Performance Management Program Guidelines - Deputy Ministers, Associate Deputy Ministers, and Individuals Paid in the GX Salary Range
Senior Personnel Secretariat
Privy Council Office
Last Updated January 2013
[ PDF version of Program Guidelines document 123 KB ]
1.0 Introduction
The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the Performance Management Program as it applies to deputy ministers, associate deputy ministers, and individuals paid in the GX salary range.
1.1 Program Objectives
The objectives of the Performance Management Program are:
- to encourage excellent performance by setting clear objectives and rigorously evaluating the achievement of results;
- to recognize and reward strong performance and identify under-performance; and
- to provide a framework within which a consistent and equitable approach to performance management can be applied.
1.2 Compensation Plan
The Advisory Committee on Senior Level Retention and Compensation, composed of senior executives from the private and other public sectors, was established in 1997 to provide independent advice to the government on compensation and overall human resources management matters for public service executives and Governor in Council appointees.
In February 1998, the government accepted the recommendations contained in the First Report of the Advisory Committee. As a result, a new compensation plan for deputy ministers, associate deputy ministers, and other Governor in Council appointees was introduced.
As per the Committee’s recommendation, cash compensation for senior personnel has two components – base salary and performance pay. Performance pay has two elements – a variable amount (at-risk pay) which must be re-earned each year and a bonus for performance that surpasses expectations. As in the private sector, it would be expected that most senior personnel would receive some at-risk pay.
An effective performance management program is integral to the success of this compensation plan.
1.3 Eligibility
To be eligible for performance pay, incumbents appointed by the Governor in Council must normally hold their positions for at least three (3) consecutive months in the performance cycle. This period allows the incumbent sufficient time to achieve measurable results.
If the period covered by the performance evaluation is more than three months but less than 12 months (full performance cycle), performance pay, if approved, may be prorated.
If an individual is appointed as a deputy minister (or an associate deputy minister or to a position paid within the GX salary range) from an assistant deputy minister (ADM) position during the performance cycle, the individual will be included in the Performance Management Program for the complete cycle.
2.0 Program Overview
The diagram below summarizes the performance management program.
Text version this diagram that summarizes the performance management program
3.0 Performance Agreements
The performance agreement is a mutual understanding between the deputy minister and the Clerk of the Privy Council (or the associate deputy minister/GX and the deputy minister) as to what is expected for the performance cycle.
The performance agreement is comprised of both individual commitments and a corporate commitment, as well as the related performance measures:
- Individual Commitments:
- Policy and Program Results: These commitments reflect the organization’s priority areas of focus during the performance cycle, related to business plans. They are challenging but achievable with effort through the individual’s own influence and control. They must also be results-oriented and measurable or clearly demonstrable. Commitments must be such that the deputy minister will personally make a significant contribution to their achievement. Individuals are expected to develop the following as part of their performance agreements:
- commitments based on the business plans of the organization; and
- commitments that reflect priority areas of focus of the Government.
- Management Results: Individuals with responsibility and accountability for the management of an organization will also be measured on their progress in implementing the management conditions described in the Management Accountability Framework (MAF), with emphasis on the priorities identified by the deputy minister and the Secretary of the Treasury Board or the Chief Human Resources Officer, including people management.
The management conditions set out in the MAF translate into generic commitments and serve as benchmarks for expected performance of all deputy ministers (see Annex A). As such, there is no need for deputy ministers to include management results in their performance agreements unless they wish to highlight a particular initiative. - Leadership Results: These commitments reflect the expected demonstration of the four key leadership competencies approved by COSO in October 2004, which are required to carry out the responsibilities of the position successfully (values and ethics, strategic thinking, engagement, and management excellence). The key leadership competencies are generic commitments and serve as a benchmark for expected performance of all deputy ministers (see Annex B). As such, there is no need for deputy ministers to include leadership results in their performance agreements unless they wish to highlight a particular initiative.
