Recommendation Response Explanation Action plan Timeframe Recommendation 5 That the approach to TEP monitoring be reframed to focus on assessing progress in capacity development, measured against agreed priorities for improvement. Agree tasked to undertake an assessment of the relevant national accreditation and quality standards frameworks and integrate into the monitoring and assessment of the program. Report by March 2018 Recommendation Response Explanation Action plan Timeframe Recommendation 6 That the AHC and the AAPNG Facility, TEPs and relevant registration bodies continue to work together to streamline and support the registration process as a part of future student completion requirements. Agree Facility tasked to work with registration bodies to ensure students undertake accreditation on completion of their studies and move into gainful employment. AAPNG tasked to amend the monitoring and evaluation framework indicators so the program is accountable in this area. Report by March 2018 Recommendation Response Explanation Action plan Timeframe Recommendation 7 That the AHC and the AAPNG Facility increase the linkages between ICS scholarship opportunities and potential workforce planning agencies to strengthen the Agree that workforce planning is a critical area of support for awardees completion. The Partnership for Development and labour analysis will set sector priorities for the program. The AAPNG Facility is tasked to apply successful reintegration strategies to the program to ensure awardees Report on proposed approach by March 2018
coordination of workforce needs with workplace vacancies, including developing a greater understanding of the challenges and context of the environment in which students will eventually work and whether additional initiatives should also be considered. are going into their fields of study on completion of award. Recommendation Response Explanation Action plan Timeframe Recommendation 8 That a standard private sector partnership framework be developed that provides clear opportunities and benefits for potential partners and in accordance with the overarching strategic framework of the ICS program. Agree Task the AAPNG Facility to develop this framework outlining opportunities and parameters for engagements. Final framework by December 2017 Recommendation Response Explanation Action plan Timeframe Recommendation 9 That the redevelopment of the ICS Program be staged over a two to three year period, including exploring of new approaches including pathways scholarships and TEP centres of excellence. An independent evaluation will take place to measure effectiveness of the new program against program objectives. Late 2019
Recommendation Response Explanation Action plan Timeframe Recommendation 10 That the future design of the ICS Program be based on: • Improved targeting of scholarships (including pathways scholarships) and TEPs (including centres of excellence). • A decision framework for identifying priority workforce areas. • A decision framework for selecting TEPs. • TEP capacity development support grants based on development priorities identified through baseline and monitoring capacity assessments. • Greater integration of ICS program activities throughout the scholarship lifecycle and across AAPNG programs and the ODA investment. •Enhancement of the application process to includes applicant involvement and earlier selection of successful applicants. Agree to enhancing selection of scholarships and tertiary providers based on merit, performance and Australia and PNG strategic interests and investments as guided by the AHC. The Australia-PNG Partnership for Development and labour analysis will continue to set the work program and sector priorities for the program. to enhanced capacity development initiatives in the program. Agree to enhancement of program cycle, processes and integration of support throughout the cycle of the program. Task the AAPNG Facility to undertake baseline assessment, and to develop an enhanced selection, reintegration and Alumni manual to guide 2018 implementation.