IPAA ACT’s SES program, Senior Executive Leadership Conversations, is a six-session program for SES Band 1 and equivalent leaders from across the public sector in the ACT.

The program is framed around challenges facing public administration, and the ongoing attributes and mindset required for excellence as a leader. The content fosters authentic leadership, curiosity and intellectual insight, while supporting participants to build networks and deepen relationships across the sector.

Each of the six sessions focuses on the craft of leading in a complex, volatile environment where specialist expertise alone will not suffice, and where harnessing the experience of colleagues, teams and stakeholders will be increasingly necessary.

Sessions are comprised of two parts:

Masterclass
They begin with a masterclass, delivered by leading experts and practitioners from within and outside the public sector, who examine pressing challenges facing public administration. This component includes audience engagement and sharing of experiences.

Mastermind
Participants then move to a mastermind component, consisting of a series of facilitated small group sessions. These are based around open discussion of shared challenges, in a supportive and collegiate forum. Facilitators guide each group as they dive deep into discussions, and encourage participants to articulate what success looks like for them.

The 2024 SES program is held between April and September, and delivered by IPAA ACT in partnership with KPMG. All six sessions are delivered face-to-face at KPMG’s Constitution Place offices in Canberra city.

All sessions are split into two parts, starting with a masterclass delivered by leading experts and practitioners from within and outside the public sector. Learn about pressing challenges facing public administration, and get the opportunity to share your experiences.

The second part comprises a mastermind session, where participants break off into small, facilitated groups. This is an opportunity to share challenges in a supportive and collegiate forum. Facilitators guide each group as they dive deep into discussions, and encourage participants to articulate what success looks like for them.

This program is for SES Band 1 and equivalent leaders in the federal and ACT public services. You must be staff of a current IPAA ACT member organisation. Participation is driven by organisational members’ internal nomination processes.

SESSION 1 | What makes a great public servant?
Tuesday 23 April, 9:30am-11:45am

SESSION 2 | Ethics and integrity in the public sector
Tuesday 21 May, 9:30am-11:45am

SESSION 3 | Lifting the lid on national security
Tuesday 18 June, 9:30am-11:45am

SESSION 4 | Influencing in the public sphere
Tuesday 27 August, 9:30am-11:45am

SESSION 5 | Critical digital skills
Tuesday 17 September, 9:30am-11:45am

SESSION 6 | Future of leadership
Wednesday 30 October, 4:30pm-6:30pm

To find out more about the 2024 program or your eligibility, contact the IPAA ACT team on 02 6154 9800 or capability@act.ipaa.org.au.