Our culture
Learn about the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission's culture and values, and view our Census results.
Our culture
The DVSC is committed to fostering a people-centred culture to deliver on our purpose. We prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of our staff to embed a culture that promotes psychological safety, integrity and inclusivity to deliver meaningful action to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families.
Our values
In collaboration with staff, the DVSC developed a clear set of values and behavioural expectations, creating a strong foundation in our first year of operation for the future ahead. Our values are:
COURAGE - We are courageous, in our pursuit to improve outcomes for veterans' and their families.
COMPASSION - We are compassionate, embedding trauma-informed and people-centred practices in all that we do.
CURIOSITY - We are curious in our approach, apply critical thinking and listen without judgement or assumption.
INFLUENCE - We are influential in delivering our work and driving meaningful and lasting change.
INTEGRITY - We act with integrity to uphold the independence and credibility of the DVSC.
Our APS Census results
The Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Census (the Census) is an annual survey conducted across Australian Government organisations to collect feedback from staff on their experiences working for their organisation. The Census provides valuable insights to help agencies strengthen their workplace culture and staff experience.
The DVSC is proud to share our inaugural Census results which reflect the experience and perspectives of our staff. Our 2026 results demonstrate the efforts made to shape our culture resonated with our staff. These results show we are developing a committed, collaborative and innovative environment to deliver our important work. Results also provided insights into areas we can focus on to support our ongoing commitment to strengthen our culture and capability as a growing organisation.
Here’s some of the things our staff have to say about their work and employee experience at the DVSC:
| Question | % Positive |
| I believe strongly in the purpose and objectives of my agency | 97% |
| I am happy to go the 'extra mile' at work when required | 100% |
| People in my workgroup are comfortable checking with each other if they have questions about the right way to do something | 100% |
| I believe that one of my responsibilities is to continually look for new ways to improve the way we work | 100% |
| The people in my workgroup value others’ individual skills and talents | 97% |
| I am confident my agency will act on the results of this survey | 90% |
Census Results and Action Plan
DVSC Census Action Plan 2026-27
Join the DVSC
As an independent oversight body, it is important to recruit people with integrity, professionalism and curiosity who understand the sensitive nature of our work. We are looking to recruit high performing and dedicated staff from a range of capabilities, who embody the DVSC’s values.
When we are recruiting, we welcome applications from people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature age people. We value diversity and encourage people from diverse backgrounds and fields to consider a career with us.
Visit our Employment with the DVSC page for further information on how to work with us.