- Policy and Program Results: These commitments reflect the organization’s priority areas of focus during the performance cycle, related to business plans. They are challenging but achievable with effort through the individual’s own influence and control. They must also be results-oriented and measurable or clearly demonstrable. Commitments must be such that the deputy minister will personally make a significant contribution to their achievement. Individuals are expected to develop the following as part of their performance agreements:
- Corporate Commitment:
- This commitment reflects a current Government priority. It will be identified on an annual basis and the results will be evaluated and rewarded based on the collective contribution of the organization towards the corporate commitment.
3.1 Changes to Performance Agreements
Changes may be made to the performance agreement during the performance cycle, in consultation with the Clerk (or with the deputy minister in the case of associate deputy ministers and persons paid in the GX salary range).
4.0 Performance Evaluation
4.1 Input on Performance Evaluation
At the end of the performance cycle, each deputy minister completes a self‑evaluation assessing achievements against the agreed upon commitments. Deputy ministers also complete an evaluation of their associate deputy minister(s), as well as those paid in the GX salary range, where applicable. A concise summary of each evaluation (i.e. half a page) should also be completed in addition to the full (self) evaluation. Both documents will be submitted for consideration by the Committee of Senior Officials (COSO).
Additional information is sought by the Privy Council Office to supplement the self-evaluations including:
- the input of the responsible Minister;
- the comments of central agencies including the Privy Council Office, the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer reporting on results in relation to the MAF and the annual corporate commitment;
- the input gathered by a retired deputy minister from others as appropriate, such as chairpersons of deputy minister committees and other deputy ministers or deputy heads in the portfolio; and
- the input of a corporate commitment evaluation committee and COSO.
The corporate commitment will be evaluated by COSO and the criteria will be communicated in advance at the time the commitment is announced.
4.2 Performance Ratings
Performance ratings depend not only on each deputy ministers’ own performance against their commitments, but also on the relative scope and complexity of the challenges they faced. Ratings will be based on results achieved, as well as on the manner in which they were achieved. One rating will be assigned for results against individual commitments, and a separate rating will be applied for results against the corporate commitment.
Overall performance against the individual commitments is evaluated with the following possible results:
- Did not Meet /Unable to Assess
Did not achieve performance expectations or unable to assess the performance during the cycle (due to leave, training, special assignment). - Succeeded ‑
Did not fully succeed in meeting performance expectations. Or, while succeeded, it was in a position with performance expectations of less scope and complexity in relation to those of other deputy level jobs. - Succeeded
Has fully achieved the performance expectations. - Succeeded +
Exceeded the performance expectations. Or, fully succeeded in a position of greater scope and complexity in relation to those of other deputy level jobs. - Surpassed
Went well beyond performance expectations for individual commitments.
Performance against the corporate commitment is evaluated with the following possible results:
- Did not Meet /Unable to Assess
Did not achieve performance expectations or unable to assess the performance during the cycle (due to leave, training, special assignment). - Partially Achieved
Did not fully achieve the expectations and/or only partially met the established criteria for the corporate commitment. - Achieved
Has achieved the performance expectations and meets most or all of the established criteria for the corporate commitment. - Fully Achieved
Fully achieves the performance expectations and meets or exceeds all of the established criteria for the corporate commitment.
4.3 Performance Awards
The Performance Management Program provides the opportunity to earn the following performance-based compensation:
- Economic Increase
An economic increase can be recommended annually by the Advisory Committee on Senior Level Retention and Compensation, and if applicable, would reflect a percentage increase in base salary. Eligibility for this increase is normally dependent upon the successful achievement of commitments. An economic increase can also awarded in cases where performance is unable to be assessed for reasons such as leave, training, etc. Normally, no economic increase is awarded for performance that does not achieve expectations. - In-Range Salary Movement
Movement through the salary range, up to the maximum of the range, is earned through the successful achievement of commitments. Normal progression for successful performance is 5% per year. Higher or lower percentages may be approved based on the degree of performance against expectations. No in-range salary increase is awarded for performance that does not achieve expectations. - At-Risk Pay
Effective 2011-12, 60% of at-risk pay will be allocated for results against individual commitments, and the remaining 40% will be allocated for performance against the corporate commitment. For each component of at-risk pay, the lump sum payment is equivalent to a percentage of base salary and must be re-earned each year, based on the successful achievement of commitments. The amount of this lump sum may vary, depending on the degree of success achieved, as outlined under the section on Performance Evaluation. This payment does not increase an individual’s base salary but is included in average salary for pension calculations. At-risk pay can be earned regardless of an individual’s position in the salary range; however, no at-risk pay is awarded for performance that does not achieve expectations. - Bonus
This lump sum payment is in addition to at-risk pay and is based on the individual’s demonstrated performance that has surpassed expectations. Like at-risk pay, this payment does not increase an individual’s base salary but is included in average salary for pension calculations. Bonuses can be earned regardless of an individual’s position in the salary range.
