The Institute for Public Administration Australia (IPAA) has released its National Strategic Plan 2021-2025. Developed by IPAA’s National Council in consultation with IPAA’s eight Divisions, and designed by IPAA SA’s very own Marketing and Membership Coordinator, Kathryn Oosthuizen. The plan provides a framework to re-focus IPAA’s vision of:
This strategic plan provides a foundation to celebrate, reach out and work with others on excellence in public administration and public policy across Australia. It outlines four key objectives with relevant actions associated to them to ensure this plan is delivered effectively. These objectives include:
These objectives are underpinned by nine actions that the Chief Executive Officers and Executive Directors of the eight Divisions, and the National Executive Director have been tasked to implement. A key to the success of this plan is developing strategic partnerships which help support the signature events and new initiatives which will be implemented.
Monitoring, evaluation and reporting mechanisms have also been included in the strategy to measure ongoing successes and allow opportunity for refinement as required.
For more information about the plan, contact the IPAA National Office at info@ipaa.org.au. See the original IPAA National News article here.
Looking for a podcast to get inspired, learn something new or to confirm that you are going in the right direction? IPAA have some public sector specific podcasts which feature some insightful conversations with local public service professionals.
#1 – IPAA ACT | Work With Purpose Podcast Series
This podcast series explores the important role of the Australian Public Service and their roles in supporting the Government’s response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Focusing on priorities for the future and key learnings /takeaways from leaders in the sector.
Available on the IPAA ACT website.
#2 – IPAA ACT | Integrity Series
The Integrity Series is a four-part podcast series produced in partnership between IPAA ACT and the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC). It explores the meaning of integrity and the importance of harnessing integrity as an APS craft to build a high performing and trusted public service.
Available on the IPAA ACT website.
#3 – IPAA VIC | Public Sector Perspectives
IPAA Victoria presents Public Sector Perspectives, a podcast featuring conversation with incredible people highlighting the interesting work in government and across the Victorian Public Sector.
Available on the IPAA ACT website.
The PwC Skilled Service Hub is Australia’s national onshore delivery centre based in Adelaide, it supports clients across Australia to solve their most important problems. Having already hired over 100 new staff since July, the Skilled Service Hub team is continuing to grow and they now have more job opportunities available. The Skilled Service Hub is already in operation across Cybersecurity and Cloud capabilities to help drive economic growth for the South Australian and national economy across a wide range of industries.
PwC is currently hiring 150+ roles through the PwC Australia Skilled Service Hub in the following teams:
Whether you are an intern / recent graduate, Associate, Senior Associate, Manager or Senior Manager there are a range of jobs currently available to grow and develop in the sector. If you know someone interested in a role in the above disciplines, then click the link to find out more information.
You can also read about the PwC Australia Skilled Service Hub launch in May 2021 here >
Find out more about the Skilled Service Hub and current job opportunities here.
Learn more
Our lives are becoming more entwined with, and dependent upon, digital technologies. These technologies are presenting exciting opportunities to improve our citizens’ quality of life, but there are also risks to individuals, society, trust in government and our democracy that need to be addressed.
To better understand how prepared the South Australian Public Sector is for these challenges, Flinders University is conducting a survey. The responses collected will be used to develop training to equip public servants with the knowledge, skills and mindsets needed to help South Australia thrive in the digital age. This is a vital piece of research that will help support our sector grow and develop, and with your input we can make a real difference in how we move forward into the future. Complete the survey here >
The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and responses are confidential. It closes at midnight on 1 October 2021.
Once the survey is complete, you have the option to participate in a prize draw to win 1 of 3 Bunnings gift cards worth $40.
The survey is being undertaken by Flinders University and is part of a research project which investigates social cyber awareness in public sector leaders and if it improves through an education program. Full details of the research project (including confidentiality, privacy, use of the data and contact details for the research team) can be found here. The project has been approved by Flinders University’s Human Research Ethics Committee (Project Number: 4686).
If you have questions about the survey, please contact Tammy Joachin, Lead – Executive Education, Jeff Bleich Centre (Flinders University) on 0401002719 or tammy.joachin@flinders.edu.au
Flinder’s University Public Sector Readiness for the Digital Era Survey
Complete the SurveyNetworking is an effective career development tool that provides access to opportunities that may not be available through other career development methods. Networking is an effective way to keep up to date with industry trends, develop relationships, reveal promising business opportunities, and foster the development of skills and knowledge. Whether you are attending a formal or informal networking event, the following tips can help you maximise the positive benefits associated with networking.
Although it is not always possible to identify who will be in attendance prior to an event, if the opportunity presents itself, it is worthwhile pursuing as promising networking opportunities may reveal themselves. This will assist in creating a networking strategy to inform who you specifically want to connect with. This will help cut through the clutter and make your networking more efficient. By not preparing, you may miss out on potential opportunities if you are unable to identify people of interest during the event. If you do not have the resources to identify who will be in attendance, ask people within your network to see if they have insight.
Waiting for other people to come and talk to you at networking events limits your chance of connecting with new people and being exposed to opportunities. Of course, the idea of going up to strangers to engage in conversation can be quite intimidating. However, it is important to remind yourself that most people who attend networking events are genuinely interested in meeting new people and learning about them. Preparation also makes this easier, as it is more difficult to introduce yourself to someone who you know nothing about than it is with someone you have some basic insight on.
When talking to new people, you are almost guaranteed to be asked some variant of the question “who are you and what do you do?” or the dreaded “tell me about yourself”. When put on the spot, it can be challenging to respond to these prompts in much detail. As such, many people either keep their answers brief and forgo important details or give extended responses that are not succinct. To avoid this, prepare a short ‘elevator pitch’ that includes the basic details of who you are and what you do. Be sure to also include your unique selling point. This may relate to skills you possess that are unique within your industry, your experiences, or any awards/accolades you have earned. Just be sure not to be too static or scripted in your delivery!
Have you ever been stuck in a conversation with someone that has only been interested in talking about themselves? Keeping yourself as the focus of conversations is one of the quickest ways to disengage with people and limit your chances of developing long-lasting relationships. While it is important to talk about yourself so that others can get to know you, it is equally important to ask questions of others so they have the chance to do so as well. Not only will this improve their engagement in the conversation and opinion of you, but it is also an opportunity to learn about them, their experiences, and their knowledge, which may provide worthwhile insight.
For more career development advice, be sure to follow SULLIVAN Consulting on their social media platforms.