We are running three Future Leaders Programs across 2026, with a mix of digital and in-person sessions!
This also marks 10 highly successful years for this program which is significantly updated for 2026.

Are you an APS6 – EL1 (and equivalent) leader who is passionate, engaged in the public sector and aspiring to future senior leadership roles? Take your skills and awareness to a higher level and extend your network across the public sector with the IPAA ACT Future Leaders program.

IPAA ACT supports public sector practitioners to forge a rewarding and impactful career, not just training for a single job. We are focused on the long-term career of public sector leaders across your many roles, departments and projects. Our Future Leaders Program is designed to equip you with key skills, insights and networks which will set you up for success not just for today but for more senior roles in the future.

The program is a significant investment and commitment to your leadership development, with over 35 contact hours. One cohort in 2026 will be delivered fully digitally, while the other two cohorts feature the main program sessions in person over 4 days in Canberra and the remaining sessions digitally.  Each cohort offers a series of seven unique, immersive sessions that will build and amplify your leadership skills and help you thrive in an ever-transforming public sector. Four kickstarter webinars are offered before the main program, with leading speakers on key topics. You are also invited to take part in two digital post-program reflection workshops which help to embed the learning further.

Designed in partnership with Deloitte and significantly updated for 2026, the program offers exceptional leadership skill development and networking. It is one of IPAA ACT’s most enduring and sought after programs.

Download our 2026 program snapshot and cohort calendar – here

“Really well structured and highly relevant content. Loved that the program covered both theoretical frameworks and practical strategies for leadership.”

“I have loved being part of this training program over the past four days. It’s been such a great experience. I have learned so much from different speakers and also from the attendees, who brought different perspectives to every topic discussed. I left the training with a new outlook.”

Who can apply 

The Future Leaders Program is open to IPAA ACT corporate members only. Check if your organisation is a member here.

Applicants should be at APS6 to EL1 level, or equivalent levels in the ACTPS or private sector or academia.

Cohort 1 – Intensive

Kickstarter 1  digital  03 Mar, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Kickstarter 2  digital  05 Mar, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Kickstarter 3  digital  10 Mar, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Kickstarter 4  digital  12 Mar, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Session 1  in-person  16 Mar, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Session 2  in-person  16 Mar, 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Session 3  in-person  17 Mar, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Session 4  in-person  17 Mar, 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Session 5  in-person  18 Mar, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Session 6  in-person  18 Mar, 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Session 7  in-person  19 Mar, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

Reflection  digital  22 Apr, 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Reflection  digital  06 May, 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Cohort 2 – Digital

Kickstarter 1  digital  21 Apr, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Kickstarter 2  digital  23 Apr, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Kickstarter 3  digital  28 Apr, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Kickstarter 4  digital  30 Apr, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Session 1  digital  05 May, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

Session 2  digital  07 May, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

Session 3  digital  12 May, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

Session 4  digital  14 May, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

Session 5  digital  19 May, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

Session 6  digital  21 May, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

Session 7  digital  26 May, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

Reflection  digital  25 Jun, 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Reflection  digital  22 Jul, 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Cohort 3 – Intensive

Kickstarter 1  digital  08 Sep, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Kickstarter 2  digital  10 Sep, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Kickstarter 3  digital  15 Sep, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Kickstarter 4  digital  17 Sep, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Session 1  in-person  21 Sep, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Session 2  in-person  21 Sep, 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Session 3  in-person  22 Sep, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Session 4  in-person  22 Sep, 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Session 5  in-person  23 Sep, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Session 6  in-person  23 Sep, 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Session 7  in-person  24 Sep, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

Reflection  digital  28 Oct, 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Reflection  digital  18 Nov, 9:30 am – 10:30 am