Hiring managers: Key amendments are coming to the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA)

June 20, 2023 – Defence Stories

Addressing biases and barriers to equity-seeking people is a government priority in everything we do, and it starts at the hiring stage. In June 2021, changes to the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA) were introduced with an aim to strengthen diversity and inclusion and to address biases and barriers that disadvantage persons belonging to equity-seeking groups, specifically during the hiring process. These amendments will help achieve staffing processes that are inclusive and free from discrimination.

A key change, which is anticipated to come into force July 2023, is a requirement to review our staffing assessment methods for biases and barriers so that we can remove or mitigate as we engage in the staffing process.

As a hiring manager, you play an important role in implementing these changes, so that all applicants can demonstrate their full potential. The goal is to provide equitable opportunity for members of equity-seeking groups to demonstrate how they meet the qualifications for the work to be performed.

Your Staffing Advisor will guide you through this new requirement, and tools will be available in the coming weeks to support the implementation. If you have any upcoming staffing actions, your Staffing Advisor will work with you, to ensure your assessment approach is aligned with the requirements and ultimately achieves our goals.

Stay tuned for more updates and tools in the coming weeks! For more information or any questions about these changes please contact your Staffing Advisor.