centre for leadership and learning prospectus€¦ · centre for leadership and learning prospectus...

Centre for Leadership and Learning Prospectus

ABOUT USThe Leadership and Capability group ensures the Australian Public Service (APS) has a contemporary, systematic approach to learning and development, leadership development, and talent management, centred on APS needs.Through the Centre for Leadership and Learning we provide:

— consistent, quality and cost effective development of the core skills of Australian

public servants

— contemporary leadership development programs

for senior leaders in the APS

— talent management practices that support

succession management for critical roles in the

APS

— development solutions for all APS employees at

any point in their career.

This booklet provides information on the products

that we offer and is categorised using three themes:

Leadership, Core Skills and Starting with the APS.

LeadershipCore skills

Starting with the APS

LEADERSHIPLeadership is at the heart of how we resolve today’s complex problems. Strong and effective leadership is essential for the APS to successfully serve government and the citizens of Australia.Our APS leadership programs strengthen critical leadership skills and build professional networks.

They are designed to be delivered over time to allow experimentation with the course concepts in

your workplace. Our programs provide a framework to help you understand how you commonly

react in situations and teach you the importance of self-reflection. This focus is critical to ensure

behavioural changes are achieved, and you can thrive and succeed in your role.

Our programs are experiential. They include theories, frameworks and approaches to use in the

workplace, but more importantly they help you consider your daily leadership practice. You will

have the opportunity to take part in challenging and supportive development experiences, group

discussions, personal reflections, use of real public sector challenges and examples, and workplace

learning assignments.

This program provided a highly relevant framework to assist me with understanding and tackling complex leadership problems. I also learned extremely valuable insights into myself and how I operate in challenging environments.

LEADERSHIP

SES BAND 3 LEADERSHIPEnhances the strategic leadership capability of SES Band 3s in leading whole-of-agency, cross-APS and cross-sector initiatives.

In this program you explore skills, approaches and techniques to:

• effectively lead change initiatives and solve complex problems

• build organisational capacity to respond to future strategic challenges

• discover a deeper perspective of your role as a Band 3 leader and your individual leadership purpose

• practice self-reflection and build resilience to sustain leadership

• build an ongoing learning community to support your practice of leadership

Program includes:

Individual orientation

Four Workshops

Workplace practice and

reflection

Optional coaching sessions

Optional multi-sourced

feedback

Program spans 18 months and includes Workshop 1 – 1 day, Workshop 2 – 5.5 day residential, Workshop 3 – 2 days and Workshop 4 – 2 days

I will use the ‘softer’ aspects of leadership more. More emphasis on relationships, engagement and consultation, and not just the technical aspects of leadership. More adaptive, less authoritative.

LEADERSHIP

SES BAND 2LEADERSHIPStrengthens the leadership capability of SES Band 2s in working within and across organisational boundaries, and fostering innovation and change to make progress on complex initiatives.

In this program you have a unique opportunity to:

• expand your personal awareness and build valuable insights into leadership behaviour

• explore strategies and frameworks to recognise, evaluate and respond to complex strategic and political challenges

• apply leadership concepts to real situations and challenges

• develop a deeper understanding of the perspective and experiences of citizens

Program includes:


Four Workshops

Peer coaching

Work-based learning

tasks

Optional coaching sessions

Program spans 12 months and includes Workshop 1 – 1 day, Workshop 2 – 5.5 day residential, Workshop 3 – 5.5 day immersive and Workshop 4 – 1 day

I’m bringing a different perspective to my role and my mindset has shifted from always needing to solve the problem to supporting others to solve the problem

LEADERSHIP

SES BAND 1 LEADERSHIPBuilds the leadership skills of SES Band 1s in setting the strategic direction of their group, creating a positive workplace culture, influencing stakeholders, and leveraging the capability of others to achieve organisational objectives.

