Good decisions resources
We have a suite of practical, relevant resources to help you make fair, defensible and consistent decisions in public administration:
Online self-paced training – pilot
To increase the range of training options, we are developing new online self-paced modules to support Queensland public sector officers. The first module, covering the basics of good decision-making, is available now for a pilot period.
Good Decisions – Essentials is an online, self-paced module to help you know what to consider when making public administrative decisions. You can do it anywhere, at any time.
Who is this for?
It is designed for officers of all levels in Queensland agencies (state government departments, local councils and public authorities). The module is also relevant to employees of non-government entities who are contracted to deliver services to the community.
What is it?
This new online, self-paced training module:
- is an essential overview of what to consider when you make administrative decisions
- can be done on any device – laptop, tablet or mobile
- takes approximately 1 hour to complete (but it is not time limited)
- can be saved ‘in progress’ and returned to later
- includes a personal journal designed to support learning.
The journal automatically captures your responses, reflections and notes. You can download it as a PDF or email it to yourself.
Are there limited numbers during the pilot?
Online self-paced delivery is new for this Office. During a pilot period, users will be able to do the training at no charge, however there is a limit to the number of free registrations.
After the pilot, the Office will evaluate feedback on the module. In future, fee-for-training options may be offered.
At present, the Office has paused trainer-led delivery (in person or via webinar) for good decisions training.
Why should you do it?
To understand how to make fair, defensible and consistent decisions in public administration. After completing the module, you will be able to:
- understand your legal authority to make decisions
- make sound and defensible decisions
- effectively communicate reasons for decisions
- understand the need to maintain complete and reliable records
- comply with the rules of procedural fairness.
Benefits to you and your agency:
- build trust with fair, consistent decision-making
- reduce the risk of external review
- comply with best-practice standards.
How do you get it?
Register now, using token 'GD'
If you encounter any issues, please email us.
Good decision-making lies at the heart of good public administration. Even a decision about a seemingly simple matter can have a serious impact on the community. So, it is important that Queensland agencies have systems in place to support fair and consistent decision-making. Decision-making in public sector agencies can be complicated.
In the good decisions resources, we explore working ethically by:
- following the four key ethics principles
- ensuring your decisions are compatible with human rights
- keeping good records for transparent decision-making.
From this basis, methodically go through the stages of decision-making:
- STAGE 1: Prepare for the decision
- clarify your legal authority and decision-making power
- identify conflicts of interest
- understand timeframes
- recognise key issues
- follow proper procedures.
- STAGE 2: Develop the decision
- follow lawful and fair procedures
- gather all necessary information relevant to the decision
- provide procedural fairness to people affected by an adverse decision.
- STAGE 3: Make the decision
- find the material facts
- correctly apply the relevant law to the facts
- reasonably apply discretion (where applicable).
- STAGE 4: Communicate the decision
- give meaningful and accurate reasons for your decision.