A NSW Government website
Public Service Commission

Signature programs

Developing today’s leaders for tomorrow’s challenges

Our programs strengthen the skills of talented leaders to confidently lead others, to deliver a world-class public sector and achieve outcomes for the people of NSW. Leadership development is an ongoing pursuit and one that is shared with peers, teams and employees.

All of our programs offer a tailored, flexible experience through immersive and evidence-based learning. We partner with leading industry organisations to bring you the latest thought leadership and continually make program improvements based on evaluation results. 

All programs are grounded in the NSW Public Sector Leadership Framework and delivered to current NSW public sector executives and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island emerging leaders. Participation in our programs is by nomination.

Band 1 - Leading executives

A group of people sit at a circular table in discussion

This program provides you with a unique opportunity to learn with other executives from across the NSW public sector and explore core leadership principles and fundamental public sector domains. The program will challenge you to evaluate and construct new mindsets, attributes and behaviours, leading to heightened self-awareness and a greater understanding of your impact across five key leadership impact areas: people, results, systems, culture and public value.

The overall program is designed to prepare you for your next challenge.

What to expect

  • Increased capabilities and skills to further develop your self-confidence, resilience and your brand.
  • You will be prepared for your next role.
  • A diverse suite of learning formats, including in-person and live virtual workshops, self-directed flexible modules, at-level and cross-level groupwork, as well as individual and group coaching.
  • A diverse range of courses to strengthen your leadership acumen and expand your stewardship and servant mindset.
  • Deepen your networks and cross sector connections.

Your commitment

A commitment to engage with all program elements to receive the full impact of the program.

  • As a participant and alumnus you will be able to pay your experience forward by contributing in the following ways:
  • speak at Leadership Academy events and workshops
  • participate in panels to support future participants
  • participate in ongoing learning and upskill as a mentor
  • contribute to the ongoing evolution of the Leadership Academy.

 

Band 2 - Leading executives

People sitting at desks in a conference room looking towards a speaker who is out of shot

This flexible, accessible, collaborative and challenging program produces open-minded, creative, critical thinking senior public sector executives, who will have a long-lasting positive impact across the key leadership impact areas: people, results, systems, culture and public value.  

The program is designed to prepare you for the challenges ahead, build your connections, resilience and agility, making you are a master communicator and excellent steward.

What to expect

  • Entry to a cohort of at-level senior public sector executives from across the NSW public sector. 
  • You will be prepared for your next role.
  • A diverse suite of learning formats, including in-person and live virtual workshops, self-directed flexible modules, at-level and cross-level groupwork, as well as individual and group coaching.
  • A distinct range of courses to strengthen your leadership acumen and expand your stewardship and servant mindset.
  • Deepen your networks and cross sector connections.
  • Group coaching and other resources to implement the program's learning across your teams.

Your commitment

A commitment to engage with all program elements to receive the full impact of the program.

As a participant and alumnus you will be able to pay your experience forward by contributing in the following ways:

  • speak at Leadership Academy events and workshops
  • participate in panels to support future participants
  • participate in ongoing learning and upskill as a mentor
  • contribute to the ongoing evolution of the Leadership Academy.

 

Band 3 - Leading an agency

2 rows of people standing looking to camera holding certificates

This flexible, accessible, and innovative program provides you the opportunity to expand your professional network with colleagues from across the NSW public sector, making it the perfect opportunity to learn from each other as you move through your tailored Band 3 learning experience.

You will have access to global, world class thought leaders, renowned and experienced executive coaches, leading academics and best in class facilitators. You will be asked to stay open-minded and will be challenged to reconsider your mindset, behaviours and impact, as you consider critical leadership qualities that enable successful stewardship of teams of senior executives and your Division or agency.

What to expect

  • Exclusive access to a cohort of peers from across the NSW public sector.
  • A diverse suite of learning formats, including in-person and live virtual workshops, self-directed flexible modules, at-level and cross-level groupwork, as well as individual and group coaching.
  • A distinct range of courses to strengthen your leadership and executive acumen and expand your stewardship and servant mindset.
  • Peer group coaching designed specifically for Band 3 participants.

Your commitment

You commit to engage with all program elements to derive the full impact of the program.

As a participant and alumnus you will pay your experience forward by contributing in the following ways:

  • build networks with fellow alumni
  • work on cross sector challenges
  • speak at Leadership Academy events and workshops
  • participate in panels to support future participants
  • participate in ongoing learning to upskill as a coach or mentor
  • contribute to the ongoing evaluation of the Leadership Academy and its programs.

 

Band 4 - Leading the sector

Two men sit while looking at a speaker out of shot

This opt-in bespoke program is for Secretary’s of a principal department and the Commissioner of Police. It aims to reinvigorate leadership skills on an as needs basis. Individual executive coaching will cater to your unique career journey. In consultation with your coach you may decide to attend a specialised executive leadership course at a global tertiary institution. Attendance at a specialised course is approved by the NSW Public Service Commissioner and funded by your department.

