Policy Leadership Program
Offered with Telfer Executive ProgramsThe Policy Leadership Program (PLP) is designed for public service policy leaders who are facing increasing complexity and uncertainty in a rapidly evolving context that demands new ways of working and new leadership skills. The program will provide you with a deep understanding of what constitutes policy excellence and the “how” of policy, including new and emerging approaches to policy design and development. You will explore what is unique about policy leadership, reflect on your own leadership values and practices, and engage with experienced leaders on how to inspire and nurture your policy team. The program emphasizes discussion, interactive exercises, and applicable learnings from recent policy files. You will be equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to be a more effective policy leader.
Who Should Attend?
This program is suited for Directors (executives in EX1 or equivalent positions) and Aspiring Directors (minimum of one year leading a team) from all orders of government who are looking to deepen their knowledge and skills for policy leadership and position themselves for continued growth as an executive.
Program Features
- Real life case studies and experiential workshops.
- High calibre guest speakers and subject matter experts.
- Exercises to explore your personal leadership values and competencies.
- Exploration of the many dimensions of policy leadership, e.g., strategic, collaborative, and inclusive leadership.
- Networking and community building.
Key Learning Outcomes
The Policy Leadership Program is aligned with the Government of Canada’s Key Leadership Competencies. Upon completion of the program, you will:
Create Vision and Strategy
- Improve your ability to effectively navigate the evolving policy landscape.
- Develop your strategic leadership ability.
Collaborate with Partners
- Enhance your ability to lead horizontal initiatives with a range of partners and stakeholders.
- Deepen your understanding of Indigenous reconciliation and co-development.
Achieve Results
- Acquire an in-depth understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion and its role in policy effectiveness.
- Navigate complex policy development using new knowledge, tools and practices.
Promote Innovation and Guide Change
- Learn about new policy tools and methods, such as applying behavioural insights to policy design.
- Develop competencies required to lead innovation and build innovative policy teams in government.
Mobilize People – Uphold Integrity and Respect
- Create safe space for debate, modelling fearless advice.
- Practice inclusive leadership and mobilizing diverse teams.
- Improve your adaptability, persistence, and resilience.
Dates
- The next edition of the program will run on the following dates:
- January 27-30, 2025
- February 18-20, 2025
- The 7-day program consists of two modules.
It is offered in-person at the Telfer School of Management, Centre for Executive Leadership, in Ottawa:
99 Bank St., Suite 200 – Ottawa, ON, K1P 6B9
Registration (Deadline: January 13, 2025)
REGULAR FEE: $9,500.00 + HST
$8,550 + HST for PPF Members/Telfer Alumni
Bilingualism
Lead facilitators will understand and encourage participation in both languages. Some guest speakers may be unilingual. Resource material will be made available in both official languages whenever possible; however, some optional materials may not be available in both languages.
Program Director
Rachel Wernick retired from the federal public service in May 2023 after a distinguished career as an executive in policy and program design that culminated in her role as Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of Skills and Employment at Employment and Social Development Canada.
Rachel is one of Canada’s leading practitioners in social and employment policy having gained experience in a variety of executive roles at Canadian Heritage, the Privy Council Office, Citizenship and Immigration Canada and Public Works and Government Services. Rachel’s passion for policy excellence resulted in her appointment as Co-Champion of the Clerk’s Policy Community initiative; a role she held for five years.
Rachel’s expertise includes workforce development, skills innovation, the future of work, skills and employment for marginalized populations and gender and diversity analysis. Rachel is a strong proponent of the benefit of user-driven design and has a proven ability to lead multi-partner collaboration to take something from policy idea or challenge through to actionable options for implementation.
Rachel is the Program Director for the newly revamped Policy Leadership Program (PLP), which is tailored to meet the evolving needs of public service policy executives early in their leadership development. The PLP is delivered through a partnership between the Public Policy Forum and Telfer Executive Programs at the University of Ottawa.
Rachel joined PPF as a Fellow in October, 2023.
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