The SPS Strategic Leadership Programme for senior public service leaders is designed to ensure that good leadership is at the core of public service to address critical skills, encourage innovation and take an integrated approach to cross-governmental issues such as infrastructure, housing, climate change, healthcare and immigration.
It also builds leadership capabilities to prepare for emerging areas impacting public services, including digital transformation, AI and sustainability.
Led by Dr Cedric Chau, the IPA Director of Senior Public Service (SPS), this year’s programme will equip almost 200 leaders at principal officer level and above, with the necessary strategic leadership knowledge, skills and expertise needed to navigate the complex and ever-changing operating environment. It will also seek to cultivate a strong leadership community within the public service to meet succession planning needs and foster collaborative relationships within and between organisations.
Designed to contribute to the Better Public Services 2030 Transformation Strategy, the programme aligns with the government’s vision to strengthen leadership capacity at senior levels, thereby ensuring a resilient public service in an increasingly complex environment.
The IPA has engaged two delivery partners this year, Trinity College Dublin and the Roffey Institute. Speaking at the launch, Helen Brophy, IPA Director General, said: “Investing in leadership development is central to providing better public services to the citizens of our country and the role of the IPA is critical to meeting the current and future challenges faced by the public service.
“With its diverse education, learning and development programmes, the IPA works in partnership with the public service to ensure that its over 425,000 staff and employees have access to supports that build an innovative, agile and resilient workforce for the future when, where and how they need it.”
Pictured at the launch of the 2025 programme (l-r): IPA Chair George Burke, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform & Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD and IPA Director General Helen Brophy.
