The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has officially opened its Australian Public Service Academy, describing it as a new approach to APS-wide learning and development.
Operating in Canberra, the Academy is expected to become an important element in the APS reform agenda with a focus on improving the Service’s capability.
Speaking as part of the launch, APS Commissioner, Peter Woolcott (pictured) said the Academy was a place for all APS employees to learn, develop, discuss and share.
“The Academy’s mission is to foster an APS-wide culture of learning that builds public sector capabilities and drives high performance,” Mr Woolcott said.
“It is founded on a networked approach with a focus on the core capabilities of excellence in public service.”
He said the Academy would work in partnership with APS Agencies and external industry experts, focussing on developing APS Craft capabilities to equip the workforce with the skills, tools and knowledge to shape and deliver effective outcomes for the Government and the community.
“The Academy will be based in Old Parliament House, but is much more than a ‘bricks and mortar’ institution,” Mr Woolcott said.
“Rather, it is a networked learning hub that will connect the best of Public Service knowledge, resources and experience to build the capability of the APS workforce.”
He said the Academy would provide practitioner-led learning opportunities, leveraging a broad range of contemporary approaches, enabling learning to occur anytime, anywhere.
Mr Woolcott also announced Delivering for Tomorrow: APS Workforce Strategy 2025 which he said signaled a new era for how the APS will align its efforts and investment across the system to grow, build and shape its workforce.
He said the Strategy accommodates the APS Learning Board, established to lead the transformation of APS-wide capability development.
“The learning experience will be guided by a faculty of current and former APS leaders with a depth of experience and expertise in APS Craft,” Mr Woolcott said.
“The initiatives launched this week are important steps to future-proof the APS,” he said.
“In our ever-changing operating environment, the Public Service needs to adapt, develop and operate as one APS in order to continue to deliver for all Australians, Mr Woolcott said.
Information about the Academy is available on its website at this PS News link.