In this program you develop insights and practical techniques to:

• explore the range of factors driving change in the APS and how they impact on the work of leadership

• practice the skills of exploring issues and problems from different perspectives

• analyse, interpret and manage complex challenges

• explore the concepts of power and authority, conflict, acting politically and the practice of leadership

• reflect on the impact and effectiveness of your leadership behaviours

Program includes:


Four Workshops

Individual coaching sessions

Peer coaching

Work-based learning

tasks

Program spans 6 months and includes Workshop 1 – 3.5 day residential, Workshop 2 – 2 days, Workshop 3 – 2 days and Workshop 4 – 1 day

Being new to the APS, the program gave me an appreciation of the rules, regulations and complexities facing the APS environment. Improving my awareness of the legislation and standards has improved my ability to lead staff.

LEADERSHIP

SES ORIENTATION Provides new SES-level employees with the skills and knowledge required to transition into their new, more complex roles.

In this program you explore skills, approaches and techniques to:

• deepen your understanding of the management accountabilities and the delegations required to lead and manage in the APS at the SES level

• develop your leadership and stewardship practices in APS contexts

• build ongoing networks of APS senior leaders to assist you in addressing APS leadership challenges

• thrive as a senior leader in the APS

Program includes:

Workshops Leadership connections

Senior APS guest speakers

Work-based learning

tasks

e-Learning

Workshops throughout the program involve colleagues from across the APS working together, building networks while exploring real issues.

Achieving transformation is all about influencing people (those who work for you, other SES and those close, and those outside the organisation) to think and re-imagine what we do. The course has helped provide insights into how to effect change and strategies we can use to influence thinking.

LEADERSHIP

LEADING IN A DIGITAL AGEAssists participants to recognise the challenges and opportunities of leading in the digital age to meet the expectations of citizens, business and other users of government services.

In this program you explore ways to:

• champion the development of user centred services and products

• create public value through new ways of working in a digital age

• recognise the why, how and where to apply agile ways of working in your agency

• mobilise your workforce to deliver digital transformation and change

Program includes:

Mindset assessment and debrief

Two workshops

Self-directed learning

Program spans 2 months and includes Mindset assessment and individual de-brief, Workshop 1 – 1 day, Workshop 2 – 3 days and self-directed learning options.

LEADERSHIP

BREAKTHROUGH CONVERSATIONS Builds on existing leadership capabilities to support SES Band 1–3s to conduct breakthrough conversations across a range of relevant contexts.

In this program you explore skills and techniques to:

• identify and maintain an awareness of your own behavioural defaults, reactions and patterns

• scan, interpret and diagnose the context of the conversation

• listen with curiosity and openness to others’ perspectives

• achieve the intended outcomes of the conversation

• hold those involved to account

• build, maintain and draw on a community of trusted peers

Program includes:

Pre-workshop interview

One workshop


Program spans 3 months and includes 30 minute pre-workshop interview, Workshop 1 – 1 day and 3 one hour individual coaching sessions.

I’m taking more time to diagnose before acting. I’m consciously adopting different roles to improve or achieve outcomes.

LEADERSHIP

EL 2 LEADERSHIP EXPANSIONSupports participants to further develop leadership skills that are critical in progressing strategic priorities.

In this program you will:

• develop your leadership practices and understand how this is different to individual, positional authority and professional expertise

• use wider perspectives to skilfully consider issues and challenges and solve problems

• recognise the difference between technical and adaptive problems

• develop contemporary strategies to sustain the ongoing practice of leadership

• explore the practice of being conscious of role and purpose as a leader

Program includes:

Background reading

Three workshops

Work-based learning

tasks

Program spans 3 months and includes Workshop 1 – 3 days, Workshop 2 – 2 days and Workshop 3 – 1 day

I have learned to be a coach or sounding board, rather than being the expert. This course has reaffirmed my leadership abilities to confidently seek and secure a permanent EL2 position.

LEADERSHIP

EL 2 LEADERSHIP IN PRACTICE Supports participants to move beyond their technical expertise and develop critical management and leadership capabilities.

In this program you will:

• gain valuable insights into your personal leadership behaviour

• explore the importance of self-reflection as a tool to build resilience, courage and self-awareness

• use real public sector examples to explore the importance of including diverse views when problem solving

• examine how leadership influences and sets the culture of teams and workplace

• build the skills needed to have tough conversations and how to surface and manage conflict effectively

• develop coaching techniques to use in the workplace to increase your team’s performance

Program includes:

Background reading

Three workshops

Diagnostic assessment

Work-based learning

tasks

Program spans 3 months and includes Workshop 1 – 2 days, Workshop 2, 3 days and Workshop 3 – 1 day

I am challenging myself more, speaking up more, trusting my instincts, not hiding away and sharing my experience and insights with others more readily.

