The Joint Departmental Council (JDC) is a two-way medium, where the Staff are provided with a channel to communicate with the Management in voicing opinions, views and contributing ideas for the interest and benefit of the organisation.

All Government agencies that directly handle administrative matters, human resource management and financial affairs and have the authority to deliberate and make decisions on such matters are required to establish a JDC. For the purpose of establishing a JDC, a draft constitution agreed upon by the Management and the Staff must be drafted first and should be submitted to the JPA for approval.

The scope, areas and functions of the JDC place more emphasis on the interests of the employees in an organisation. In addition to addressing the problems faced by the staff, it can also serve as a discussion forum between the Management and the Staff. An active JDC will indirectly be able to instill a spirit of dedication and productivity among the employees.

Matters that can be discussed cover all issues related to the workplace except those that touch on Government policy or personal matters. However, policy-related issues can be discussed with the sole purpose of explaining their implementation.

Among the matters that can be discussed in the forum include service issues, service schemes and appointments, welfare, administration, finance, allowances and facilities and other matters.

Among the benefits that can be derived from JDC meetings are the establishment of positive relationships and attitudes between the Management and the Staff, satisfaction, increased productivity, improved quality of work, cost savings, employee progress, respectful attitudes, problem-solving, loyalty to the organisation and unity.