This week, Australian Public Service Commissioner, Mr Peter Woolcott AO released Highly Capable, Future-Ready: APS Learning and Development Strategy and Action Plan.
In 2010, the Moran report – Ahead of the Game – highlighted the need to invest in the capability of the public service. The Thodey Review of 2019 examined APS capability from a number of angles, commenting on the duplication of effort, and inconsistent quality, access, and investment in learning.
Developed in response to the APS Reform Agenda and built on extensive research and consultation across the APS, the L&D Strategy and Action Plan address the reform areas of concern through an uplift in L&D culture, capability, technology, and governance. The initiatives enacted through the Strategy and Action Plan will lay the foundation for an APS that is always learning and adapting to deliver for the Government and Australians, now and into the future.
The Strategy sets the vision for a highly capable and future-ready APS, recognising APS employees are working in an environment where change is constant and workplace learning is a key lever for our success. To respond, we need to develop new skills, mindsets and capabilities. We do this best by learning from our work and through others every day, as well as by accessing resources including frameworks, methodologies, tools and templates, and through formal courses.
The Strategy outlines four pillars for action:
- Culture: Foster a culture that supports individuals, managers and teams to learn continuously.
- Capability: Target priority capabilities. Aim for a common, yet contextualised approach.
- Technology: Provide access for all to high quality learning anywhere, anytime.
- Governance: Align effective learning with organisational needs, utilising collaborative practice and maximising effectiveness across the APS.
The Strategy is supported by an Action Plan which sets out the practical steps for the implementation of the Strategy over a five year period. A key priority in the Action Plan is the establishment of the first-ever APS Learning Board, who will lead the transformation of APS-wide capability development, aligned with APS priorities.
The APS Academy will act as the flagship initiative to give effect to the L&D Strategy and Action Plan. The Academy connects the best of public service knowledge, resources and experience to build the capability of the APS workforce. The Academy will provide practitioner led learning opportunities leveraging a broad range of contemporary approaches, enabling learning to occur anytime, anywhere.
Explore the Academy website to discover the toolkits, courses and events available to all APS employees.
A copy of the APS Learning and Development Strategy and Action Plan, and information on the APS Learning Board can be accessed at - www.apsc.gov.au.