LEADERSHIP

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP Supports women executives aspiring to take on more senior or complex leadership roles.

In this program you develop insights, practical skills and techniques to:

• explore common issues women can encounter in leadership roles

• examine leadership identity and how to build on your current identity

• exercise formal and informal authority in a leadership role

• work with gender dynamics in the workplace

• build a network of support to enhance your leadership practice

Program includes:

Group orientation

Background reading

Three workshops

Individual coaching

Work-based learning

tasks

Program spans 6 months and includes Workshop 1 – 3 days, Workshop 2 – 2 days and Workshop 3 – 2 days

I feel I understand the issues that Aboriginal people face and how complex they are, but I now have a thirst to learn more, to try and help in the future.

LEADERSHIP

JAWUN SECONDMENT PROGRAM Secondments from the APS to a range of partner organisations in Indigenous communities across Australia.

The Jawun program provides an opportunity to deepen your cultural capability while on secondment to an Indigenous organisation working alongside secondees from other APS agencies and the private sector. This experience will help you drive better policy development and service delivery outcomes.

Jawun works to support Indigenous leaders to deliver their own strategies and vision, and contributes to the capability development of Indigenous people and organisations. This experience will help you build your leadership capabilities and attributes including resilience, self-awareness and courage as you work to achieve your project brief.

Jawun offers two types of secondments:

• The Jawun APS Secondment Program: six weeks—Open to high performing Executive Level employees

• Jawun Empowered Communities Secondment Program: six to twelve weeks—Open to SES Band 1 and high performing EL2 employees

Program includes:

Induction Secondment Project 24/7 support

LEADERSHIP

EXECUTIVE COACHINGSupports SES Band 3s progress personal and professional goals while developing greater self-awareness.

This register of highly qualified and experienced executive coaches supports the continued development of SES Band 3 leaders.

To access the Executive Coaching Register:

• log into GovTEAMS

• search and request access to ‘Executive Coaching Register’

• access granted to SES Band 3 employees (or representative)

• open ‘Executive Coaching Register Community’ and click on ‘SharePoint’

• open ‘Coach Register’ Word document and select coaches that meet your requirements

• select profiles for coaches that are of interest from the ‘Coach Profile’ folder

• contact and engage coaches in accordance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and your agencies procurement requirements

Coaching register includes:

Approved list of Coaches

Profile for each Coach

CORE SKILLSOur Core Skills courses develop essential skills for APS employees. We offer a wide range of interesting, practical and insightful courses that build your capabilities to better serve the government and the citizens of Australia.There are three ways to access our Core Skills courses:

• attend a course at our APS Learning Centre in Canberra or a State venue with colleagues from across the APS

• arrange delivery of a course in your agency, using a facilitator from our team, anywhere in Australia. This is a cost-effective option and our facilitators can tailor a program to meet your unique requirements

• access the course resources via GovTeams. You can contextualise these resources for your own agency and use your own facilitator.

This course was outstanding. Enjoyed the role play and feedback.

Testimonial from Engaging Stakeholders

CORE SKILLS

WORKING WITH PEOPLE Builds skills needed to work productively, ethically, respectfully and inclusively in the work place.

Our suite of courses include:

• Building relationships and engagement

• Conflict resolution

• Dealing with change

• Managing through change

• EA & SES: a partnership in performance

• Engaging stakeholders

• Working in teams

Learning activities may include:

Background reading and reflections

Pre-workshop questionnaires e-Learning Workshops On the job

action plan

Courses are delivered over ½ day, 1 day or 2 days

One of the best writing and communication training programs. The course is great due to being quite practical rather than merely discussing theories on paper! I highly recommend.

Testimonial from Effective Communication

CORE SKILLS

COMMUNICATION Supports staff communicate effectively in written and interpersonal circumstances.


