Professional development remains a cornerstone for building capability and confidence across the public purpose sector. At IPAA Victoria, we are proud to offer a suite of highly rated courses designed to meet the evolving needs of individuals and teams, whether through public programs or tailored in-house delivery.
This year, three courses stand out as our most sought-after:
Making Difficult Conversations Work
Navigating challenging conversations is an essential skill for professionals at all levels. This course provides practical strategies to approach sensitive topics with empathy and clarity, helping you strengthen relationships and achieve better outcomes in the workplace.
Star rating: ★★★★⯨ (4.65)
Why it’s popular: participants appreciate the focus on real-world scenarios and techniques that build confidence in high-stakes discussions
Writing Briefs for Decision Makers
Clear, concise, and persuasive briefs are essential for informed decision-making. Our Writing Briefs course equips participants with tools and techniques, including five tenants to brief writing, to structure and present information effectively.
Star rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2)
Why it’s popular: participants consistently highlight the course’s relevance and actionable strategies for improving communication with senior stakeholders.
In a rapidly changing environment, strategic thinking is more than a skill—it’s a necessity. This course helps professionals step back from day-to-day tasks to see the bigger picture, anticipate challenges, and make decisions that deliver long-term value.
Star rating: ★★★★☆ (4.0)
Why it’s popular: attendees value the frameworks and tools that enable them to think critically and plan with confidence.
In 2026, professional development in the Victorian public purpose sector will focus on building digital and AI capabilities, strengthening leadership for hybrid workforces, and embedding diversity and self-determination across teams. Core public service skills, such as policy development, strategic thinking, and systems leadership, remain essential.
Our offerings are here to support this. Explore our updated courses.
Leadership Foundations gives you the chance to step back from day-to-day demands and invest in your growth as a people leader. Designed for emerging Victorian public sector leaders, the program equips you with effective tools you can use straight away, helps you better understand your leadership style, and connects you with peers navigating the same complex challenges.
Facilitator: Kath McCarthy
Navigating policy in the Victorian public sector can feel like a maze: unspoken rules, complex processes, and no clear map of what success looks like. This program demystifies the Victorian policy cycle by providing hands-on experience, real case studies from across the sector, and tools to move from concept to Cabinet.
Course facilitators: Maria Katsonis and The Hon. David Bartlett
This course equips you with the knowledge and confidence to create workplaces where everyone feels valued. Learn the language, explore lived experiences, and uncover barriers that impact staff and clients. Through research, reflection, and allyship strategies, you will gain the tools to foster equity and psychological safety in your organisation.
Facilitator: Archie Beetle (they/them)
Evaluation knowledge and skills are highly sought after across the public purpose sector. All public projects and programs require effective evaluation to support accountability, improvement, and learning. This Masterclass will help you navigate the jargon, introduce multiple approaches, and provide actionable steps to plan and conduct a useful evaluation.
Facilitator: Dr Delwyn Goodrick
Learn strategies for effectively managing and supporting neurodivergent team members as well as developing awareness for individuals silently dealing with their neurodiverse diagnoses. The course emphasises the importance of awareness, empathy and taking action to drive positive change in team dynamics.
Facilitator: Aisling Smith
IPAA Victoria’s flexible learning models, including online, in-house, and face-to-face course delivery options, support continuous growth aligned with Victoria’s priorities.
Our courses consistently receive strong feedback from participants. For example, recent programs such as Program Evaluation and Assessment Masterclass (4.88 stars) and Analysing and Presenting Data (4.66 stars) demonstrate our commitment to delivering high-quality learning experiences.
Whether you’re looking to join a public course or bring training in-house for your team, IPAA Victoria offers options to suit your needs.
