Build confidence, strategy, and presence to achieve better outcomes through negotiation in the ACT and Commonwealth public sector.

Is this course right for you?

Do you work in a role that requires negotiation, persuasion, or influence—whether with stakeholders, other agencies, service providers, or within your own team?

Would your work benefit from a deeper understanding of negotiation frameworks, practical tools, and techniques to help you find common ground and reach outcomes that serve both public interest and organisational objectives?

This course is ideal for APS and ACT Public Sector officers in policy, procurement, program delivery, stakeholder engagement, regulatory, and leadership roles who are seeking to improve their influencing capability through structured negotiation approaches.

What will you learn?

This highly interactive one-day workshop blends case studies, practical exercises, and immersive role plays to help you develop the skills and confidence to influence outcomes in a public sector environment.

You’ll explore a universally applicable negotiation framework and examine how to plan effectively, respond to different negotiation styles, and manage power and process to achieve win-win outcomes that uphold transparency and integrity.

Delivery

This course is delivered over two half days using Microsoft Teams.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• The role of an Executive Assistant is critical to the smooth functioning of government departments and agencies yet often undervalued. This program will empower you with the confidence, tools, and strategic mindset to excel in high-performance, high-trust environments.
• Delivered through interactive workshops, case-based learning, and practical reflection, this course aligns with the IPAA values of integrity, respect, service, and excellence.

Enhanced capability to:

• Recognise a wide range of negotiation scenarios in the public sector—from policy compromises and inter-agency collaboration to contract and stakeholder negotiations
• Understand your role as a negotiator in managing processes, relationships, and outcomes
• Apply a structured, repeatable framework to guide your negotiation approach from preparation to close
• Plan effectively using benchmarks, alternatives (BATNAs), interests, and objectives
• Navigate negotiation dynamics using core interpersonal skills—active listening, empathy, and assertiveness
• Adapt your approach to suit different negotiation styles and personalities
• Use power, leverage, and influence responsibly and strategically
• Finalise and formalise agreements in a way that ensures clarity, accountability, and public value

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.

Courses that do not reach the minimum required participants 14 days before the commencement date will be cancelled with a full refund.

If you work for the federal or ACT public service, or in the broader public-for-purpose sector, you’re most likely already a member of IPAA ACT. Check our membership list if you’re not sure.