Foundations of Public Leadership

Public sector middle and operational managers play a pivotal role in shaping organisational performance, and outcomes for the communities they serve. Foundations of Public Leadership (FPL) is designed to equip leaders at this level with the capabilities needed to thrive in complex, evolving public sector environments.  

Whether you’re new to leadership or preparing for more senior roles, this program will expand your self-awareness, strengthen critical management skills and provide a future focus – rapidly enabling you to lead with greater impact. Uniquely enriched with First Nations and Māori perspectives, FPL is delivered by leading academic and senior public sector executives through a dynamic blend of in person and online learning, as well as peer-to-peer coaching. 

By applying learnings to real workplace challenges and developing a personalised plan to support your ongoing leadership development, you’ll gain deep insight, practical tools and a stronger peer network – enabling you to return to work with the confidence and adaptability to lead high-performance, purpose-driven teams. 

Hear directly from Paul on what makes Foundations of Public Leadership unique, and how it equips public sector professionals with the knowledge, skills and network to lead with greater confidence and impact.

• 00:08 – What makes the Foundations of Public Leadership program stand out from other leadership development offerings for public sector professionals?
• 01:00 – What will you experience in the program?
• 03:18 – How will the program support you in your day-to-day work and interactions?
• 05:31 – Who is the ideal candidate for this program?
• 07:30 – The public sector is facing constant change and increasing complexity, how does Foundations of Public Leadership help participants to lead with confidence in this environment?
• 10:50 – ANZSOG is committed to better First Nations outcomes, how does Foundations of Public Leadership support this?
• 13:45 – How you will benefit from an immersive interjurisdictional experience.
• 15:22 – How you will benefit from the perspectives of senior public sector executives.

Public servants who are middle or operational managers (new or experienced). 

FPL is delivered in a blended format over three weeks, combining a three-day in-person residential workshop with two online synchronous sessions.

Program schedule

• Orientation: 23 March 2026 (Online)
• Module 1: 30 March – 1 April 2026 (In-person)
• Module 2: 20 April 2026 (Online)
• Module 3: 27 April 2026 (Online)

• Personal power as an adaptive leader 
• Powerful conversations 
• Strategic change 
• Building personal resilience and effectiveness 
• Peer coaching and your leadership challenge 
• Leading with dignity 
• Ethical and Critical Use of AI
• First Nations and Māori’ policy 
• Creating alignment on purpose 
• Core design principles for teams. 

FPL will provide you with the capability to lead more effectively through: 

Personal Power 

• Critically evaluate and apply strategies for exercising influence ethically and effectively within a public sector leadership context. 

Effective Communication 

• Apply advanced communication skills for building trust, managing conflict constructively, and enhancing individual and team performance. 

Ethical and Critical Use of AI

• Develop the capability to use emerging AI tools ethically and critically, applying systems and critical thinking to evaluate outputs and enhance leadership decision-making in complex public sector contexts.

First Nations and Māori’ Perspectives 

• Analyse leadership principles through First Nations and Māori perspectives to develop inclusive, system-aware approaches to leadership and decision-making. 

Confident and Resilient Leadership 

• Develop and apply self-leadership practices that enhance resilience, emotional regulation, and sustained performance under pressure. 

Team Alignment 

• Design and implement strategies to align teams with organisational purpose, foster high performance, and lead through complexity and change. 

As a graduate of FPL you’ll also join ANZSOG’s Alumni network, an influential cohort of more than 4,000 public sector leaders across 40+ countries, providing access to a suite of exclusive benefits designed to support your ongoing professional development and foster meaningful connections – amplifying your impact in the public sector.

Program director 

Dr Paul Atkins 

Co-founder of Prosocial World, Paul is an organisational psychologist who helps leaders apply ethical influence, build trust, and lead with purpose in high-stakes environments. His work blends psychological science, mindfulness, and values-based leadership to enhance resilience, communication, and well-being. Using the Prosocial model, he supports teams – from UN agencies to government departments – in fostering alignment and cooperation under pressure. His practical frameworks empower leaders to navigate conflict, hold high-impact conversations, and sustain personal effectiveness while driving positive outcomes for individuals, teams, and organisations. 

Guest presenters 

Dr Jill Charker 

Deputy Coordinator General for Resilience and Recovery at the National Emergency Management Agency, Jill brings extensive leadership experience from senior roles across the Commonwealth, including Deputy Secretary positions in employment, immigration, and human services. A former CEO of ComSuper and junior partner at McKinsey & Company, Jill is known for her strategic insight and ability to lead complex reform across public institutions. 

Jason Ardler PSM 

A Yuin man and co-founder of Thirriwirri, a 100% Aboriginal-owned consultancy, Jason formerly led Aboriginal Affairs NSW, driving reforms in economic participation, land rights, and cultural heritage. With senior experience in government and a deep commitment to self-determination, Jason brings a culturally grounded, systems-focused approach to leadership, policy, and community-led change. 

$9,800 (inc. GST)  

Please note: 

• Learners are responsible for their own travel, some meals, and accommodation to and from the workshop. 
• If a learner has been nominated by a sponsoring agency or government, that sponsor may cover the program fee and associated costs. 

Book a 1:1 Consultation to speak directly with a member of our team.