In implementing in-range salary increases, at-risk pay and bonuses, the salary used as the base for calculations is that in effect on the last day of the performance cycle; that is, March 31st. Economic increases apply to the upcoming fiscal year and are based on the salary following application of any in‑range salary increase.
4.4 Performance Award Percentages
PCO annually issues information on the range of performance awards available, according to performance achieved and the individual’s classification. This information can be found on the Privy Council Office website.
5.0 Approval and feedback process
Compensation for deputy ministers and associate deputy ministers is approved by the Governor in Council. Copies of the Order in Council authorizing payment are provided to the individuals concerned for forwarding to their compensation office for implementation.
Compensation for individuals paid in the GX salary range is approved by the Prime Minister.
5.1 Feedback
Emphasis is placed on developing and sharing constructive feedback, including any recommendations for strengthening performance. As appropriate, the Clerk of the Privy Council, the Associate Secretary to the Cabinet, or the Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Senior Personnel and Public Service Renewal Branch), will provide performance feedback.
5.2 Communications
To ensure transparency and understanding of the program objectives and results, as well as alignment in the organization, individuals are encouraged to share their performance commitments with their organization.
6.0 Monitoring Program Integrity
An effective performance management program should demonstrate the following best practice rating distribution for ratings individual commitments. This distribution has been endorsed by the Advisory Committee on Senior Level Retention and Compensation:
Text version of Monitoring Program Integrity Chart
7.0 Timelines
| Timelines | Actions Taken |
|---|---|
| January – March |
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| Early April |
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| April – June |
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| May |
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| June |
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| July – August |
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| September |
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| October |
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Annex A - Management Results - Generic Commitments
These commitments reflect the core organizational and management accountabilities, as described in the Management Accountability Framework.
Public Service Values
Through their actions, organizational leaders continually reinforce the importance of public service values and ethics in the delivery of results to Canadians (e.g., democratic, professional, ethical and people values).
Governance and Strategic Directions
The essential conditions – internal coherence, corporate discipline and alignment to outcomes – are in place for providing effective strategic direction, support to the minister and Parliament, and the delivery of results.
Policy and Programs
Organizational research and analytic capacity is developed and sustained to assure high quality policy options, program design and advice to ministers.
People
The organization has the people, work environment and focus on building capacity and leadership to assure its success and a confident future for the Public Service of Canada.
Citizen-Focused Service
Services are citizen-centered, policies and programs are developed from the "outside in", and partnerships are encouraged and effectively managed.
Risk Management
The executive team clearly defines the corporate context and practices for managing organizational and strategic risks proactively.
Stewardship
The organizational control regime (assets, money, people, services, etc.) is integrated and effective, and its underlying principles are clear to all staff.
Accountability
Accountabilities for results are clearly assigned and consistent with resources, and delegations are appropriate to capabilities.
Results and Performance
Relevant information on results (internal, service and program) is gathered and used to make organizational decisions, and public reporting is balanced, transparent, and easy to understand.
Learning, Innovation and Change Management
The organization manages through continuous innovation and transformation, promotes organizational learning, values corporate knowledge, and learns from its performance.
*Individuals should consult the Management Accountability Framework for a complete understanding of the MAF elements and performance indicators.
Annex B - Leadership Results - Generic Commitments
These commitments reflect the expected demonstration of the key leadership competencies required to carry out successfully the responsibilities of the position.
