Director-General Role Description
Directors-General lead a public service that is committed to the provision of a high standard
of impartial evidence-based advice to Government in a Westminster system. They work
collaboratively and purposefully to ensure the efficient delivery of services to the
Queensland community and Government at a portfolio and service wide level.
Directors-General build a culture based on professional respect and integrity to ensure the
free flow of ideas and information. They acknowledge the responsibilities of Ministers and
support managers to make evidence-based decisions.
Directors-General build a career structure for public servants that is independent of
patronage and that is, and is seen to be, based on merit.
Directors-General grow stakeholder confidence that their leadership fosters and promotes
ethical decision making, and act honestly, fairly and in the public interest.
Overview of the role of Director-General
The Director-General provides visionary, values based leadership and management to the
department and its portfolio agencies.
The stewardship role of the Director-General is to guide the department to deliver high
quality, sustainable services, programs, policy and corporate objectives in alignment with
the priorities and policies of the Government of the day to deliver the best outcomes for
Queenslanders.
The Director-General is a contributing member of the Whole of Government Leadership
Board, a board of management which provides governance and operational oversight to
Government policy and service delivery.
Capabilities for the Role
The Queensland Public Service Workforce Capability Success Profile applies to all
Queensland public sector employees. The Success Profile is available at
http://www.psc.qld.gov.au/for-employees/performance-and-development/capabilityframeworks.aspx
Below is a summary of Executive Capability Success Profile framework and competencies:
Vision
Results
Accountability
Leads strategically with vision
Navigates complex, ambiguous and political environments
Leads change with agility
Operates across boundaries
Engages with ideas, innovation and risk
Manages organisational performance
Manages internal and external relationships
Builds organisational capability
Inspires individuals and team commitment in the pursuit of results
Models professional and ethical behaviour
Displays courage in the provision of advice and decision-making
Applies sound corporate governance
Commits to personal development
Leadership Role and Responsibilities
The Director-General is the leader of a government department, with portfolio oversight, and
has responsibility to:
 Provide informed, evidence based advice to government.
 Implement the Government’s policies, programs and priorities,
 Deliver high quality, innovative, value-added policy and services,
 Exercise sound judgment and risk management practices in decision making.
 Drive the effective, efficient and appropriate use of public resources.
 Drive workforce and leadership practices that build a constructive culture with a focus on
performance, capability building and personal accountability and nurturing of leadership
potential,
 Maximise the competitive advantage of a diverse and inclusive workforce.
 Drive collaboration and build quality partnerships.
 Partner with all sectors to optimise departmental performance.
In addition to legislation relevant to their portfolio, Directors-General have a range of
legislative responsibilities including:
 To secure the health and safety of workers and workplaces in accordance with the Work
Health and Safety Act 2011.
 The accountable officer for the department under the Financial Accountability Act 2009.
 The provision of advice to Government through the responsible Minister, regarding the
functions, policies and administration of the department under the Public Service Act
2008.
 Chief Executive Officer of the department under the Public Service Act 2008.
 Ensuring the quality of employment opportunity and non-discriminatory work practices
as outlined in the Public Service Act 2008.
 Ethical behaviour and integrity required under the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994.
Public Sector Values
Director-General leadership behaviour is driven by the public sector values. This is a key
performance measure for Directors-General.
The public sector values are listed below:
Customers first
Ideas into Action
Unleash potential
Be courageous
Know your
customer
Challenge the
norm and
suggest
solutions
Encourage and
embrace new
ideas
Work across
boundaries
Expect greatness
Own your
Lead, empower
actions, successes and trust
and mistakes
Lead and set clear
expectations
Take calculated
risks
Seek, provide and
act on feedback
Act with
transparency
Deliver what
matters
Make decisions
with empathy
Empower people
Play to
everyone’s
strengths
Develop
yourself and
those around
you
Key Challenges for the Role
 Ability to manage self and understand the responsibility of leading in a Westminster
system.
 Ability to manage multiple issues with a high level of political interest and public
visibility, which may impact on the community, industry, economy and environment.
 Ability to forward plan to ensure strategic decision making is integrated with broader
government objectives.
 Ability to lead in partnership with a senior executive leadership team.
 Ability to manage a portfolio of interests, always to an eye to key performance
expectations.
 Ability to operate in an environment of competing priorities.
 Ability to distil critical issues from tactical and operational matters, and direct resources
to deliver government objectives.
 Ability to identify and build collaborative and purposeful relationships with key
stakeholders to deliver value to the people of Queensland.
 Ability to build a constructive organisational culture.
 Ability to develop departmental capability and performance culture with a clear talent
management strategy which recognises and nurtures leadership potential.
Conditions and Benefits of the Role
The employment conditions are set out in the Public Service Act 2008. Remuneration
commensurate with role and responsibilities is available.
Successful applicants will be required to declare their pecuniary interests, which will be
published.