Media statement from the State Services Commissioner

'Partnership for Quality' approach

The State Services Commissioner, Michael Wintringham, said the new 'Partnership for Quality' approach - announced by the Minister of State Services this afternoon - provided an opportunity to improve the operation of Public Service departments, and the quality of State services in New Zealand, by securing positive relationships between management and employees.

The Minister of State Services, Trevor Mallard, today signed a 'Partnership for Quality' agreement with the Public Service Association (PSA) in Wellington.

The 'Partnership for Quality' agreement is intended to shift the relationship between the PSA - which represents many Public Service employees - and departmental management to a new footing.

Overall, the agreement aims to develop and maintain open and co-operative relationships between employees, the PSA, and departmental management, to enhance the effectiveness of the Public Service and other State sector agencies.

It also aims to enhance the quality of the working environment to increase the professional and personal satisfaction that workers enjoy from public sector employment.

"Many departments, and other State sector organisations, already recognise the positive contribution that organisations like the PSA can make in the operation of State sector organisations.

"The agreement that the Minister and the PSA have signed recognises, formally, the potential of such relationships, and aims to develop that relationship in the Public Service and elsewhere in the State sector.

"The real test of the agreement will be the quantity and quality of improvements that it delivers in public services for New Zealanders," Mr Wintringham said.

Mr Wintringham said that the State Services Commission and the PSA would set up a work programme, as soon as possible, to define ways in which the agreement could be implemented.

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