The LEAD (Learn. Empower. Achieve. Develop) Program covers four main learning topics for YP’s in the public service with a 90 minute ‘short course’ on each.
Content experts will provide a 90 minute session with each session giving participants a reference guide to use in the workplace and information on longer courses. Practical take-aways for Young Professionals is a focus, allowing you to implement learnings in your everyday work. These ‘short courses’ are a perfect means of exploring topics that you may later like to pursue in relevant IPAA courses.
The small group format encourages attendees to actively participate during the session and get an opportunity to network with other Young Professionals. The sessions will be delivered in-person.
Upcoming Session
Registrations for this session will be opening soon. We appreciate your interest, and we hope to see you at this session.
Session 3: AI in Government – Navigating the Future of Public Sector Innovation
Date: July 2026
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping how governments operate, make decisions, and deliver services. This session will explore the evolving role of AI in the public sector, with a focus on practical applications, ethical considerations, and strategic readiness.
Participants will gain insights into:
- How AI technologies like Microsoft Azure OpenAI are challenging traditional government standards and enabling new models of service delivery
- Case studies from the public and private sector, showcasing AI in action.
- The WA Government’s AI Policy and Assurance Framework and its implications for governance, transparency, and risk management
- Opportunities for cross-agency collaboration, innovation, and workforce capability building.
Future Sessions
Session 4: Agency Capability Review
Date: October 2026
The Agency Capability Review (ACR) has established, for the first time, a sector wide approach to improvement by identifying the capabilities needed to be a high performing agency in the Western Australian context.
This session will explore both the macro-level trends driving sector-wide transformation in the wake of the ACR and the micro-level impacts for individual agencies and careers.
Participants will:
- Understand what the Agency Capability Review means for agencies and how continuous improvement can be obtained by identifying strengths and highlighting areas for improvement
- Learn lessons from completed reviews and how agencies can embed continuous improvement through leadership
- Gain a deeper level of knowledge on how they can leverage review findings to build skills and enhance their adaptability.
Past Sessions
Session 1: Design Thinking
Date: 28 October 2025
Before you jump in and start problem solving, have you ever stopped to think; do I really understand the problem? This is what Design Thinking can help you do.
By taking a Design Thinking approach, you can empathise more with your customer, challenge previous assumptions with data and open up new ways of thinking about what a solution could look like. You will end up prototyping and testing potential solutions based on a deeper understanding of the problem you are trying to solve.
A maximum of 15 in person attendees is allowed for this session. Online attendance is also available.
Session 2: Power of Negotiation & Communicating with Influence
Date: 12 February 2026
Effective negotiation and powerful communication are essential skills for public sector professionals, enabling better decision-making, collaboration, and service delivery. This session will explore the core principles and practical strategies for negotiating and communicating with confidence and impact in government settings.
This interactive workshop is designed for young professionals in the public service who want to strengthen their negotiation and communication skills, navigate challenging conversations, and expand their professional networks. The session combines a presentation, group exercises, and open discussion, with practical tools and takeaways that can be immediately applied within your organisation.
You will gain insights into:
- How negotiation and communication frameworks can transform workplace relationships and drive positive results in the public sector
- Real-world scenarios and case studies relevant to government, with immediate feedback and guidance from an experienced content expert
- Common barriers to effective negotiation and communication—and actionable techniques to overcome them
- Opportunities for collaboration, networking, and ongoing professional development.
Key Takeaways:
- Fundamental negotiation frameworks.
- Practical tips and tools for effective negotiation and influential communication.
- Enhanced confidence in navigating challenging conversations and negotiations.
- Expanded professional network and increased awareness of further development opportunities.
A maximum of 15 in person attendees is allowed for this session.
