The Institute of Public Administration (IPA) has launched its new Statement of Strategy, which sets out the IPA’s ambition to deepen its role as a strategic partner to the government and the wider public service over the period 2026–2030. 

Ireland’s public service is operating in a period of sustained transformation, as accelerating digital change and complex policy challenges reshape how public services are designed, led and delivered. These changes require new and enhanced skills, strengthened capabilities and fresh approaches to learning and development.

Speaking at the launch of the IPA’s new strategy, Minister Jack Chambers TD said it marks “an important milestone in our shared ambition to build a public service that is equipped, empowered and ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future”.

‘Learning for Tomorrow – Empowering Ireland’s Future-Ready Public Service’ sets out a bold vision for developing the skills, leadership and innovation needed across the public service to serve communities in Ireland with excellence, the Minister added.

“The IPA has a vital role to play in supporting public servants at every stage of their careers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. I am delighted to launch this strategy, which will help ensure our Public Service remains resilient, responsive and future-focused in a rapidly changing world. I congratulate everyone involved in developing this strategy and look forward to seeing its positive impact in the years ahead.”

At the heart of the IPA’s new strategy is a clear proposition: learning is a strategic lever for strengthening Public Service capability, leadership and delivery. The strategy sets out a framework for delivering the learning pathways and progressive development journeys required to build capacity across the Public Service over time, translating learning into impact in practice.

The IPA’s strategy is structured around four interconnected pillars: empowering public servants through its role as a trusted learning partner; enabling high-quality digital learning at scale through a shared digital learning ecosystem; strengthening leadership and peer connection through a modern Centre for Learning Excellence; and enabling better public services through organisational impact. Each pillar is supported by a clear set of objectives, creating an integrated framework for how the IPA will reinforce its role as a future-ready learning partner to the whole of Government.

Helen Brophy, Director General of the IPA, said the strategy is launched at a time of significant change and transformation. “Public bodies are expected to collaborate across boundaries, share platforms and data, and develop skills that keep pace with technological, societal and policy change. Learning sits at the heart of this agenda and is a key lever in how public services can continue to improve in Ireland. Our vision is that the IPA will empower the Public Service to deliver for Ireland’s future.”

The framework was developed and prioritised through a structured consultation process, informed by engagement with the IPA Board, staff and senior stakeholders across the Public Service. Throughout the strategy period, ongoing evaluation will assess how effectively the strategy is being delivered and how capability is being strengthened in practice.

The new strategy follows the implementation of the IPA’s ‘A New Era of Learning’ strategy, which was completed in December 2025 ahead of schedule. Key achievements under the previous strategy included the successful transfer of the One Learning and Senior Public Service functions from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to the IPA, in line with the ‘Better Public Services: Public Service Transformation 2030 Strategy’.