives to improve discussions
and outcomes
Provides leadership in managing diversity in the
workplace including promoting and implementing
workplace diversity principles and plans
Encourages others to recognise and embrace the
benefits of individual difference and diversity
Interacts with colleagues and stakeholders from a
diverse range of backgrounds and cultures based on a
sound appreciation of, and respect for, cultural
differences; seeks to develop own understanding of the
way culture can have an impact on expectations and
work practices
Leads and manages diversity in the workplace, works
positively with colleagues and staff
Demonstrates trust, respect and understanding towards
others; Encourages the exploration and inclusion of
diverse perspectives in the workplace
Provides leadership in managing and promoting diversity
in the workplace including implementing workplace
diversity principles, plans and practices and
demonstrates the business benefits of doing so
Encourages others to recognise the benefits of individual
difference and diversity
Anticipates reactions from people with differing
perspectives and acts co-operatively to respond to
them
Interacts with colleagues and stakeholders from a
diverse range of backgrounds and cultures based on
respect for cultural differences; seeks to develop own
understanding of the way culture can have an impact on
expectations and work practices
Communicates an understanding and appreciation of
the impact of culture to staff
Discerns the differing work styles of individuals and
factors this into the management of people and
performance expectations
22
Guides, mentors and develops people
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
EL1
EL2
Takes responsibility for developing capability in a
team environment by coaching others and encouraging
career development
Seeks opportunities for the ongoing learning and
development of staff
Undertakes performance management responsibilities in
a timely and constructive manner and fosters active
participation in performance management processes
Recognises and develops talent in people
Manages underperformance in a way that motivates staff
to improve
Recognises and responds to underperformance in an
appropriate and timely way
Delivers constructive, objective feedback in a
manner that gains acceptance and achieves
resolution
Agrees on clear performance standards and provides
clear direction to others
Gives timely praise and recognition and congratulates
people on their achievements
Takes responsibility for developing capability in a team
by coaching others and encouraging career development
Undertakes succession planning
Seeks opportunities to provide coaching and
mentoring
Facilitates cross-business unit moves and other
activities that encourage career development
Encourages and motivates and makes opportunities
available for people to engage in continuous learning and
development
Ensures that performance management responsibilities
are conducted in a timely and constructive manner and
fosters active participation in performance management
processes
Recognises and develops talent in people and manages
both team and individual underperformance effectively
Agrees on clear performance standards and provides
clear direction to others
Gives timely praise and recognition and congratulates
people on their achievements
Arranges events to allow the team to celebrate its
successes
23
Displays Personal Drive and integrity
APS1 to APS3
APS1
APS2
APS3
Demonstrates public service
professionalism and probity
Demonstrates and is committed to ethical
behaviour
Complies with GA policies and
procedures
Maintains the confidentiality of information
Knows and upholds the APS values and
the APS Code of Conduct
Adheres to professional codes of ethics
and practice and OH&S requirements
Demonstrates and is committed to ethical
behaviour and demonstrates integrity in all
aspects of work
Maintains the confidentiality of
information; employs routine practices to
maintain the security of information
Knows and upholds the APS values and
the APS Code of Conduct
Adheres to professional codes of ethics
and practice and OH&S requirements
Demonstrates and is committed to ethical
behaviour and behaves professionally
under difficult circumstances
Maintains the confidentiality and security
of information
Knows and upholds the APS values and
the APS Code of Conduct
Adheres to professional codes of ethics
and practice and OH&S requirements
Understands and complies with legal
and regulatory frameworks
Is honest and impartial when giving
advice
Operates as a professional
representative of the work area in
internal forums
Engages with risk and shows personal
courage
Accepts responsibility for mistakes and
tries to learn from them
Demonstrates willingness to seek advice
and assistance from others if required
Does not become defensive in the face of
criticism
Remains calm in difficult situations
Accepts responsibility for mistakes and
tries to learn from them
Demonstrates willingness to seek advice
and assistance from others if required
Does not become defensive in the face of
criticism; considers the implications of
criticism for own practices and behaviours
