Annual Report 2008-09 - Legal Services Commissioner

Chapter SIX
Human Resources
Human Resources Compliance
Statements
Performance, Progression and Development Plans
In consultation with management, all staff prepared
detailed Performance, Progression and Development
Plans, which established a set of goals and objectives for
individual staff to achieve in 2008-09. The Performance,
Progression and Development system enables the
organisation to delegate to staff key tasks and functions
which contribute towards the achievement of the overall
aims and objectives of the organisation.
Feedback and review meetings were conducted every six
months to assess employee progress and performance in
achieving the defined goals.
Occupational Health and Safety
The Legal Services Commissioner is committed to
occupational health and safety compliance, as well as the
general health and well being of those persons occupying
the premises. Issues relating to the maintenance of a safe
workplace and practices are reported and considered
through an active Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)
Committee in accordance with the legislative requirements
and internal procedures.
The OH&S Committee is comprised of representatives from
each work area who actively communicate with staff and
management to identify potential issues relating to work
processes and facilities, and respond to any safety concerns
raised. The OH&S Committee met six times during 2008-09.
Throughout the year, the OH&S Committee implemented
a range of health and safety initiatives which aimed to
create a safe work environment for all staff. Some of the
initiatives included conducting ergonomic assessments
of staff workstations, undertaking lighting assessments to
ensure adequate office lighting and improving facilities and
equipment within the office.
As part of the Legal Services Commissioner’s commitment
to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, the
OH&S Committee recommended to management that
the ergonomic assessment be incorporated in the routine
induction process for new staff.
There was one occupational health and safety incident
reported in 2008-09. This was a fairly minor incident which
resulted in no time lost only the payment of medical
expenses.
Merit, equity and diversity
The Legal Service Commissioner is committed to applying
merit and equity principles to ensure that applicants
for employment are assessed and evaluated fairly and
equitably on the basis of the key selection criteria and other
accountabilities without discrimination. The Legal Services
Commissioner recruited for a number of roles during the
year applying the principles of merit and equity, ensuring
that we attract and retain the best people and strive to be
an employer of choice.
The Legal Services Commissioner also endeavours to
engage with all areas of the diverse Victorian Community.
To do this the Commissioner meets with a range of legal
and community based organisations which support those
from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the
Indigenous community, women and youth.
For more information on the community engagement
programs undertaken by the Legal Services Commissioner,
see page 29.
Employment and conduct principles
The Legal Services Commissioner is committed to applying
merit and equity principles when appointing staff. The
selection processes ensure that applicants are assessed
and evaluated fairly and equitably on the basis of the
key selection criteria and other accountabilities without
discrimination.
During 2008-09, 21 positions were advertised in which
selection was made on applying merit and equity principles
in line with the standards of the State Services Authority.
As previously noted, the organisational restructure required
placement and appointment of staff, which was achieved
with much consultation and selection on merit.
In October 2008, the OH&S Committee coordinated a range
of OH&S activities to coincide with OH&S Week in Victoria.
The OH&S Committee organised several interactive activities
including blood pressure testing, a presentation from a
dietician and a healthy breakfast for all staff.
Legal Services COMMISSIONER 2009 Annual Report 49