At ASIS, we believe taking care of our people means providing for their mental and emotional wellbeing – during both highs and lows.

Our people have access to in-house wellbeing services – from counsellors to ethics advisors and family support. We support our officers to discuss personal or work-related concerns candidly with our internal psychologists, who balance an understanding of the unique working conditions in ASIS with professional psychological expertise.

Nurturing psychological safety is a core part of our People Strategy – which sets out our commitment to our people and our focus on fostering a more inclusive, diverse and safe workplace.

Being part of the in-house staff and family support team in ASIS is so rewarding because officers place their trust in us to help them or their family during difficult times or circumstances in their lives – whether it’s relating to work or for personal reasons.

- Family psychologist

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with epilepsy. And a few years after that, my son was diagnosed with autism. Through all of these deeply personal and challenging experiences, the unwavering support from my team and our internal psychologists has made an incredible difference. I genuinely can’t imagine another workplace where I would feel as supported and understood through such stressful times.

- Manager – Operations

As a global service with officers all around the world, you’re never truly alone.

From keeping in touch with colleagues on parental leave, to opportunities for officers to bring their partners to meet their peers, we work to keep our people connected to each other and the mission, regardless of their life stage or location.

Officers can also join an internal staff welfare association which promotes the welfare of officers, organises events, and represents officers on a range of governance committees.

 The people are what make ASIS. It’s walking down the corridor and receiving hellos from colleagues. It’s being able to stop and chat with senior leadership and genuinely feel like they are interested in you. It’s attending a staff social event and feeling like you are catching up with old and new friends.

- Head of Staff Welfare Association

Joining ASIS felt like being welcomed into a family. My peers didn’t just see me as a colleague; they took a sincere interest in my life beyond the office, which allowed me to quickly build a support network in a new city. And Canberra itself has surprised me, with its small-town charm and the energy of being at the heart of the APS, a combination I hadn’t anticipated but have come to truly appreciate.

- Operational analyst

Unlike the stories in spy fiction, there is an ethical foundation to everything ASIS does. We’re guided by our mission, Australian law, and well-established values. Our people have strong moral compasses and are committed to do the right thing by Australia, our sources, and all who work with us.

There are a range of resources available to our officers to assist them in considering ethical questions, including an in-house ethics counsellor.

Ultimately, we believe a culture of contestability breeds the best ideas – that’s why we encourage all officers to raise their voice in every room.