The Public Service is operating in an ever-changing environment. The Agency's efforts are about facilitating the evolution of the Public Service to not only function in that environment, but to excel within it. The Government of Canada and the Public Service understand that the determining factor in achieving that success is public servants themselves. That is why the Agency's goal of ensuring the Public Service continues to have a world-class workforce – one that is ready to support the government's agenda and to deliver the policies, programs and service that Canadians rely on every day – is more important than ever before.

Taken as a whole, the Agency's responsibilities come together in three mutually reinforcing functional areas that contribute to human resources (HR) management excellence.

Leadership: The Agency promotes leadership among public servants through partnerships and policy. It works to align the efforts of all HR portfolio partners – including the Canada School of the Public Service, the Treasury Board Secretariat, Public Service Commission, Privy Council Office – and sets standards, practices and expectations on workplace needs.

Services: The Agency provides services through a suite of development programs that support and foster excellence, as well as provide HR management tools and infrastructure. These programs target public servants – from first levels to deputy heads – and provide them with learning, support and developmental work assignments.

Integrity: Through annual assessments of departments and agencies, the Agency maintains the integrity of the HR management system. This work ensures that the Agency is able to establish and verify the effectiveness of the support it provides to public servants, as well as the health of the overall HR management of the Public Service and its organizations.

The Agency's work on values and ethics, official languages and diversity, ensures that the Public Service has the qualities and attributes that reflect the composition and nature of Canadian society. This work has taken on new importance within the context of Public Service renewal – a government-wide priority identified by the Clerk of the Privy Council and the Prime Minister in light of the significant challenges posed by today's demographic and labour market trends.

The Public Service is well on its way to realizing the flexibilities in staffing, constructive labour management relations, and enhanced employee training that are envisaged under the Public Service Modernization Act. These efforts will continue under the Agency's leadership and will be enhanced, where appropriate and possible, to speed up the rate of change and support.