1. Who is the program for?
This program is designed for Deputies of public sector organisations across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. It is tailored to early-stage Deputies of departments and statutory entities (up to around two years’ experience) looking to perform successfully following their transition from senior executive to Deputy level.
2. Can I still apply if I am ‘acting’ in the role of Deputy
Yes, acting Deputies are eligible to apply if they have no more than two years’ experience in a Deputy role.
3. I have more than two years’ experience but would still like to apply
To ensure a consistent level of experience across the cohort, participants should have no more than around two years’ experience in the Deputy role. Deputies with more than two years’ experience are advised to contact our Engagement Team (engage@anzsog.edu.au) to discuss their suitability and/or explore other executive development opportunities such as ANZSOG’s Executive Fellows Program.
4. What are the program (learning) outcomes?
- Deepen your understanding of your leadership practice and what’s required of the Deputy role
- Build your resilience and confidence to deliver across all dimensions of the role in rapidly changing and often uncertain times
- Create a network of peers across the public sector and stay connected via our Alumni Program
- Extend your understanding of contemporary public sector challenges and exploring their implications for leadership
- Share leadership behaviours that drive cultures of integrity, trust and collaboration
- Develop greater confidence and clarity in what it means to be a public leader in the digital age
5. Who teaches into the program?
The Deputies Leadership Program is co-led by Kathryn Anderson, Partner at Cube Group and former Deputy Secretary in the Victorian Public Service and Martin Stewart-Weeks, Founder and Principal of Public Purpose and former Ministerial Chief of Staff and public servant. Kathryn and Martin are joined by a range of eminent speakers, including current secretaries, auditors-general, public service commissioners, leadership experts, and moderators from Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership.
6. What is the program duration?
The program is delivered over two months, one module per month. Each module is 3 consecutive days in duration.
7. When and where is the program being held?
- Module 1: 10-12 September, Australia (location TBC)
- Module 2: 15-17 October, Australia (location TBC)
Applications for 2025 are now open, closing 16 July 2025.
8. How is the program delivered?
In 2025 the program will be delivered in two in-person modules.
9. What is the size of the cohort?
Program enrolments are limited to around 30 participants to maximise the cohort experience. A selection committee will assess each applicant’s level and experience and, where possible, seek a balance of jurisdictions and departments.
10. Do I need managerial approval to attend the program?
Yes. In submitting the application form, you confirm that your manager agrees to support you to participate in the program and that your organisation will pay the full program fee if your application is successful. Your manager will also receive a copy of your application via email.
11. How do I apply for the program?
Submit your application via the online application form.
12. What is the program fee?
The 2025 program fee is AUD $20,900 (excl. GST).
13. What is included in the program fee?
The program fee includes all program materials including access to the School’s Canvas learning management system, tuition, catering and a participant dinner in each module. All travel, accommodation arrangements and expenses are the responsibility of the participant.
14. When is payment of the program fee due?
Payment is due prior to the program commencement. Your organisation will be invoiced upon your formal acceptance into the program and information regarding payment terms and conditions will be included with your invoice.
15. Can I use FEE-HELP to pay all or part of my program fee?
This program is not eligible for FEE-HELP. A participant may enter into a salary sacrifice arrangement with their employer to attend the program. The participant’s employer will be invoiced for payment of the program fee. This will be discussed on a case-by-case basis with the applicant’s sponsoring agency.
16. Can I make changes to my enrolment?
Please see the ANZSOG terms and conditions which details the process for deferrals and cancellations.
17. Can I speak with a previous Deputies program participant?
If you are interested in applying for the Deputies program, we encourage you to speak to an alumnus to get an insider’s perspective. Please contact our Engagement Coordinator via email at: alumni@anzsog.edu.au, to arrange an introduction.
If you have any further questions regarding the program, please contact engage@anzsog.edu.au.