Remains calm in difficult situations;
Responds in a calm and consistent
manner when dealing with difficult people
Accepts responsibility for mistakes and
tries to learn from situations; supports
others to do the same
Demonstrates willingness to seek advice
and assistance from others if required
Remains positive and calm when under
pressure or in the face of criticism
Examines self critically and changes own
approach or style if necessary
Considers risks that will impact on own
work and applies appropriate steps to
mitigate those risks
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
24
APS1
APS2
APS3
Commits to action
Takes responsibility for own work outputs
Perseveres when faced with problems
Takes the initiative to suggest new
processes in context of own work
Draws links between own daily work and
performance expectations
Follows instructions and direction from
others
Demonstrates commitment to and
enthusiasm towards work
Completes own work tasks within set time
frames
Perseveres and takes responsibility for
working through problems
Takes the initiative to suggest new
processes in context of own work
Draws links between own daily work,
performance expectations and team
outcomes
Follows instructions and direction from
others and shows commitment to
achieving relevant outcomes
Completes own work tasks within set time
frames to a high standard
Proactively seeks solutions to difficult
problems
Develops new insights, approaches or
ideas in relation to own work and work of
area
Makes suggestions for improving systems
and processes within work area
Develops plans to guide actions and
shows commitment to achieving outcomes
and objectives
Promotes and adopts a positive and
balanced approach to work
Maintains a balanced perspective on
issues
When requested, provides support to
others in difficult periods
Seeks a balance between work and home
life to maintain personal wellbeing
Maintains a balanced perspective on
issues and perpetuates this in the
workplace
Pro-actively supports others in difficult
periods
Seeks a balance between work and home
life to maintain personal wellbeing
Shows resilience and optimism and
persists with tasks despite barriers or
difficult circumstances
Pro-actively supports others in difficult
periods
Seeks a balance between work and home
life to maintain personal wellbeing
Demonstrates self-awareness and a
commitment to personal development
Is willing to develop new job-related skills
Participates in performance management
processes
Seeks and acts on feedback
Shows an understanding of own strengths
and areas needing improvement
Is willing to develop new job-related skills
Participates in performance management
processes
Seeks and acts on feedback
Shows an understanding of own strengths
and areas needing improvement
Seeks opportunities to develop job-related
skills
Participates in performance management
processes
Seeks feedback from peers, staff and
stakeholders on own performance
Shows understanding of own strengths
and limitations and is appropriately
responsive to feedback
Gives constructive feedback to others
Reflects on own behaviour and
recognises its impact on others
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
25
APS4 to APS6
Demonstrates public service
professionalism and probity
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
APS4
APS5
APS6
Models ethical behaviour for others
Knows and upholds the APS values and
the APS Code of Conduct, adheres to
professional codes of ethics and practice
and OH&S requirements and encourages
this behaviour in others
Takes responsibility for own compliance
with guidelines and codes of conduct and
responds appropriately to address
problems
Maintains current knowledge of and
upholds legal and regulatory frameworks
Is honest and impartial when giving
advice to stakeholders
Operates as a professional representative
of the work area in internal forums
Demonstrates the highest levels of
professionalism, independence,
integrity, honesty, accountability and
ethical behaviour
Promotes and upholds the APS values
and the APS Code of Conduct, adheres to
professional codes of ethics and practice
and OH&S requirements; Ensures that
own and others’ work practices are
consistent with these values
Provides leadership in ethical
behaviour and ensures that GA’s goals,
priorities and standards are met by self
and team members regardless of
personal views or agenda
Provides a high level of honest and
impartial advice to Government and
stakeholders
Demonstrates the highest levels of
professionalism, independence, integrity,
honesty, accountability and ethical
behaviour
Promotes and upholds the APS values,
the APS Code of Conduct and other
relevant professional codes of ethics and
practice; Ensures that own and others’
work practices are consistent with these
values
Promotes and upholds relevant OH&S
requirements
Provides leadership in ethical behaviour
and ensures that GA’s goals, priorities
and standards are met by self and team
members regardless of personal views or
agenda
Actively and appropriately addresses
behaviour that is inconsistent with APS
and GA values and guidelines
Provides a high level of honest and
