If you are considering stepping up from EL2 to SES Band 1, you may have already submitted several winning Australian Public Service (APS) applications. But writing a winning SES Band 1 application is a different beast entirely. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between EL2 and SES Band 1 roles, and share practical insights and an application example (500 word pitch) to help you make the leap with confidence.
What is SES Band 1?
Senior Executive Service (SES) Band 1 roles sit at the strategic leadership level of the Australian Public Service (APS). These positions typically require an ability to:
- Shape policy and strategy at a whole-of-government level
- Provide authoritative and strategic advice to Ministers and senior stakeholders
- Lead significant reform and transformation initiatives
- Represent the agency externally at the most senior levels
While EL2 roles are about delivering outcomes through operational and strategic leadership within a function, SES Band 1 is about shaping the future direction of the organisation and government priorities.
EL2 vs SES Band 1 – What’s the Real Difference?
| Competency Area | EL2 | SES Band 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | Leads a branch or team; responsible for outputs | Sets strategic direction for a division or agency |
| Decision Making | Applies judgment within a defined policy or program | Makes high-level decisions with national or long-term impacts |
| Stakeholder Engagement | Manages internal and some external stakeholders | Influences senior stakeholders including Ministers and Secretaries |
| Strategic Thinking | Interprets and applies strategy | Shapes and develops strategy |
| Communication | Prepares briefings and advice | Persuades and negotiates at senior levels across government |
In short: SES Band 1 is not just a higher-level EL2—it’s a fundamental shift in responsibility, focus, and influence.
What Makes a Winning SES Band 1 Application?
A successful SES application needs to demonstrate leadership, strategy, and impact at scale. Here’s how to nail each part:
1. Focus on Whole-of-Government Outcomes
Don’t just talk about what you led—show how your work connected to broader government priorities. Demonstrate systems thinking and policy awareness beyond your immediate department.
2. Use the SES Capability Framework
Align your application with the APS SES Capability Leadership Strategy. Focus on the the five key Integrated Leadership System aspects:
- Shapes strategic thinking
- Achieves results
- Cultivates productive working relationships
- Exemplifies personal drive and integrity
- Communicates with influence
3. Tell Impactful STAR Stories
Use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result), but scale it up. SES examples should show outcomes that impacted entire divisions, cross-agency initiatives, or national reforms—not just team-level improvements.
4. Highlight Your Influence
SES Band 1 leaders are influencers. Show how you’ve negotiated across departments, advised senior executives or Ministers, or led reform agendas.
SES Band 1 Application Example: 500 Word Pitch
Here’s an example pitch for a Branch Manager, Market Delivery (SES Band 1):
As a strategic and outcomes-driven executive, I bring over 15 years of experience leading high-impact reforms in complex policy and market environments, underpinned by a deep commitment to equity, transparency, and participant wellbeing. I offer strong stewardship of markets and economic systems that support the rights and aspirations of people with disability.
In my current role as Director, Market Reform, I led the redesign of a national pricing framework to address provider instability in regional and remote communities. Independent analysis showed price caps were suppressing market entry in under-serviced areas. I was tasked with reviewing and reforming the pricing structure to better reflect real service delivery costs while maintaining scheme sustainability. I led a multidisciplinary team to analyse cost drivers, model new pricing tiers, and consult extensively with providers and participants across 12 regions. I worked closely with actuaries and policy teams to assess financial and behavioural impacts, and oversaw the release of revised pricing limits alongside tailored provider guidance and communications. Within six months, the region saw a 22% increase in registered providers, and participant-reported service access improved by 31%.
I also led the delivery of a national pilot for outcome-linked pricing in early intervention supports. The existing hourly pricing model did not incentivise long-term developmental outcomes. My branch was asked to explore options to better align payment with outcomes. I co-designed the pilot with sector experts, established clear outcome metrics, and negotiated risk-sharing mechanisms with key provider partners. I oversaw implementation across four jurisdictions and set up independent evaluation protocols. The pilot delivered a 15% improvement in child developmental milestones over 12 months and is now being scaled nationally with bipartisan support.
I create high-performing, values-led teams by promoting psychological safety, clear accountability, and capability growth. When inheriting a newly merged branch of 25 staff across three offices, I initiated a team-wide capability review and implemented a new operating model aligned to ILS leadership behaviours. Within one year, staff engagement rose by 27 points (APS Census), and performance outcomes exceeded KPIs across all business areas.
I am highly effective in cross-sector collaboration and influencing. I regularly lead complex negotiations with peak bodies and government partners. Recently, I chaired a national pricing advisory panel to resolve tensions between scheme cost containment and provider viability. Through evidence-based leadership and trust-building, I secured agreement on revised escalation protocols for cost pressures—endorsed by the Board and supported by providers.
I hold a Master of Applied Economics and bring deep technical expertise in pricing, market dynamics, and stewardship theory. I lead with integrity, strategic foresight, and a strong focus on outcomes.
As Branch Manager, Market Delivery, I would bring deep reform experience, stakeholder credibility, and a strong moral compass to shaping sustainable markets that uphold participant rights, promote provider confidence, and deliver real, measurable impact.
Quick Tips
- Use plain English—SES applications are judged on clarity, not jargon.
- Tailor your examples to match the unique challenges of the advertised role.
- Back up your achievements with data—quantify where possible.
- Get peer or mentor feedback—especially from someone already in the SES.
Need Expert Help?
We write professional SES applications tailored to your role, leadership style and impact—so you can focus on preparing for your interview. Reach out today for a confidential discussion.
