Our vision and values

Our values

We are responsive

• We provide frank, impartial and timely advice to the Victorian Government.
• We provide high-quality services to the Victorian community.
• We identify and promote best practice.

Behaviours

• We listen to people and communities and respond to their needs.
• We use person-centred approaches to service and program delivery.
• We promote a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

We have integrity

• We are honest, open and transparent in our dealings.
• We use powers responsibly.
• We report improper conduct.
• We avoid any real or apparent conflicts of interest.
• We strive to earn and sustain public trust.

Behaviours

• We are trustworthy, and we do what we say we will do.
• We stay true to our values when it is easy and when it is difficult.
• We value a broad range of evidence and knowledge systems.

We are impartial

• We make decisions and provide advice on merit and without bias, caprice, favouritism or self-interest.
• We act fairly by objectively considering all relevant facts and fair criteria.
• We implement Victorian Government policies and programs equitably.

Behaviours

• We consider data and evidence and community feedback in our advice.
• We check for unconscious bias and provide safe spaces for different perspectives.
• We consider all options, and once a decision is made we work as one.

We show respect

• We show respect for colleagues, other public officials and members of the Victorian community.
• We treat our colleagues, other public officials and members of the Victorian community fairly and objectively.
• We ensure freedom from discrimination, harassment and bullying.
• We use colleagues, other public officials and members of the Victorian community’s views to improve outcomes on an ongoing basis.

Behaviours

• We are connected to community and we listen to their perspectives.
• We create partnerships with local people and organisations.
• We empower communities by building capacity and resilience.
• We use humanising and strengths-based language.
• We respect a diversity of perspectives.
• We create safe spaces to seek out and hear the voices of people with lived experience.

We are accountable

• We work to clear objectives in a transparent manner.
• We accept responsibility for our decisions and actions.
• We seek to achieve the best use of resources.
• We submit ourselves to appropriate scrutiny.

Behaviours

• We aim to make a tangible difference.
• We aim to improve equality of opportunity and outcomes for Victorians.
• We make best use of government resources.
• We aim to provide support at the right time and in the right place for people who need it.

We lead

• We actively implement, promote and support these values.

Behaviours

• We celebrate success and learn from our experiences.
• We remove barriers to participation whenever we can.
• We demonstrate our values in our interactions.
• We have a supportive and collaborative culture.

We respect human rights

• We respect and promote the human rights set out in the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006.
• We make decisions and provide advice consistent with human rights.
• We actively implement, promote and support human rights.

Behaviours 

• We are inclusive.
• Aboriginal people and communities determine how services will be delivered to them.
• We work with Aboriginal communities, LGBTIQ+ communities, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, young people, older people, women, veterans and people with disability to end discrimination.
• We promote gender equality and diversity in the workforce.