impartial advice to Government and
stakeholders
26
APS4
APS5
APS6
Engages with risk and shows personal
courage
Accepts responsibility for mistakes and
tries to learn from situation; guides others
in doing the same
Demonstrates willingness to seek advice
and assistance from others if required
Remains positive and calm under
pressure or in the face of criticism and
assists others to do the same
Examines self critically and changes own
approach or style if necessary
Considers risks that will impact on own
work and applies appropriate steps to
mitigate those risks
Accepts responsibility for and
acknowledges mistakes; provides
assistance to others to do the same and
seeks guidance if required
Displays the courage and commitment
needed to maintain a challenging
position
Is able to provide rationale for own
position when it is questioned
Is able to identify risks that will impact on
own and team’s work, take them into
account in planning own work and take
appropriate steps to mitigate those risks
Accepts responsibility for and
acknowledges mistakes and is willing to
seek advice or assistance from colleagues
and senior managers if required
Displays the resilience, courage and
commitment needed to maintain a
challenging position; listens when own
ideas are questioned and can justify own
position and actions
Challenges issues and views
constructively and discusses options to
find a useful way forward
Is able to identify risks, take them into
account in planning own work and that of
work unit and takes appropriate steps to
mitigate those risks
Commits to action
Completes own work tasks within set time
frames under limited guidance and to a
high standard
Develops new insights, approaches and
ideas in relation to own work, work of area
and systems that cross work area
boundaries
Develops plans to guide actions, with
milestones, to ensure that objectives are
delivered
Shows commitment to progressing work
and achieving outcomes and objectives of
team
Shows initiative in undertaking work
tasks
Establishes and implements effective
systems and processes for own work,
work area and across teams
Links projects to performance
expectations
Shows commitment to achieving the
objectives and outcomes of the work area
and encourages this in others
Shows initiative in addressing issues and
achieving objectives
Establishes and implements effective
systems and processes for own work,
work area and across teams
Links projects to performance
expectations
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
27
APS4
APS5
APS6
Promotes and adopts a positive and
balanced approach to work
Shows initiative and persists with work
tasks to find workable solutions
Shows resilience and optimism and
persists with tasks despite barriers or
difficult circumstances
Pro-actively supports others in difficult
periods; makes self-available for advice
Balances work and home life and acts to
maintain personal health and wellbeing;
assists others to do the same
Shows resilience and optimism and
persists to achieve good outcomes despite
barriers or difficult circumstances
Pro-actively supports others in difficult
periods; makes self-available for advice
and responds positively to others’
requests for advice and support
Maintains a balanced perspective on
issues and supports others in times of
crisis
Adopts appropriate strategies to balance
work and home life and maintain a
reasonable workload
Is resilient and optimistic when resolving
barriers to good outcomes: Maintains
focus and motivation when faced with
setbacks
Provides advice and guidance to staff and
colleagues during difficult periods
Maintains a balanced perspective on
issues and in high pressure environments
and supports staff in times of crisis
Adopts appropriate strategies to balance
work and home life and maintain a
reasonable workload for self; ensures that
practices in the team/work area allow
others to do the same
Demonstrates self-awareness and a
commitment to personal development
Monitors own performance and responds
to opportunities for development
Participates in performance management
processes
Seeks feedback from peers and
stakeholders on own performance
Demonstrates awareness of own
strengths and limitations and is
responsive to feedback
Gives feedback that is clear and welltargeted and is likely to elicit a positive
response
Reflects on own behaviour and
recognises its impact on others
Monitors and reviews own performance
and accesses opportunities for ongoing
development
Takes steps to maintain and build on
strengths and shows commitment to selfdevelopment
Seeks opportunities to extend skills and
knowledge
Participates in performance management
processes
Demonstrates awareness of own
strengths and limitations and is
appropriately responsive to feedback
Seeks feedback from others
Gives feedback in such a way as to
effectively improve others’ performance; is
constructive and builds on strengths when
giving feedback
Recognises the need to keep improving
work practices
Assesses and evaluates own performance
to identify areas of development need;
actively seeks out opportunities to target
these needs
Takes steps to maintain and build on
strengths
