Yes. Participants are expected to discuss their interest with their line manager before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

This helps ensure your availability, workload and placement timing can be supported by your home agency.

You may also wish to speak with your agency’s relevant contact or the program team if you have questions about the program or suitability before applying. Visit the website for further contact details.

If you have planned leave during your placement, please notify your line manager and the program team as early as possible. This allows time to plan appropriately and ensure placement activities and expectations can be adjusted if required.

If you are asked to complete work beyond your agreed Placement Workplan, you should raise this early to ensure expectations remain clear and manageable.

You can discuss this with:

• Your host supervisor as the first point of contact

• The program team, if further support is required

Placements are designed to align with agreed scope and should not result in unreasonable workload or expectations beyond what has been agreed.

A placement is a secondment, not a change of employer. You remain employed by your home public sector agency or Aboriginal organisation and continue to receive your usual salary, leave entitlements and employment conditions throughout the placement.
The host organisation provides day-to-day work direction in line with the agreed Placement Workplan, while your home organisation remains your formal employer. As manager approval forms part of the application process, practical matters such as timing, workload coverage and participation arrangements should be discussed and confirmed with your employer before submitting an Expression of Interest.

There are no direct costs to participants.

Police clearances or Working with Children Checks may be required depending on the placement. Requirements will be confirmed during placement planning.

Travel arrangements and any associated costs are agreed in advance between the participant, their home organisation and the host organisation.

The program team can provide guidance to support these arrangements where required.

The placement is a developmental opportunity designed to support learning, shared experience and professional growth. Feedback is used to:

• Support learning and reflection

• Inform program improvement

It is not intended as a formal performance assessment, unless otherwise agreed with your home agency.

Flexible arrangements may be possible, subject to:

• Host organisation needs and expectations

• Home agency approval

• Clear agreement upfront

Any changes to working arrangements should be discussed and agreed to in advance.

The Ulare Secondment Program is open to employees of participating South Australian public sector agencies, including those working full-time, part-time, casually or on fixed-term contracts.

Individuals engaged as external contractors to the public sector are not eligible to participate.

Participants are expected to contribute to their placement in a professional and proactive manner, including:

• Working autonomously within the agreed Placement Workplan

• Engaging effectively with a range of stakeholders

• Supporting delivery of agreed project activities and outcomes

Participants are also required to comply with the policies and procedures of both their home organisation and the host organisation. Where there is any inconsistency, the policies of the host organisation will apply for the duration of the placement.

Placements are intended to run for the agreed duration; however, they may be concluded early where required.

If you are considering ending your placement early, you should discuss this as soon as possible with your host supervisor, home agency and the program team. Early discussion allows appropriate support to be provided and ensures any impacts are managed effectively.

Where a placement does end early, arrangements will be managed in consultation with all parties to support a respectful and appropriate transition.

Success in the program is reflected in both the contribution made and the learning gained during the placement. This includes:

• Supporting the host organisation’s priorities and agreed outcomes

• Building strong, respectful relationships

• Demonstrating respect for cultural protocols and ways of working

• Reflecting on learning and applying insights beyond the placement

Participants should expect a different way of working that reflects the priorities and context of the host organisation. This may include:

• Spending time listening, observing and learning before action

• Different organisational cultures and decision-making processes

• A strong emphasis on relationships and trust-building

• Changing timelines and evolving priorities

• Spending time listening, observing and learning before taking action.

The Ulare Secondment Program is delivered by MTL Consulting Services in partnership with OCPSE. The program is supported by the Government of South Australia.

MTL is responsible for program management and coordination, with OCPSE providing strategic oversight and governance support.

Feedback from hosts and participants is to strengthen program delivery and inform continuous improvement. Feedback is:

• Used to improve the program

• Treated confidentially

• Not used to evaluate host organisations or communities.