Ethical AI in the Public Sector

Artificial intelligence is changing how public sector organisations design learning, build capability, assess knowledge and support decision-making. But using AI well is not just about understanding the technology. It is about knowing where the risks sit, what responsible use looks like, and how to make decisions that protect public trust.

This full day course gives public sector professionals a practical introduction to ethical AI use, with a focus on governance, accountability, risk and real-world application. Participants will explore key concepts, public sector examples and practical guardrails they can apply in their own work.

Is this course right for you?

This course is designed for public sector professionals who want to better understand how artificial intelligence is influencing learning, training, capability development and decision-making.

It may be right for you if you:

• Work in policy, learning and development, workforce capability, ICT or governance
• Want to understand what responsible AI use looks like in a public sector context
• Need to consider the ethical, governance or risk implications of AI
• Are involved in training, assessment, capability development or decision support
• Want practical examples of how AI is being used in government and public services
• Need clearer guardrails for using or assessing AI in your organisation
• Want to approach AI with greater clarity, confidence and purpose

What you’ll explore

This practical online course explores how AI is reshaping public sector work, with a focus on ethical use, risk awareness and responsible decision-making.

Participants will consider how AI is influencing learning, training, assessment and capability development, and what this means for public sector organisations navigating change responsibly.

With a strong emphasis on practical examples and discussion, the course will explore ethical implications, risks, governance considerations and opportunities for thoughtful AI adoption, while keeping public trust and accountability front of mind.

Key areas include:

• Key AI concepts, terminology and current public sector applications
• How AI is influencing learning, training, assessment and decision-making
• Ethical and responsible AI principles
• Risks and responsibilities when using AI in government and public services
• Transparency, bias, accountability, privacy, governance and public trust
• Real-world examples of AI use in public administration
• Lessons learned and better-practice considerations
• Practical guardrails for responsible AI adoption
• Action planning for applying responsible AI principles in your own workplace

Benefits to You and Your Organisation

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

• Understand key AI concepts, terminology and public sector applications
• Recognise ethical risks and responsibilities associated with AI use
• Identify governance considerations for responsible AI adoption
• Review practical examples of AI use in government and public services
• Consider how AI may influence learning, training, capability and decision-making
• Develop practical guardrails or next steps for responsible AI use in their own role, team or agency
• Approach AI with greater clarity, confidence and purpose

Should Attend

This course is suitable for public sector professionals working in policy, learning and development, workforce capability, ICT, governance, risk, compliance, communications or decision-support roles.

It is also relevant for staff and leaders who are beginning to explore AI use and want a practical, responsible and public-sector-focused starting point.

**For groups of five or more, IPAA SA can tailor the training to suit your organisation. Group bookings may also be eligible for a preferential rate. Complete the form, and our team will be in touch to discuss options. **