In this episode of Work with Purpose, David Pembroke speaks with Dr David Gruen AO Australian Statistician and the inaugural head of the APS Data Profession about the transformative role data plays in the public sector.

The APS Data Profession, launched in 2020, it has grown from a pilot into a thriving community of 13,500 members across Commonwealth, state and territory governments. The profession is about more than technical skills. It’s building a culture of evidence-based decision making, giving leaders confidence in using data, and opening career pathways through graduate streams and cadet programs.

Dr Gruen reflects on how communities of practice, the Data Capability Framework, and initiatives like the Data Awards are shaping a smarter, more collaborative public service ready for challenges like AI and machine learning.

Key takeaways:

1. Why data matters in government – the APS Data profession is building skills and a culture that supports evidence-based decisions.
2. How the data profession is growing - from graduate programs to communities of practice, creating a strong pipeline of talent and collaboration
3. What leaders need to know – why senior executives and decision makers must understand data to better shape outcomes for Australian citizens

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do public servants make smart decisions when time is short and the stakes are high?

In this episode, host David Pembroke is joined by two leading experts in organisational decision-making: Eric Barends, Managing Director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Management, and Alessandra Capezio, Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour at the Australian National University. Together, they explore how public servants can make better decisions by combining data, research, stakeholder input, and professional experience.

The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing instinct and evidence in fast-paced environments, the risks of relying on heuristics and cognitive biases, and the importance of cultivating a culture that supports critical thinking and evidence-informed practice.

Key tips:

1. Use multiple sources of evidence to support decision-making. Avoid relying solely on personal experience; combine organisational data, scientific research, stakeholder perspectives, and expert judgement.
2. Challenge cognitive biases. Recognise common pitfalls like solution fixation and authority bias, and ask critical questions to uncover root causes.
3. Build capability and culture. Equip teams with the skills and shared language to critically appraise evidence, even under time pressure, and foster leadership that values evidence-based practice.

Show notes:

• Evidence-based tools and resources | Center for Evidence-Based Management website
• Online course on evidence-based management | CEBMa
• EBDM support, short courses and bespoke offerings | Associate Professor Alessandra Capezio via ANU

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever written to a politician? What did you hope to achieve?

In this episode of Work with Purpose, guest host Andrew Metcalfe AO FIPAA explores the power of personal correspondence in shaping Australia's political landscape. With around 150,000 letters and emails received annually by the Prime Minister, new research is shedding light on how these messages influence policy and public discourse.

Dr Daniel Casey and Dr Marija Taflaga from the Australian National University unpack the findings of Daniel's research into letters sent to Prime Minister John Howard between 1996 and 2000, and discuss broader insights from the POLEVPOP project on how politicians evaluate public opinion.

From heartfelt pleas and policy critiques to unexpected administrative revelations, this episode reveals how everyday Australians have helped shape the national agenda – one letter at a time.

Key tips:

• Write to policymakers – letters from the public are a vital democratic tool, offering depth and context beyond the ballot box.
• Tell your story. Personal stories – especially those that tug at the heart – can leave a lasting impression on policymakers
• Opt for handwritten or emailed letters. Despite the rise of social media, private correspondence remains a powerful and personal form of civic engagement.

Show notes:

• How politicians evaluate public opinion (POLEVPOP) | ANU
• Explore one of the featured letters: Jeffrey Funerals letter to the PM (1996) | via Daniel Casey
• Daniel Casey, 'Dear John...': Letters from the public to Prime Minister Howard | UNSW Library

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.