Date: 5 December 2025 The Australian Research Council is undertaking an organisational review to ensure our structure aligns with our expanded responsibilities under amended legislation that took effect on 1 July 2024. The review focuses on aligning staffing levels with the APSC's Optimal Management Structures to ensure we have the right people at the right level to support early-stage research for the benefit of all Australians. Consultation This organisation review has been developed in consultation with staff: Staff were advised on 20 October 2025 that the ARC would be embarking on a review of its Operating Model. 11 focus groups were held in total with more than 70% staff participation to inform a proposed Operating Model and structure. On 18 and 19 November 2025, potentially impacted staff met with agency representatives to discuss the proposed structure and how it may affect their role. These potentially impacted staff were advised in writing afterwards that if a new organisational structure is introduced, this will result in a reduction in the number of roles at the ARC, predominantly at the Executive level. The email advised that the ARC expects staff would have an opportunity to consider a voluntary redundancy, apply for an EOI for a new or vacant role, or they may be matched to a new role. Under the proposed organisation structure, it is proposed that 21 APS positions are removed and 16 APS positions are created; this is a net reduction of 5 APS roles. Consultation on this proposed operating model and structure opened on Wednesday 19 November 2025 and closes on Tuesday 9 December 2025. Next steps The ARC Senior Leadership team are regularly reviewing feedback throughout the consultation process. No final decisions have been made. The ARC encourages all staff to participate in consultation; feedback is integral to this process. It is intended that the final operating model and organisational structure will come into effect from 1 March 2026. Professor Ute Roessner AM FAA