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The Ulare Secondment Program

PARTICIPATE AS A SECONDEE

Explore what a placement could mean for your professional growth and experience. 

A PROGRAM BUILT ON RECIPROCAL LEARNING

Every Ulare placement is uniquely designed for the participant and host organisation, creating opportunities for practical collaboration, shared learning and cross-sector experience through structured, project-based placements.

If you are a public sector employee

You will undertake a placement within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO), contributing to project work aligned to organisational priorities. Participants enter placements with a focus on learning, relationship building and shared experience, gaining deeper insight into Aboriginal community-controlled ways of working, stronger cross-sector relationships and practical experience that can be carried back into their home agency.

If you are an ACCO employee

You will undertake a placement within a South Australian Government agency, gaining direct exposure to government systems, policy processes and decision-making environments. Participants contribute valuable cultural knowledge, lived experience and community-informed perspectives into government settings, while building stronger networks, broader sector understanding and practical experience navigating government processes and systems.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

❋ South Australian Public Sector Employees

The Ulare Secondment Program is open to employees of participating South Australian public sector agencies, including employees working full-time, part-time, casually or on fixed-term contracts. Individuals engaged as external contractors are not eligible to participate.

❋ Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation staff

Employees from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), alongside other Aboriginal community-controlled organisations governed and operated by Aboriginal communities, are encouraged to express interest in participating as secondees within the South Australian Public Sector.

HOW PLACEMENTS WORK

Ulare placements are designed to be flexible and aligned to both participant and organisational capacity.

  • Placements typically run between one and six months.

  • Flexible participation arrangements, including hybrid and remote options, may be supported where appropriate.

  • Every placement includes a structured Placement Workplan aligned to genuine organisational priorities.

  • Placements are available across metropolitan, regional and remote South Australia

HOW WE SUPPORT YOU

Every secondee receives structured support throughout the placement lifecycle, from initial expression of interest through to placement closeout.

  • A culturally informed onboarding process prior to placement commencement

  • A clear Placement Workplan reflecting expectations, responsibilities and objectives

  • Regular check-ins with the Ulare program team throughout the placement

  • Clear support and escalation pathways if questions or concerns arise

  • A placement closeout process that captures learnings and recognises participant contribution

  • Participants are supported throughout the placement lifecycle through structured guidance, planned check-ins and responsive support.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Check Your Eligibility
 Review the eligibility criteria to confirm Ulare is right for you

Check the intake cycles
Review the upcoming intake cycles and consider which one best suits your current commitments and availability.

Obtain manager approval
Discuss the opportunity with your manager and confirm their support before submitting an application.

Submit an expression of interest
Submit an expression of interest to indicate your interest in participating. Expressions of interest remain open year-round.

We will be in touch
The Ulare program team will review your expression of interest and contact you regarding next steps aligned to upcoming intake cycles and placement availability.

If your expression of interest does not align with the current intake cycle, it will remain on file, and you will be contacted when a suitable placement opportunity becomes available

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS

  • 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.

  • Participants remain employees of, and formally report to, their home public sector agency or Aboriginal organisation employer.

    Day-to-day work direction is provided by the host organisation, in line with the agreed Placement Workplan.

  • 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 and capability building.

    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:

    • 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.

Are you ready to grow through intentional experience?

Submit an expression of interest now

SECONDEE EOI Form
SECONDEE EOI Form