We’re 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 committed 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)

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)

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: Riverland (details to be confirmed)
• Includes: Orientation, core modules, peer learning, and final showcase.
• Participants will also join the Orientation and Program Close events, either online or in-person in Adelaide, depending on business needs.

Click here to download the full schedule (PDF) (coming soon)

Detailed cohort session dates and locations will be available in the participant portal.

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.

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.

This is a hands-on, practice-based leadership development program designed specifically for current managers who are actively managing staff.

It is not suitable for aspiring managers who do not currently have direct reports. However, it may be considered for individuals who are about to transition into a management role, depending on their readiness and timing.

Note: Available to South Australian Public Sector employees only.

Program Context

SALA recognises that frontline leadership in the public sector takes many forms. Leadership responsibilities may not always align with formal classification, and this program acknowledges and supports that diversity.

While the program is designed for those with current people management responsibilities, participants at the ASO3 level and above may be accepted based on the relevance of their role. If you're unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to discuss your participation with your manager.

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.

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

We welcome additional registrations beyond agency allocations, provided they are received before the registration closing date.

To register, please visit the registration form:

Access the Registration Form (closed)

Please note:  The registration form will reopen in September 2025. Please keep an eye out for our whole-of-government email (from sagovt@sa.gov.au/SA Govt:No Reply) in September for registration instructions.

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 SA (IPAA):

• 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