What to expect

  • NSW Government Hogan 360 assessment.
  • Executive coaching (up to a maximum of eight).
  • Specialised networking events.
  • Direct report back to the Leadership Academy Board.

Your commitment

A commitment to engage with all program elements to receive the full impact of the program.

As a participant and alumnus you will be able to pay your experience forward by contributing in the following ways:

  • speak at Leadership Academy events and workshops
  • participate in panels to support future participants
  • participate in ongoing learning and upskill as a mentor
  • contribute to the ongoing evolution of the Leadership Academy.

 

Aboriginal Leadership Development (ACLDP) – 11/12

A group sit at desks looking to a speaker out of shot

The Aboriginal Career and Leadership Development Program (ACLDP) facilitates career and leadership development for high potential Aboriginal peoples in the NSW public sector who aspire to leadership roles.

The ACLDP Grade 11/12 is the pathway to a senior executive stream. This unique program prepares you to transition to senior leadership roles. It is an initiative of the of the Public Service Commission’s  Aboriginal Employment Strategy 2019 – 2025  and a key driver to achieve the Premier’s Priority to increase the number of Aboriginal Peoples in senior leadership roles by 2025.

The program has a strong focus on the intersection between Aboriginal leadership and public sector leadership and equips you with the capabilities to be an effective people leader. The program starts with the NSW Government Hogan 360 and includes four individual coaching session, the opportunity to learn with your peers and across-level experiences, as well as live virtual and face-to-face learning opportunities. It also includes self-directed digital courses, networking oppand work-based groupwork.

What to expect

  • Capability readiness for your next role.
  • Strategies to bring Aboriginality to leadership practice, implementing current evidence-based leadership qualities.
  • Understand and share an Aboriginal perspective to workplace communication and position yourself as a person of influence.
  • Develop skills to lead in contemporary environments, across processes and ways of working.
  • Use human centred design and structured thinking and planning and work on a real-world challenge in small cross-level groups.
  • Strengthen your networks of peers, supporters and mentors.

Your commitment

A commitment to engage with all program elements to receive the full impact of the program.

  • As a participant and alumnus you will be able to pay your experience forward by contributing in the following ways:
  • speak at Leadership Academy events and workshops
  • participate in panels to support future participants
  • participate in ongoing learning and upskill as a mentor
  • contribute to the ongoing evolution of the Leadership Academy.

 

Aboriginal Leadership Development (ACLDP) 7/8-9/10

A group sit on chairs in a circle in discussion

The Aboriginal Career and Leadership Development Program (ACLDP) facilitates career and leadership development for high potential Aboriginal peoples in the NSW public sector who aspire to leadership roles.

The ACLDP Grade 7/8-9/10 is the people manager stream. It aims to develop your people manager skills and has a strong focus on the intersection between Aboriginal leadership and public sector leadership. It is an initiative of the of the Public Service Commission’s  Aboriginal Employment Strategy 2019 – 2025  and a key driver to achieve the Premier’s Priority to increase the number of Aboriginal Peoples in senior leadership roles by 2025.

The program starts with the NSW Government Hogan 360 and includes four individual coaching sessions, the opportunity to learn with your peers and with people leaders from other cohorts. It also includes self-directed modules for you to complete at a time that best suits you.

What to expect

  • Capability readiness for your next role.
  • Strategies to bring Aboriginality to leadership practice, implementing current evidence-based leadership qualities.
  • Understand and share an Aboriginal perspective to workplace communication and position yourself as a person of influence.
  • Develop skills to lead in contemporary environments, across processes and ways of working.
  • Use human centred design and structured thinking and planning and work on a real-world challenge in small cross-level groups.
  • Strengthen your networks of peers, supporters and mentors.

Your commitment

A commitment to engage with all program elements to receive the full impact of the program.

As a participant and alumnus you will be able to pay your experience forward by contributing in the following ways:

  • speak at Leadership Academy events and workshops
  • participate in panels to support future participants
  • participate in ongoing learning and upskill as a mentor
  • contribute to the ongoing evolution of the Leadership Academy.

 

Executive Leadership Essentials (ELE)

Small groups sitting at circular tables working on activities at white boards

The Executive Leadership Essentials (ELE) is a cross-sector executive development program for public sector employees new to an executive role, and all new executives to the public sector, within the last six months. 

This program focuses on the critical areas you will need to know as you embark on your new executive role. It provides you access to subject matter experts, and delivery is four x live virtual sessions with opportunities for virtual break-out groups to further analyse and discuss topics covered.

You will also have access to some self-directed learning modules that our participants undertaking the signature programs have access to. The program covers:

  • delivering public value at the executive level
  • achieving results
  • navigating key NSW government systems
  • leading people and culture.

What to expect 

  • Hear from subject matter experts discuss core topics via virtual sessions (60-75 minutes).
  • Undertake self-directed learning.
  • Network and connect with other executives from across the public sector.
  • Understand what it means to be a steward in the NSW public sector and deliver on citizen outcomes.
  • Learn concepts to survive and thrive as a leader.

Timing

The program runs a few times a year. Please contact your agency human resources team and register your interest.