Seeks development opportunities for
others
Demonstrates awareness of own
capabilities; responds to and acts on
feedback
Participates in performance management
processes
Seeks feedback from others
Gives feedback in such a way as to
effectively improve others’ performance; is
constructive and builds on strengths when
giving feedback
Recognises the need to keep improving
work practices and takes positive steps to
do so
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
28
Exemplifies Personal Drive and Integrity – EL1 to EL2
EL1
EL2
Demonstrates public service professionalism and
probity
Models the highest levels of professionalism,
independence, integrity, honesty, accountability and
ethical behaviour
Promotes and upholds the APS values, the APS Code of
Conduct and other relevant professional codes of ethics
and practice and aligns business processes accordingly
Promotes and upholds OH&S requirements
Actively and appropriately addresses behaviour that is
inconsistent with APS and GA values and guidelines
Provides a high level of honest and impartial advice to
Government and stakeholders
Makes decisions for the corporate good without
favouritism or bias and places GA’s goals above
personal priorities
Models the highest levels of professionalism,
independence, integrity, honesty, accountability and
ethical behaviour
Promotes and upholds the APS values, the APS Code of
Conduct and other relevant professional codes of ethics
and practice and aligns business processes accordingly
Promotes and upholds OH&S requirements
Investigates behaviour that is inconsistent with APS and
GA values and guidelines and makes appropriate
decisions on further action
Provides a high level of honest and impartial advice to
Government, stakeholders and stakeholders
Makes decisions for the corporate good without
favouritism or bias and places GA’s goals above
personal priorities
Engages with risk and shows personal courage
Accepts responsibility for and acknowledges mistakes
and is willing to seek advice or help from colleagues and
senior managers if required
Displays the resilience, courage and commitment
needed to maintain a challenging position; Is prepared to
challenge and address difficult or controversial issues
Incorporates a sound understanding of risk
management frameworks and risk assessment
strategies into business planning
Accepts responsibility for and acknowledges mistakes
and is willing to seek advice or help from colleagues and
senior managers if required; Displays the resilience,
courage and commitment needed to maintain a
challenging position; Is prepared to challenge and
address difficult or controversial issues and supports
others where required; Incorporates a sound
understanding of risk management frameworks and risk
assessment strategies into business planning
Commits to action
Assumes personal responsibility for achieving outcomes
and objectives within area of responsibility
Displays personal drive and enthusiasm to ensure goals
are achieved; encourages this in others
Anticipates and develops contingency plans to overcome
problems and barriers to achieving objectives
Assumes personal responsibility for achieving outcomes
and objectives within area of responsibility; engages in
additional tasks as required
Displays leadership and personal drive to ensure goals
are achieved; encourages this in others; Uses a range of
strategies to achieve this; Anticipates, develops, and
implements contingency plans to overcome problems
and barriers
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
29
EL1
EL2
Displays resilience
Is resilient, optimistic and persistent when resolving
barriers to good outcomes
Continues to pursue productive goals despite
criticism or setbacks
Maintains a balanced perspective on issues and in high
pressure environments and supports staff in times of
crisis
Maintains momentum and sustains energy when faced
with setbacks or stakeholder criticism; focuses on the
positives in difficult situations
Adopts and promotes appropriate strategies to balance
work and home life and maintain a reasonable workload
for self
Is resilient, optimistic and persistent when resolving
barriers to good outcomes
Maintains a balanced perspective on issues and in high
pressure environments and strongly and clearly supports
staff in times of crisis
Takes action to improve team morale and
momentum when required
Maintains momentum and sustains effort when faced
with setbacks or criticism; focuses on the positives in
difficult situations
Adopts and promotes appropriate strategies to balance
work and home life and maintain a reasonable workload
for self and others
Acts as a role model for others in displaying resilience
and persistence while maintaining a balanced
perspective on work
Demonstrates self-awareness and a commitment to
personal development
Is frank and analytical in assessing own performance to
identify areas of development need; Demonstrates
sound awareness of own capabilities
Takes steps to maintain and build on strengths
Takes personal responsibility for continual professional
development for self and members of team and seeks
out opportunities to challenge and develop capabilities
for self and team
