Acknowledgement of Country

As the New South Wales Department of Education, we recognise and acknowledge the ongoing custodians of the lands and waterways where we work and live. We celebrate Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' unique cultural and spiritual relationship to Country and acknowledge the significance of their cultures in Australia.

We pay respects to elders past and present and commit to representing the lands we walk on, and the communities we walk with.

We reflect on the continuing impact of government policies and practices and recognise our responsibility to work together with and for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, families, and communities, towards improved economic, social and cultural outcomes, self-determination and for real freedom.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this statement is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing August 2024 and is subject to change. For more information, please visit www.education.nsw.gov.au.

About Us

The Department of Education (‘Department’) is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivery high quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. The Department’s public school’s serve a diverse range of communities across the state, enabling all children and young people to receive quality education. As well as support the delivery of a skilled and employable workforce for NSW through post-school vocational education and training, and in higher education. This is because the Department intent is to prepare young people for rewarding lives as engaged citizens in a complex and dynamic society.

Charter for Small Business Statement

The Department is committed to presenting opportunities for small and medium businesses (‘SMEs’) to provide a diverse range of goods and services, while supporting local jobs and building skills, and remain committed to improving access to government business opportunities.

The Department aims to increase SME participation in procurement opportunities within the agency and improve economic, ethical, environmental and social outcomes through a range of initiatives.

The NSW Charter for Small Business (‘Charter’) sets out six principles, which guides NSW government agencies in their engagement with SMEs. The objective of this statement it to demonstrate the Department’s commitment in alignment to the Charter:

1. Principle 1 – Clear and strong focal point to support small businesses to start, grow and thrive

The Service NSW Business Bureau provides guidance and support for SMEs to navigate and help to reach their potential through the Business Concierge and Business Connect Services, digital resources, which enables the SMEs to access information and tools to manage their business (such as licensing) when convenient, and communication channels.

The Department is committed and to support SMEs to comply with regulation, promoting a fair marketplace for businesses and consumers by providing guidance and education.

2. Principle 2 – Stronger engagement on new policy and regulation

The Department is committed to promoting greater and more consistent sector consultation and engagement. The Department will work closely with the Services NSW Business Bureau to foster a collaborative approach and to improve on how we engage with small businesses on policies and project.

3. Principle 3 – Listen and respond to red-tape and other pain points

The Department is committed to listening to small businesses’ concerns about the impact of government policies and regulations. The Department aims to make it easier for all SMEs to understand and comply with regulations, as well as to simplify or eliminate unproductive red tape.

4. Principle 4 – Boost NSW Government procurement from small businesses

The Department recognises the importance of government procurement in supporting SMEs and is dedicated to ensuring all tenderers including SMEs receive fair opportunities to provide and deliver a diverse range of goods and services across the school communities in NSW. The Department is committed to engaging with Aboriginal businesses, social enterprises and SMEs to promote jobs and long-term sustainability.

The Department is also committed to implementing innovative approaches to promote and make it easier for SMEs to bid for Department contracts, by simplifying processes.

5. Principle 5 – Introduce and report on metrics and identify opportunities for supporting small business policy, regulatory and economic settings

The Department supports and is committed to implementing the Service NSW Business Bureau’s upcoming establishment of performance metrics to monitor progress on key programs and indicators that impact small businesses. By tracking and analysing our performance, the Department aims to ensure that the interactions with the SMEs are effective, customer centric and aligned with their needs, while also identifying opportunities for further engagement.

6. Principle 6 – Delivery key actions and commitment to timeline.

The Service NSW Business Bureau updates the Charter for Small Business webpage, which will enable the Department to be aware of key actions and commitment to a timeline to support small businesses.

Conclusion

Overall, the Department is committed to supporting and recognising small businesses’ service and is willing to help and promote SMEs to succeed.