Ethical decision making in the public sector
Making critical decisions while maintaining integrity and impartiality
Course overview
This practical course prepares leaders to make informed, ethical, and responsible decisions that build public trust. Participants explore key legislation, values, and ethical frameworks, apply Cooper’s Ethical Decision-Making Model to real-life situations, and practise transparent reasoning. Through discussions and case studies, participants learn to recognise dilemmas, balance responsibility and authority, and promote a culture of integrity.
Key learnings
- Develop practical skills to identify ethical challenges and employ structured frameworks in decision-making.
- Examine legislation, codes, and values to enhance integrity, accountability, and transparency in leadership.
- Use ethical models in real-life situations, balancing responsibility, power, and different perspectives in complex workplace dilemmas.
Who
APS 5 – EL1 (or equivalent) staff working in policy, procurement, program delivery, stakeholder engagement, regulatory, or leadership roles
Are you a decision-maker in the Commonwealth or ACT public sector, committed to acting with integrity and impartiality? Would your work benefit from a stronger understanding of how to make ethical, transparent, and accountable decisions?
Ethical decisions in the public sector must align with the core values of integrity, accountability, respect, and commitment to service. For both Commonwealth and ACT public servants, ethical conduct is essential for maintaining public trust and confidence in government institutions.
If you are committed to acting in the public interest, upholding transparency, promoting trust, and enhancing your ethical decision-making capabilities, this course is for you.
This program is aligned with IPAA’s commitment to strengthen the capability of public sector professionals. By the end of this course, you’ll be better equipped to:
- recognise and respond to ethical challenges in your daily work
- promote a culture of integrity and transparency in your team and agency
- demonstrate ethical leadership and public accountability
This course will provide you with a practical understanding of how to make ethical and accountable decisions, aligned with the values and obligations of the Commonwealth and ACT public sectors.
You will explore key frameworks, legislation, and values such as the APS Values and Employment Principles, ACTPS Values and Signature Behaviours, Public Service Code of Conduct, and relevant ethical guidance (e.g. OECD Principles for Managing Ethics in the Public Sector). You’ll also apply Cooper’s Ethical Decision-Making Model to realistic scenarios and workplace dilemmas.
Through interactive discussions, case studies, and group activities, you will:
- understand what ethical and accountable decision-making means in the public sector context
- recognise ethical and integrity expectations as set out in legislation, codes of conduct, and public sector values
- apply public sector ethical frameworks, including the APS Values and ACTPS Values and Signatures Behaviours to real-world decisions
- explore how ethics intersect with responsibility, power, and transparency in government decision-making
- identify ethical issues and assess complex workplace decisions from multiple perspectives
- use a structured, step-by-step process to analyse and resolve ethical dilemmas
Planning to book for a team? A bulk booking discount is available when you register three or more participants or bundle three or more courses.
Many of our courses can also be delivered exclusively for your organisation, either virtually or in person, and tailored to suit your team’s needs. Contact us to discuss your booking and available options.
If you would like to learn more about this course or our other offerings, please contact the IPAA ACT team on 02 6154 9800 or capability@act.ipaa.org.au.
Course details
Dates 1 & 2 September 2026
Delivery This course is delivered over two half days using Microsoft Teams.
Cost $499
Time 9AM to 1PM
Contact usEarly bird pricing
Cost $424.50
Bulk registrations and bundles
Cost $399
Contact us