Routinely seeks feedback on own performance and
takes appropriate action without prompting
Gives constructive and objective feedback to others;
motivates others to perform at their best
Is frank and analytical in assessing own performance
and engages with staff to identify areas of development
need; Demonstrates a high level of awareness of own
capabilities
Takes steps to maintain and build on strengths
Reflects on the way own behaviour and work style
influences others
Takes personal responsibility for continual professional
development and seeks out opportunities to challenge
and develop capabilities for self and team members to
the highest level
Routinely seeks feedback on own performance and
takes appropriate action without prompting
Gives constructive and objective feedback to others;
motivates and coaches others to perform at their best
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
30
Communicates With Influence
APS1 to APS3
APS1
APS2
APS3
Communicates clearly
Presents and explains things in a way
that is clear to others
Speaks at an appropriate pace and
volume for the audience
Uses correct grammar and spelling
Prepares basic written material,
according to structured, established
formats, that is well structured and easy
to follow
Presents and explains things in a way
that is clear to others
Speaks at an appropriate pace and
volume for the audience
Uses correct grammar and spelling
Prepares basic written material, following
clear guidelines, that is well structured
and easy to follow
Can identify and resolve issues in
discussion with other staff and
stakeholders
Presents and explains things in a way that
is clear to others; recognises when
ambiguities or misunderstandings may
exist and resolves these
Focuses communication on key points and
communicates in ‘plain English’
Written and oral communication is clear
and easy to follow
Prepares written communication and
standard correspondence that follows the
appropriate format, is accurate, wellstructured and readable
Communicates routine technical
information clearly
Can lead and direct discussions with other
staff and stakeholders
Listens, understands and adapts to
audience
Listens to others when they are speaking
and asks questions where needed
Changes communication style to suit the
circumstances
Demonstrates basic ability to interpret
written work and follow instructions
Responds well to receiving feedback;
takes steps to respond to valid feedback
Consults with relevant others
Attends to others when they are speaking
Clarifies own interpretation of others’
meaning, where needed
Changes communication style to suit the
circumstances
Demonstrates basic ability to interpret
written work and follow instructions
Responds well to receiving feedback;
takes steps to respond to valid feedback
Consults effectively with relevant others
Attends to others when they are speaking
and asks appropriate questions
Changes communication style to suit the
circumstances and the audience
Presents in a way that serves to engage
the audience
Encourages discussion among others
Welcomes and responds well to feedback;
modifies approach in response to audience
feedback
Consults effectively with relevant others;
Seeks input from relevant sources
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
31
Negotiates confidently
APS1
APS2
APS3
Listens to, and considers different
perspectives on issues
Responds calmly to conflict and difficult
interpersonal interactions without
worsening the situation
Listens to, and considers different
perspectives on issues
Discusses issues without getting
personal or aggressive
makes joint decisions when required
Responds calmly to conflict and
challenging interactions without
worsening the situation
Listens to, and considers different ideas
and discusses issues credibly and
thoughtfully
Identifies people who need to be
consulted
Responds effectively to conflicts and
disagreements and helps to resolve
differences and disagreements between
people
APS4 to APS6
Communicates clearly
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
APS4
APS5
APS6
Presents and explains things in a way that
is clear to others; recognises when
ambiguities or misunderstandings may
exist and resolves these
Written and oral communication is clear
and easy to follow
Prepares standard correspondence that is
well structured and easily understood
When following non-standard formats,
uses a structure that aids understanding
Communicates routine technical
information clearly
Can lead and direct discussions with other
staff and stakeholders
Communicates clearly both orally and in
writing; Explains complex ideas
thoroughly and concisely to ensure a
shared understanding
Prepares written work that is well
constructed and requires minimal
editing
Prepares a range of correspondence in a
form that is easily understood
Explains technical and complex
information clearly and without
ambiguity
Uses the most appropriate media to
convey information
Acts as an effective representative of
the work area
Presents information in a clear, confident,
timely and effective way, both orally and in
writing
Produces written work that is well
constructed and requires minimal editing
