The Ministry of Social Development is ''realigning'' its structure at Work and Income, Students, Seniors and Integrity Services and its Risk and Assurance group, deputy chief executive Debbie Power said.
The ministry was formally consulting staff and working with the New Zealand Public Service Association.
''While any change can be unsettling, the proposals mostly affect national office and support areas,'' Ms Power said.
''For a majority of frontline staff, the only change might be who they report to.''
The new structure was expected to be in place early next year, she said.
''It's part of a move towards the ministry providing more seamless help to people, more efficient transactional services, and freeing up staff to provide face-to-face support to those who most need it."
The Risk and Assurance Group provides risk management, audit and assurance functions and provides advice and assurances to the chief executive and senior management on governance and management issues.
