Public Service Workforce Division

The Public Service Workforce Division has responsibility for strategic HR policies and frameworks, including probation management, disciplinary code, grievance procedures, dignity at work, access to part‑time work, the right to disconnect, management of underperformance, overpayments workforce data and analytics, Blended Working Policy Framework, and the progression of the Civil Service Regulation and Public Service Management (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill.

The Division has responsibility for strategic initiatives to build talent, leadership and HR capability across the Civil Service. This includes workforce policies that support diversity & inclusion (e.g. Menopause, Domestic Violence and Abuse and Disability Inclusion), alternative pathways to employment (e.g. OWL, WAM, ARC & apprenticeships), lateral mobility policies (e.g. mobility, secondment, redeployment, temporary assignment) and learning & development (e.g. Refund of Fees). The Civil Service Employee Assistance Service (CSEAS) sits within the Division and provides support for civil servants to manage work‑related and personal difficulties that impact their wellbeing. The Division also supports the delivery of strategic priorities aligned to the Workforce of the Future pillar in the Better Public Services Transformation Strategy 2030, including the establishment of the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) as a centre of excellence for learning and development in the Public Service, the delivery of the Public Service Apprenticeship plan and the professionalisation of HR in partnership with CIPD.

It also has oversight of the Organisational Capability Review Programme, which is key civil service renewal action under Civil Service Renewal 2030. The OCR Programme provides a structured, evidence-based assessment of government departments to identify gaps and opportunities between current and future capability. It supports departments in building resilience, versatility, and sustainability to meet evolving public service demands. The OCR Programme is currently being expanded to include reviews of discrete functions across all government departments, the first function being ICT, Digital and Data.

The Division provides advice on sectoral policy issues and oversight and management of expenditure in the Justice and Defence Sectors, with a particular emphasis on DPER’s role as a stakeholder in implementing the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, and next steps on the Commission on the Defence Forces Report.

Assistant Secretary: Shirley Comerford