The South Australian Leadership Academy is proud to deliver the Manager Essentials Program in partnership with the Institute of Public Administration Australia South Australia (IPAA SA), a not-for-profit professional association dedicated to supporting excellence in the public sector.

This brochure provides an overview of:

• Program objectives and structure
• Key themes and learning outcomes
• Participant experience and support
• Registration and contact details

Download the Manager Essentials Program Brochure (PDF 655KB)

Download the Manager Essentials Regional Waikerie Flyer (PDF 336KB)

Explore the upcoming intakes for the Manager Essentials Program. Each intake runs over several months and includes a series of in-person sessions, designed to support your growth as a public sector leader.

Intake 14

• Program Duration: 11 February - 24 June 2026
• Module delivery dates are dependent on your cohort - see schedule.
• Includes: Orientation, core modules, peer learning, and final showcase.

Click here to download the full schedule (PDF 70KB)

Intake 14 - Regional Cohort

The Manager Essentials Regional cohort offers regional participants the opportunity to complete all four core modules in a condensed, 4-day format. This approach helps reduce travel and accommodation impacts while ensuring access to high-quality development.

• Program Duration: 11 February - 24 June 2026
• Module Delivery: 3 - 6 March 2026
• Location: Waikerie (Riverland)
• Includes: Orientation, core modules, peer learning, and program close.

Participants will also attend the Orientation and Program Close events, either online or in person in Adelaide, depending on business needs.

Please note: Due to limited places, registration does not guarantee a place in the program. Final participant selection will be determined at the discretion of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment (OCPSE).

All regional employees of the South Australian Public Sector are invited to register.

Click here to download the full schedule (PDF 157KB)

The Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment reserves the right to cancel or modify programs, dates, times, venues and speakers in the event of circumstances beyond its control.

The total cost for the Manager Essentials Program is $3,300 + GST.

This includes:

• Participation in all program modules and sessions
• Access to learning materials and resources
• Support from facilitators and program coordinators
• Catering and venue costs (for in-person sessions)

Program costs are not inclusive of travel or accommodation.

If you have any questions about payment or invoicing, please contact IPAA SA at SALAManagerEssentials@sa.ipaa.org.au.

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The Manager Essentials Program is designed for frontline managers and team leaders in the South Australian public sector who currently hold people management responsibilities.

The South Australian Leadership Academy recognises that frontline leadership takes many forms, and leadership responsibilities may not always align with formal classification. This program acknowledges and supports that diversity.

Employees who are AS05 level and above (or equivalent) are eligible to apply. However, individuals at the ASO3 level and above may also apply if they are actively managing staff or are preparing to transition into a management role, as identified by their agency. This includes those currently acting in management or team leader roles, or who have been identified by their agency as future leaders and where participation is endorsed by their manager as part of their professional development.

If you're unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to discuss your participation with your manager or agency leadership team. Please note that the South Australian Leadership Academy (SALA) does not assess individual eligibility, except in relation to overall program capacity.
You may proceed to register once your participation has been approved by your manager and authorised agency delegate.

Who Should Attend

• New managers looking to build strong foundational leadership and management skills.
• Experienced managers seeking to refresh, recalibrate, and enhance their leadership approach.
• Individuals currently acting in management or team leader roles, or those preparing to transition into a management role as identified by their agency.

This is a hands-on, practice-based leadership development program tailored for those actively managing staff. While it is primarily designed for current managers, individuals at ASO3 level and above who meet the eligibility criteria, including those endorsed by their manager and authorised agency delegate, are encouraged to register if the program aligns with their development goals and timing.

Regional Cohort Support

The program’s hybrid format makes it accessible to regional participants by combining flexible online learning with short, targeted in-person sessions to minimise travel while maximising engagement.

For the Regional Cohort, participants will complete all four core modules in a condensed 4-day in-person format, held in a regional location. This approach helps reduce travel and accommodation impacts while ensuring access to high-quality development.

Participants will also join the Orientation and Program Close events virtually, or in-person in Adelaide, depending on business needs, ensuring connection and continuity regardless of location.

Express Your Interest

Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey?

The Manager Essentials Program is a unique opportunity to invest in your personal and professional development. Over four months, you’ll build confidence, strengthen your leadership impact, and gain practical tools to support your team and agency.

If you're interested in attending a future intake, we encourage you to:

• Speak with your direct line manager
• Connect with your HR, organisational development, or learning and development team
• Explore how this program aligns with your career goals and development plan

Executive Participation

While executives are welcome to attend, tailored development opportunities such as Executive Induction, Executive Excellence and Next Execs are available through the South Australian Leadership Academy to better meet their specific needs.

Note: This program is currently available to South Australian Public Sector employees only.

The February 2026 intake for the Manager Essentials Program opens on 15 September 2025 and closes on 7 November 2025.

To register, please visit the registration form:

Access the Registration Form

Regional Cohort - Registration and Selection Information

Due to limited participant numbers, submission of a registration does not guarantee placement in the program. The Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment (OCPSE) reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to determine final participant eligibility and selection. Should a registration be revoked, the registrant will be notified in writing.

Registration schedule

Visit the Registration Schedule for current intake availability and key dates.

Frequently asked questions

View the Leadership Development Programs Frequently Asked Questions.

If you have any questions about your registration or need assistance, contact IPAA SA
at SALAManagerEssentials@sa.ipaa.org.au

We understand that circumstances can change. Below are the cancellation terms for the Manager Essentials Program – Intake 14 (February - June 2026):

Please note: All cancellation terms are based on working days, not calendar days.

View the Event Cancellation Policy

General Enquiries

If you have questions about the Manager Essentials Program or need general information, please contact the South Australian Leadership Academy team:

• Email: OCPSELeadershipAcademy@sa.gov.au
• Phone: 1800 317 333

Registration, Enrolment and Invoicing

For enquiries about your current registration, enrolment status or invoicing, please contact our delivery partner, the Institute for Public Administration Australia South Australia (IPAA SA):

• Email: SALAManagerEssentials@sa.ipaa.org.au
• Phone: (08) 8212 7555

Welcome to the Manager Essentials Participant Portal

You will receive access to the portal via email following your Orientation session.

This portal is your central hub for everything related to your program journey. Here's what, you can do:

• View your session schedule and key program dates
• Access learning materials and essential resources
• Connect with fellow participants and facilitators

If you’re ready to begin, click below to enter the portal and start your journey.

Enter the Portal

Need help logging in? Contact IPAA SA at SALAManagerEssentials@sa.ipaa.org.au

Graduates of the Manager Essentials Program become part of the South Australian Leadership Academy’s Alumni Network, where they will be invited to:

• Participate in group coaching sessions
• Engage in peer learning opportunities
• Attend exclusive leadership events and networking forums

This ongoing connection supports continued growth, collaboration, and impact across the public sector.

To continue receiving updates, please ensure your contact details are kept up to date, especially when moving across government departments.

For more information, visit our Alumni Workshops and Events page.

Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Scholarships

Ten Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Scholarships are available per intake for eligible participants of the Manager Essentials Program.

This scholarship supports greater access to leadership development for individuals from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds within the South Australian public sector.

To learn more about eligibility criteria and how to apply, please visit the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Scholarships page.