Employment suitability refers to the policies and processes that agencies implement to assess and mitigate integrity or security risks associated with an individual prior to, during and upon termination of employment. Commonwealth officers enjoy a position of trust and privilege in the community – having access to information and public resources as well as decision making powers and influence.
Recognising this context, the Australian Government’s Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) [1] sets out the core requirements for employment suitability processes and provides a high level and consistent approach to managing personnel eligibility and suitability risk across government, including maintaining ongoing suitability for employees, and; proactively protecting Australian Government people, information and assets when personnel permanently or temporarily leave their employment with an Agency.[2] Under the PSPF, Australian Government agencies are responsible for determining minimum suitability requirements for staff employed, including processes relating to pre-employment screening and security clearances.[3]
[1] Australian Government’s Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF), https://www.protectivesecurity.gov.au/policies
[2] PSPF, Policy 12: Eligibility and suitability of personnel; Policy 13: Ongoing assessment of personnel; Policy 14:Separating personnel.
[3] PSPF, Policy 12: Eligibility and suitability of personnel.