Makes time to communicate
meaningfully with staff
Translates technical and complex
information appropriately for intended
audience
Uses the most appropriate method and
channels to convey information
Is a professional representative of work
area; Clearly articulates the work area’s
views and position
Monitors decisions about the use and
dissemination of information to ensure
compliance with guidelines
32
APS4
APS5
APS6
Listens, understands and adapts to
audience
Engages in active listening and ensures
common understanding of issues
Tailors communication to audience and
circumstances
Encourages discussion and checks
audience understanding; accurately
summarises audience input
Welcomes and responds well to feedback;
modifies approach in response to
audience feedback
Consults effectively with relevant others;
Identifies and take others’ views into
account
Engages in active listening and ensures
common understanding of issues
Does not allow misunderstandings to
linger
Tailors communication to audience;
listens and responds to feedback from
the audience and adapts approach to
ensure audience understanding
Encourages others to talk and share ideas
Welcomes and responds well to feedback;
modifies approach in response to
audience feedback
Successfully conveys ideas, concepts
and arguments to individuals or groups
Builds rapport with staff and
stakeholders
Engages in active listening and seeks
clarification of own and others’
understanding; Provides and interprets
non-verbal cues in an appropriate way
Ensures misunderstandings are dealt with
quickly and effectively
Tailors communication to audience and
circumstances and ensures common
understanding of issues
Listens and responds to feedback,
modifies approach accordingly and checks
audience understanding
Leads and facilitates discussion, debate
and feedback; Creates opportunities for
others to be heard
Successfully conveys ideas, concepts and
arguments to individuals or groups
Negotiates confidently
Listens to, and considers different ideas
and discusses issues credibly and
thoughtfully
Identifies other people’s expectations
and concerns
When required, is able to be persuasive
and appropriately assertive when
presenting own view
Is generally able to resolve conflicts
and differences with others and to
respond effectively to disagreements;
is able to act as a calming influence in
difficult situations
Researches information and negotiates
from an informed and credible position
Understands the desired outcomes
Shows sensitivity, understanding and skill
in resolving conflicts and differences
between staff and stakeholders
Effectively facilitates difficult relations with
internal and external stakeholders; is able
to manage difficult individuals
Researches information and develops a
sound and credible negotiating position;
uses this as a basis for presenting own
case and negotiating outcomes
Is committed to positive outcomes and the
mutually satisfactory resolution of issues
Shows sensitivity, understanding and skill
in resolving conflicts and differences;
influences others by using a fair and
considered approach and credible
arguments; Facilitates the improvement of
difficult relations with internal and external
stakeholders; Effectively liaises,
negotiates and addresses conflict; is able
to manage difficult individuals
Recognises the need for compromise,
communicates this to others and remains
composed during discussions or
disputes; Responds appropriately to
criticism and conflict situations and is
able to pre-empt and minimise conflict
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
33
EL1 to EL2
EL1
EL2
Communicates clearly
Presents information with a high level of confidence,
proficiency and impact, both orally and in writing
Structures oral and written communication appropriately
to ensure understanding and to suit the goals of the
communication exercise
Communicates meaningfully with staff, regularly and
frequently
Translates technical and complex information coherently
and concisely for a range of audiences and ensures
understanding
Represents the work area and organisation
professionally and with diplomacy; Clearly and tactfully
articulates the views of the work area and the
organisation
Presents information with a high level of confidence,
proficiency and impact, both orally and in writing
Structures oral and written communication appropriately
to ensure understanding and to suit the goals of the
communication exercise
Communicates meaningfully with staff, regularly and
frequently; generates trust
Translates technical and complex information coherently
and concisely for a range of audiences, including senior
management and Government
Represents the work area and organisation
professionally and with diplomacy; Clearly and tactfully
articulates the views of the work area and the
organisation
Listens, understands and adapts to audience
Engages in active listening and seeks clarification of own
and others’ understanding; Provides and interprets
appropriate non-verbal cues
Effectively adapts communication style and technical
complexity of message to meet specific audience levels
of understanding