• Effective communication

• Editing and proofreading

• Essential writing for APS 1–4 levels

• Essential writing for APS 5–6 levels

• Essential writing for executive levels

• Grammar and punctuation

• Influence, negotiation and persuasion

• Influencing, negotiation and persuasion for executive levels

• Minute taking skills

• Practical tips for briefing the executive

• Presentation skills

• Professional representational skills

• Report writing in the APS



Pre-workshop questionnaires

& activitiese-Learning Workshop On the job

action plan

Workshops are delivered over ½ day, 1 day or 2 days

A very valuable course that would benefit anyone who is expected to write Ministerial or CEO briefings – the essential ten percent of theory before you put it into practice.Testimonial from Briefing and responding to APS decision-makers, Ministers and Parliament.

CORE SKILLS

DECISION-MAKING AND JUDGEMENTEnhances administrative decision-making and thinking skills.


• APS decision making

• Briefing and responding to APS decision-makers, Ministers and Parliament

• Improving analytical and critical reasoning

• Using statistics to make evidenced-based decisions

• Data literacy e-Learning modules:

– Using data in the APS

– Undertaking research

– Using statistics

– Visualising Information

– Providing evidence to decision makers



e-Learning Workshops On the job action plan

Workshops are delivered over 1 day or 2 days

The course shifted my thinking of what strategic thinking was all about i.e. behaviours, conversation. Not just about being proactive.Testimonial from Strategic thinking

CORE SKILLS

STRATEGY AND INNOVATIONBuilds an understanding of strategic thinking skills.


• Creative thinking at work

• Strategic thinking

• Responding to the digital revolution


e-Learning Workshop On the job action plan


Absolutely loved this course! Very, very pertinent to my development. Would highly recommend to others.Testimonial from Working effectively at the APS 6 level

CORE SKILLS

WORKING EFFECTIVELY IN THE APSSupports staff to manage work and deliver results for your current or desired level or role.


• Developing project management expertise

• Providing effective secretariat support

• Procurement essentials and contract management

• Structuring work

• The professional Executive Assistant

• Working effectively at the APS 5 level


• Working effectively at the EL 1 level


• Understanding Government



e-Learning Workshops On the job action plan

Workshops are delivered over 1 day, 1 ½ days, 2 days or 2 ½ days

Legitimately one of the most useful, well prepared, designed and executed trainings I have done in the APS.Testimonial from Producing a quality Cabinet submission

CORE SKILLS

PUBLIC SECTOR CRAFT Develops the fundamental skills required to work in the APS.


• Appearing before parliamentary committees

• APS ethics and values

• Briefing and responding to APS decision-makers, Ministers and Parliament

• Crafting new policy proposals

• Delivering quality service

• Finance essentials

• Financial management and budgeting

• Financial management: introduction

• Financial management: advanced

• Introduction to better practice regulation

• Policy formulation and advice: introduction

• Policy formulation and advice: advanced

• Policy implementation

• Practical tips for briefing the Executive

• Producing a quality cabinet submission

• Working with the Minister

• Understanding Government Learning activities may include:


Pre-workshop questionnaires

& activitiese-Learning Workshop On the job

action plan

Workshops are delivered over ½ day, 1 day or 2 days

This was an excellent course with practical examples and a solid mix of learning and practice. Great cross-section of managerial skills, tools and knowledge.

Testimonial from Management in action

CORE SKILLS

MANAGEMENT Improves people management expertise to enhance the engagement and productivity of teams.


• Building and leading high performing teams

• Coaching and developing others

• Conflict resolution for managers

• How to provide performance feedback

• Leading successful projects

• Management in action

• Performance management

• Planning and managing change

• Strategic leadership



Pre-workshop questionnaires Workshop On the job

action plan

Workshops are delivered over ½ day, 1 day, 2 days or 3 days

I learnt more today than in previous decades of applying for public service roles. Highly recommended. Testimonial from How to apply for jobs in the APS (APS levels)

CORE SKILLS

BUILDING YOUR CAREER Builds skills to navigate your APS career and improves recruitment performance.


