1. When can I register for leadership development programs?

You can register now for the 2026 Executive Excellence and Manager Essentials programs. Registrations close on 7 November 2025.

Leadership development program registrations open twice a year, during designated registration periods.

Please note: not all programs are available in every round.

Visit the Registration Schedule for current availability and key dates.

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2. How do I register for a leadership development program?

To register, visit the Leadership Development section on the OCPSE website and complete the registration form available on the relevant program page.

Before submitting your registration, please ensure that your Authorised Agency Delegate has been fully informed and has explicitly approved your participation, including any associated costs.

An Authorised Agency Delegate is someone formally empowered to act on behalf of your department in matters such as approvals, decisions, and submissions.

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3.  Is there a waitlist if programs are full? Can I register my interest in advance?

At this stage, the South Australian Leadership Academy (SALA) does not offer a waitlist or accept early expressions of interest for leadership development programs.

Updates about registration periods and program availability are communicated to the sector through official channels.

Please refer to the Registration Schedule page for current information.

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4. Who can attend leadership development programs?

Leadership development programs offered by the South Australian Leadership Academy (SALA) are open to all South Australian public sector employees.

There are no formal restrictions on who can attend. Leadership takes many forms across the public sector and is not always tied to job classification. Whether you are currently in a leadership role or acting in one, you and your line manager are best placed to decide which program aligns with your development goals and career aspirations.

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5. What is happening with the Aboriginal Leadership Program?

The Aboriginal Leadership Program is currently undergoing a strategic review, with plans to deliver a refreshed, co-designed offering in the first half of 2026.

Further details will be shared as soon as they become available.

In the meantime, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander public sector employees are encouraged to explore and participate in other relevant South Australian Leadership Academy (SALA) programs.

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6. Do you keep a record of employees who attend leadership development programs?

Yes. Attendance records are maintained for all South Australian Leadership Academy (SALA) programs.

If your organisation requires a report, please contact: OCPSELeadershipAcademy@sa.gov.au

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7. Who manages program payments and why might I be contacted?

Program costs vary depending on the specific leadership development offering.

The South Australian Leadership Academy (SALA) partners with the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA SA) and Flinders University to support program delivery, including event logistics and invoicing.

Depending on the program you register for, IPAA SA or Flinders University may contact you directly to confirm registration details and arrange payment.

For detailed information about costs and application processes, please refer to the Program Cost and How to Apply sections on each program’s webpage.

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8. What are the time commitments for leadership development programs?

Each program has a unique learning format, which is outlined in its schedule. This includes details about:

  • Face-to-face sessions
  • External commitments
  • Pre- and post-program work

You can find this information in the Program Timeline section on the relevant leadership development program page.

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9. What if I can’t attend a leadership development program?

Please refer to the Cancellation Guidelines on the relevant program page for instructions on cancelling, rescheduling, or transferring your registration. The page also outlines who to contact - SALA, IPAA SA, or Flinders University - depending on the program.

Note: Most programs do not allow transfers, as registrations are assessed individually.

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10. Where are the leadership development programs held?

Most leadership development programs are delivered in person in the Adelaide CBD, unless otherwise specified for regional cohorts.

The exact location will be confirmed in the calendar invitation or meeting request you receive once your registration is complete.

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11. What are scholarships and how do I apply?

The Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment (OCPSE) is proud to offer the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Scholarship Program.

Each year, scholarships are made available for selected South Australian Leadership Academy (SALA) programs as part of this initiative. The program supports the goals of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy, which reflects the public sector’s commitment to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce — where everyone belongs and is valued for their uniqueness.

For more information about available scholarships and how to apply, please visit the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Scholarships page.

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Still have questions?

Contact the South Australian Leadership Academy team at OCPSELeadershipAcademy@sa.gov.au or 1800 317 333

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