Leads and facilitates discussion, debate and feedback;
Creates opportunities for others to be heard
Accepts constructive feedback about own
communication
Makes efforts to understand others’ frame of
reference
Successfully conveys ideas, concepts and arguments to
individuals or groups, based on an understanding of
audience skills and experience
Engages in active listening and seeks clarification of own
and others’ understanding; Provides and interprets
appropriate non-verbal cues
Effectively adapts communication style and technical
complexity of message to meet specific audience levels
of understanding; selects the most appropriate method
for communication
Leads and facilitates discussion, debate and feedback;
Anticipates likely reactions and prepares for them
Instils in others a comprehensive understanding of
complex and technical ideas
Uses a communication approach that ensures common
understanding of issues
Removes systemic and cultural barriers to effective
communication
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
34
Negotiates persuasively
EL1
EL2
Demonstrates a sound understanding of own negotiation
position and a firm grasp of key issues, likely arguments
and areas for compromise
Shows commitment to positive outcomes and resolution
of issues despite difficult relations
Shows sensitivity, understanding and skill in resolving
conflicts and differences; influences others by using a
fair and considered approach and credible arguments
Understands organisational objectives and represents
these in negotiation from a position of authority and
credibility
Recognises the need for compromise, communicates
this to others and remains composed during discussions
or disputes
Effectively liaises, negotiates and resolves conflict with
and between colleagues; is able to effectively manage
difficult individuals
Responds appropriately to criticism and conflict
situations and is able to pre-empt and minimise conflict
Demonstrates a strong understanding of own and others’
negotiation position and a firm grasp of key issues, likely
arguments and areas for compromise
Encourages debate and identifies common ground
Shows commitment to positive outcomes and resolution
of issues despite difficult relations
Shows sensitivity, understanding and skill in resolving
conflicts and differences; influences others by using a
fair and considered approach and credible arguments
Understands organisational objectives and negotiates
from a position of authority and credibility
Enters negotiation with a sound appreciation of the
political context
Facilitates relations and achieves best results despite
difficulties
Identifies common ground and uses a range of
perspectives to generate mutually beneficial solutions
Responds appropriately to criticism and conflict
situations and is able to pre-empt and minimise conflict
Demonstrates Professional/Technical Proficiency
APS1 to APS3
Develops and maintains knowledge
and expertise
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
APS1
APS2
APS3
Has a basic understanding of the
procedures and guidelines relevant to the
work area
Shows awareness of professional or
technical standards that are relevant to
the work performed
Has a basic knowledge and understanding
of the procedures and guidelines relevant
to the work area
Shows awareness of professional or
technical standards that are relevant to
the work performed
Has sound knowledge of the procedures
and guidelines relevant to the work area
and the ability to apply these to the tasks
at hand
Demonstrates sound capability in applying
technical, professional or specialist skills
and knowledge within a limited area
35
APS1
APS2
APS3
Uses appropriate methods
Applies appropriate procedures and
guidelines to the tasks at hand
Applies appropriate procedures and
guidelines to the tasks at hand
Applies appropriate procedures and
guidelines to the tasks at hand
Engages in professional activities
Participates in internal committees, focus
groups, seminars, projects and
professional activities
Participates in internal committees, focus
groups, seminars, projects and
professional activities
Participates in committees, focus
groups, seminars, projects,
professional activities which bring
credit and benefit to GA
Participates in internal committees, focus
groups, seminars, projects and
professional activities
Shares expertise
Shares knowledge and expertise within
Develops/trains others on the job
and across groups
Shares knowledge and expertise within
Provides support for seminars, workshops and across groups
Provides support for seminars, workshops
Develops/trains others on the job
Shares knowledge and expertise within
and across groups
Provides support for seminars, workshops
APS4 to APS6
Develops and maintains knowledge
and expertise
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
APS4
APS5
APS6
Has specialised knowledge and
understanding of policies, procedures and
guidelines and/or specialised technical
knowledge relevant to the work area
Provides appropriate advice in area of
professional/technical specialisation
Ensures knowledge, skills and
expertise are current and appropriate to
complete work objectives
Maintains specialised knowledge and