• How to apply for jobs in the APS (APS levels)

• How to apply for jobs in the APS (Executive levels)

• Practical tips for being successful at interview (APS levels)

• Practical tips for being successful at interview (Executive levels)

• Writing a winning APS job application (APS levels)

• Writing a winning APS job application (Executive levels)







Workshop

Workshops are delivered over ½ day or 1 day

This was a great course and was helpful in forming the basis of what the role and responsibilities of an HCO are. Testimonial from Harassment Contact Officer training

CORE SKILLS

HR/L&D SPECIALISTS/SELECTION PANELSProvides information about the responsibilities of recruitment panels and Harassment Contact Officers.


• Getting that selection right

• Harassment contact officer refresher

• Harassment contact officer training



Workshop


CORE SKILLS

DIGITAL: LEARNING DESIGN STANDARDSDescribes the skills, knowledge and attributes required in specialist digital roles. The Learning Design Standards are for agencies and training providers to use as guides when developing learning programs to build and develop digital capability.

Programs include:

• DevOps Engineering

• Robotics Process Automation (RPA)

• Accessibility and inclusion

• Content strategy

• Digital testing

• Cloud service management

• Cyber security

• Digital performance analysis

• Product management

• Service design

• Digital service management

• Interaction design

• Technology lead

• Digital foundations

• User research

• Content design

• Agile delivery management

• AI Ethics

Learning Design Standard includes:

Knowledge, skills and attributes

required for each capability

Recommended key content to include in a learning program

STARTING WITH THE APSTransitioning into the public sector can be an exciting yet challenging experience. Our ‘Starting with the APS’ programs are suited for all new starters, from graduates to SES staff. These programs focus on key insights into the role and responsibilities of public employees and will help you transition into your new role and working environment. Our programs enable you to learn through different methods including eLearning, group work, simulation activities, videos, project work and networking with colleagues. You are encouraged to engage with this opportunity to learn about your new work environment.

The one-on-one coaching was fantastic and all the coaches and workshop facilitators were excellent. I can’t speak highly enough of everyone involved in running this program.

Testimonial from graduate

STARTING WITH THE APS

GRADUATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Develops skills, capabilities and experience for graduates to work effectively and contribute to a high-performing APS. This program is a partnership between the APSC and home agencies.

Topics covered during our graduate development program include:

• Administrative decision making

• Planning and structuring work

• APS ethics and values

• Written and spoken communication in the APS

• Stakeholder engagement and management

• Policy development

• Financial management

• Change and resilience

• Career development

Program includes:

Orientation Workshops Self-directed learning


Simulation exercises

Major projectSupport for graduates

and agenciesGraduation

Program spans a 10 month period and includes 7 Workshops and 4 simulations

STARTING WITH THE APS

APS ONLINE INDUCTION PORTAL Supports staff new to the APS through a range of e-Learning modules, videos, and guides aimed at improving the induction experience.

Our interactive e-Learning modules include:

• Working in the APS

• Information management

• Structure of Government and role of parliament

• Fraud awareness

• Integrity and values

• Money and resources

• Work health and safety

• Security

• APS Frameworks

• Department and agencies

• Risk

• Diversity

Portal includes:

e-Learning modules

Guides and readings

Videos

As at September 2019, more than 9269 courses have been completed by 908 unique users since the release of APS Induction on 1 September 2018.

CONNECT WITH US GET INVOLVEDOur work is strengthened by communication, collaboration and consultation. We facilitate a number of HR professional groups which come together to contribute to learning programs, explore issues and share experiences.

• The L&D Community of Practice brings together APS learning and development practitioners. This group meets once every two months in Canberra and via teleconference.

• The Talent Management Working Group meets monthly in Canberra and via teleconference to discuss approaches, work through issues and share agency talent management experiences.

APS LEARNPlease visit www.apslearn.apsc.gov.au. On this site you can:

• Browse programs and courses on offer

• Find further information and dates for programs and courses

• Register for a program or course

• Waitlist for a program or course

• View your upcoming training schedule

Please note: you will be required to sign up as a user to register for a program or course.

CONTACT US

PHONE: 02 6202 3933

EMAIL: Leadership: [email protected] Core Skills: [email protected] Starting with the APS: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.apslearn.apsc.gov.au

https://apslearn.apsc.gov.au/

mailto:[email protected]



https://apslearn.apsc.gov.au/

centre for leadership and learning prospectus€¦ · centre for leadership and learning prospectus...

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