About us
Welcome to the Public Service Research Group
The Public Service Research Group (PSRG) was established in 2016 to perform timely, high-quality and reliable research into public policy implementation. We bring a breadth of knowledge and a depth of experience to our work, taking an interdisciplinary approach that recognises the complexity of contexts and plurality of interests involved in any policy implementation. Â
Policy implementation is complex, and challenges cannot be solved by a 'cookie-cutter' approach. When we partner with a public sector organisation, we work with them to understand the problem, develop a tailored solution, and build up the organisational and individual capacity to solve similar problems in the future.Â
Key research strengths
Research within the PSRG broadly focuses on issues of policy implementation in a public service context. Our research crosses several different disciplinary, methodological and subject boundaries. Â
To organise our research, we use four major themes to focus our activity:Â
PSRG research projects build local practice while advancing global knowledge. We enable independent practice and collaborative thinking and provide educational activities that embed new policy and program implementation insights into practice settings. Depending on the issues of the day and the research interests of our associates, the focus of the Group’s activities may change. We currently have a critical mass of capabilities in:Â
- reform of disability servicesÂ
- public service implementationÂ
- gender and flexible workingÂ
- project and program managementÂ
- public service institutions, governance and managementÂ
- public sector strategic human resources.
Our approach
The PSRG policy is guided by the Policy Implementation and Evaluation Cycle framework and five guiding principles.Â
The Policy Implementation and Evaluation Cycle has been developed as a companion heuristic to the policy cycle in recognition of the different constituents of the process. This framework guides our approach to practice. Download the PDF for detailed information.
Five guiding principles
- We recognise the messy realities of implementation to inform our choices of different knowledge and tools to create novel insights. Â
- We will foster a holistic, system-focused approach in all that we do, enabling a better understanding of the causes, rather than the symptoms, of issues. Â
- We will engage in mutually beneficial relationships with partners, adopting an asset-based approach that enables the partner to achieve better outcomes and develop new capabilities. Â
- We will provide thought leadership and contribute to both local practice and global knowledge of public service delivery, implementation and evaluation. Â
- We are professionals who deliver quality projects in a timely and reliable manner. Â
![PSRG member:[from left] Ms Eleanor Malbon, A/Prof Twan Huybers, Ms Mika Tranter, Dr Lisa Carson, Dr Sue Williamson, Prof Michael O'Donnell, Dr Katie Moon, Prof Deborah Blackman, A/Prof Helen Dickinson, Dr Fiona Buick, Dr Sue Olney, Dr Anna Li, Dr James Connor, Dr Meraiah Foley²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Canberra’s School Of Business launches the Public Service Research Group (PSRG)“People tend to focus on the design of policy and assume if you get that right, everything will be okay,†explains PSRG Director, Associate Professor Helen Dickinson. “We know that's not the case and we’re more interested in the messy side of policy and public service, such as what happens around implementation, or when things don't quite go to plan.â€Partnering with organisational clients, integral to the group’s research is that there will be a practical benefit for those who work in public service.“We put a lot of effort into knowledge translation and making evidence more useful to practice,†says Dickinson.Consisting of around 20 academics across the School of Government Business with backgrounds ranging from political science to health, systems theory, project management, economics, accountancy, HR, environmental studies, geography, public management, public administration and industrial relations, the PSRG has recently recruited eight experienced career researchers. The PSRG also works with an expert network of both national and international associates to ensure they have the best range of skill sets for any task at hand.The PSRG’s inter-disciplinary, inter-methodological approach sets it apart from other research groups of its kind, with Dickinson highlighting its relevance given the changing face of modern public service.](/content/dam/images/canberra/unsw-canberra/general/research/2022-12-canberra-research/2022-12-20170516adfa3448214_9220.cropimg.width=1170.crop=basic.jpg "PSRG team photo")
Highlights
In addition to undertaking research, PSRG also uses research findings to inform policy making and implementation. Our Things worth sharing booklets are a compilation of publications in non-academic forums.Â
- Things worth sharing in 2023
- Things worth sharing in 2022
- Things worth sharing in 2021
- Things worth sharing in 2020
- Things worth sharing in 2019
- Things worth sharing in 2018
Other resources
The Public Service Research Group also runs regular executive and professional education courses and hosts webinars and podcasts. From short courses to fully customised learning programs, we combine our research findings with academic teaching skills to deliver exceptional executive education, and we can customise a course or program specifically for your organisation’s needs. Please contact us for further information.