Positive Workplace Cultures programme launched to sector

12 December 2019

On Friday 6 December, nearly 200 state sector leaders, employee network and union representatives attended the launch of the Positive Workplace Cultures Programme.

The programme, led by Ray Smith, Director-General Ministry for Primary Industries and Rebecca Kitteridge, Director of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, aims to create workplace cultures that are positive, safe and diverse in the state sector.

Jolie Hodson, CE Spark NZ presents at the Positive Workplace Cultures programme launch.

Jolie Hodson, CE Spark NZ presents at the Positive Workplace Cultures programme launch.

Jolie Hodson, CE Spark NZ presents at the Positive Workplace Cultures programme launch.

Spark NZ’s Chief Executive Jolie Hodson, gave the key note address, sharing Spark’s approach to changing culture as they moved to an agile way of working.

Panel discussion facilitated by Rebecca Kitteridge.

Panel discussion facilitated by Rebecca Kitteridge.

Chief Executives Paul James, Department of Internal Affairs, Peter Mersi, Ministry of Transport and Nicole Rosie, WorkSafe New Zealand also shared their insights and experiences, and PSA National Secretary Glenn Barclay talked about the perspectives and expectations of union members.

In the afternoon, an evidence-based culture change framework was introduced to agencies to support them to explore the different elements that shift culture. The framework was part of an agency planning workbook, using practical exercises to help agencies. The framework and workbook were developed by the project team and a wider advisory group that included agency health and safety and human resources representatives, the GHSL, SSC, PSA, WorkSafe NZ and Victoria University academic staff, with support from Deloitte NZ.

You can view an online version of the agency planning workbook with the culture change framework on our website.

For further information or questions about the Positive Workplace Cultures Programme, contact ghsl@mpi.govt.nz.