Values and Ethics - Serving with Integrity and Respect
An effective leader:
- demonstrates values and ethics, including the Code, in personal behaviour;
- integrates values and ethics, including the Code, in organizational practices;
- makes decisions without favouritism or bias;
- models and instills commitment to the organization’s mandate, citizen-focused service and the public good;
- provides fearless advice and acts with the courage of his/her convictions;
- recognizes and reconciles conflicting values;
- creates a collaborative, inclusive and diverse culture built on official languages and employment equity policies; and
- models, communicates and builds a culture of respect for people and public service principles.
Strategic Thinking - Innovating through Analysis and Ideas
Analysis
An effective leader:
- frames issues with a thorough understanding of legislation and the subject matter area;
- identifies links between global, societal, and economic trends; stakeholder concerns; the organization’s agenda; public service values; and regional and horizontal issues;
- extracts the key issues from complex, ambiguous, rapidly changing contexts; and
- analyzes problems thoroughly before developing solutions.
Ideas
An effective leader:
- provides quality judgment and advice;
- develops vision and plans based on the broader portfolio and public service vision and policy; and the national and international context;
- projects beyond the status quo to the organization’s potential contribution to society;
- sets necessary transformational goals with broad perspectives and long-term timelines;
- encourages debate and ideas from across hierarchies, skills sets, and stakeholders;
- anticipates emerging issues / changing contexts and develops strategies quickly to solve problems or seize opportunities; and
- teaches and learns from others.
Engagement - Mobilizing People, Organizations, Partners
An effective leader:
- develops effective working relationships and trust with partners and stakeholders;
- acts as an interface and builds relations between partners and stakeholders;
- mobilizes and motivates teams to achieve objectives;
- builds a commitment to excellence and common purpose by promoting the vision internally and externally;
- creates and collaborates with strategic alliances to achieve organization and shared objectives;
- develops and implements effective communication and engagement strategies with partners;
- builds support through influence, negotiation, and balancing interests;
- removes barriers to collaboration; and
- works with other deputy ministers as a corporate collective to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Management Excellence - Delivering through Action Management, People Management, Financial Management
Action Management: Design and Execution
An effective leader:
- leads organizational change that maximizes departmental and portfolio results;
- builds an effective, sustainable organization through stewardship and governance;
- creates, aligns, and integrates structures, systems, and teams to better achieve objectives;
- integrates the business plan into a transparent management framework;
- integrates comptrollership, the Management Accountability Framework, federal legislation, regulations and policies into organizational practices;
- fulfils obligations of management accountabilities;
- applies and encourages strategic risk management practices;
- integrates human resources, finance, information technology and information management and communications issues into planning and actions;
- revises goals and plans to reflect changing priorities or conditions;
- commits to a course of action despite incomplete information, if required;
- makes decisions, initiates urgent actions, and remains calm in crisis situations; and
- recognizes and acknowledges errors and makes corrections.
People Management: Individuals and Workforce
An effective leader:
- invests time in managing and developing people, individually and collectively;
- looks after people and builds staff morale;
- provides clear direction on priorities;
- encourages reasonable and strategic risk taking;
- recognizes and rewards results and deals constructively with setbacks;
- gives clear, honest feedback and manages non-performance;
- builds accountability and value for people management within the executive community;
- provides people with the ongoing learning, support, and tools they need;
- ensures the workforce has the capacity and diversity to meet current and future needs;
- implements rigorous human resources systems and fulfils obligations of human resources management accountabilities; and
- collaborates with other deputy ministers on human resources initiatives and issues.
Financial Management: Budgets and Assets
An effective leader:
- implements strategies to achieve operational efficiencies and value for money;
- builds, operates, and monitors rigorous systems for Financial Information Management and internal audit and evaluation;
- fulfils obligations of accountabilities for finance and assets management;
- delegates authority, responsibility, and accountability to appropriate levels;
- acts on audit, evaluation, and other objective performance information;
- links financial and performance information; and
- manages stewardship issues actively (e.g., chairs audit and evaluation committees; seeks strategic re-allocation).