understanding of policies, procedures and
guidelines and/or specialised technical
knowledge relevant to the work area
Provides appropriate advice in area of
professional/technical specialisation
Ensures knowledge, skills and expertise
are current and appropriate to complete
work objectives
Demonstrates familiarity and
compliance with legislative, policy and
regulatory frameworks and works to
build this in others
Demonstrates a high level of capability in
applying technical, professional or
specialist skills and knowledge
Provides credible and sound advice in
area of professional/technical
specialisation
Ensures knowledge, skills and expertise
are current and appropriate to complete
work objectives
Demonstrates familiarity and compliance
with legislative, policy and regulatory
frameworks and works to build this in
others
36
APS4
APS5
APS6
Uses appropriate methods
Applies appropriate procedures and
guidelines to the tasks at hand
Works effectively with relevant
methodologies, policies, standards and
practices
Resolves problems effectively using
established practices and
methodologies relevant to area of
specialisation
Works effectively with relevant
methodologies, policies and practices
Resolves problems effectively using
established practices/policies/
methodologies relevant to area of
specialisation and provides quality
assurance
Engages in professional activities
Participates in committees, focus groups,
seminars, projects, professional activities
which bring credit and benefit to GA
Participates in internal committees, focus
groups, seminars, projects and
professional activities; Participates in
joint activities with other groups in GA
Participates in committees, focus groups,
seminars, projects, professional activities
which bring credit and benefit to GA
Participates in joint activities with other
groups in GA
Participates in committees, focus groups,
seminars, projects, professional activities
which bring credit and benefit to GA
Participates in joint activities with other
groups in GA/APS
Shares expertise
Develops/trains others on the job
Shares knowledge and expertise within
and across groups
Provides support for seminars, workshops
Develops/trains others on the job
Shares knowledge and expertise within
and across groups
Presents seminars and workshops within
GA
Develops/trains others on the job and
identifies training needs of employees
where required; Shares knowledge and
expertise within and across groups;
Presents seminars and workshops within
GA and at national meetings
EL1 to EL2
Develops and maintains knowledge and expertise
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
EL1
EL2
Applies high level technical, professional or specialist
knowledge and expertise to all aspects of work
responsibilities; Provides advice on complex
technical/professional issues
Makes significant contributions to particular area of
professional/technical expertise; Is recognised as a
professional/technical expert or specialist
Demonstrates familiarity and compliance with legislative,
policy and regulatory frameworks and works to build this
in others
Personally applies and ensures consistent application of
the highest level of technical, professional or specialist
knowledge and expertise to all aspects of work
responsibilities
Provides advice on highly complex technical/professional
issues
Is recognised by others as a specialist in area of
professional/technical expertise; Demonstrates familiarity
and compliance with legislative, policy and regulatory
frameworks and works to build this in others
37
EL1
EL2
Uses appropriate methods
Uses and provides advice on using appropriate
professional/technical methodologies and practices
Ensures work area output meets relevant
policy/procedural quality requirements
Develops, uses and provides advice on using appropriate
professional/technical methodologies and practices
Ensures professional, technical and specialist
expertise and knowledge applied in work area is
consistent with or exceeds professional and industry
standards and expectations both nationally and
internationally
Assumes responsibility for quality control of
technical/professional/ specialist applications,
methodologies, policies and practices for work unit
Engages in professional activities
Chairs/participates in committees, focus groups,
seminars, projects, professional activities which bring
credit and benefit to GA
Collaborates with other groups in GA/RET/APS
Represents and participates in committees, focus groups,
seminars, projects, professional activities which bring
credit and benefit to GA
Collaborates with other groups in GA/RET/APS
Shares expertise
Develops/trains/mentors others on the job and identifies
training needs of employees where required
Shares knowledge and expertise within and across
divisions
Presents seminars and workshops within GA and at
national and international meetings
Develops/trains/mentors others on the job and identify
training needs of employees where required
Shares knowledge and expertise within and across
divisions
Presents seminars and workshops within GA and at
national and international meetings
Geoscience Australia Capability Framework
38