Lead with clarity. Grow capability. Strengthen performance together.
The Leading Performance Management Program is a practical, future‑focused development experience for public sector leaders and emerging leaders who want to build strong relationships, enable growth and create the conditions for sustained high performance.
The program reframes performance as an ongoing, two‑way partnership between leaders and their people. It is grounded in clarity, trust and regular, meaningful communication.
When leaders engage early, communicate openly and support development in the moment, performance conversations become easier, safer and more effective.
What you will gain
Capability
Participants will:
- build practical skills in coaching, feedback and everyday performance conversations
- set clear expectations that support shared ownership and accountability
- strengthen early intervention skills to address issues before they escalate
- apply simple, evidence‑informed tools in their workplace
- recognise and manage conscious and unconscious bias to support fair, inclusive leadership
- lead people safely by communicating in ways that are both clear and kind, strengthening psychological safety and trust
Confidence
Participants will:
- lead open, constructive conversations that build trust and capability
- communicate with clarity, empathy and emotional intelligence
- navigate challenging situations without avoidance or delay
- create psychologically safe environments where people can speak up and succeed
- lead in ways that are inclusive, culturally aware and free from discriminatory behaviours
Connection
Participants will:
- learn alongside peers from across the South Australian public sector
- share real‑world challenges and insights
- build a network of leaders committed to growth, accountability and collaboration
- continue peer support beyond the program
Context
The program:
- is tailored to the South Australian public sector environment
- aligns with Public Sector Values, the Code of Ethics and leadership expectations
- supports consistent, high‑quality people and performance practices across agencies
This two‑day program supports leaders to embed people‑centred, consistent and ethical performance management practices aligned with South Australian public sector expectations.
The program reframes performance as an ongoing, relationship‑centred practice grounded in clarity, trust and regular, meaningful communication. Participants build capability to support development, address performance concerns early, and move confidently between informal coaching and formal performance processes.
Leaders are supported to maintain psychological safety while upholding accountability, and to apply policies and procedures with confidence, integrity and a people‑first mindset. The program focuses on sustainable leadership habits that strengthen trust, inclusion and continuous improvement.
Program outcomes
By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
- lead people and performance as an ongoing, relationship‑centred practice
- set clear, shared expectations that drive alignment and accountability
- provide timely, constructive feedback that builds capability and engagement
- conduct meaningful performance and development conversations throughout the year
- transition from informal coaching to formal performance processes with clarity and care
- explain and implement performance improvement plans in ways that reduce fear and defensiveness
- work in partnership with employees to set realistic, achievable goals
- address performance concerns early using fair, consistent and supportive approaches
- maintain psychological safety while upholding public sector standards
- recognise and mitigate bias to ensure equitable, inclusive and discrimination‑free decisions
- apply public sector policies and procedures with confidence, integrity and a people‑first mindset
- foster a culture of trust, safety and high performance
- embed sustainable leadership habits that support continuous improvement
Duration: Two days
Delivery: In person
Format: Workshops delivered one week apart
Day one – Foundations of leading performance
- leading people and performance: purpose, principles and partnership
- setting clear, shared expectations
- monitoring, supporting and developing performance throughout the year
Between sessions
Participants apply their learning in the workplace and reflect on real‑life scenarios, bringing practical experience and questions back to the group.
Day two – Conversations, accountability and future focus
- conducting ongoing, effective two‑way performance conversations
- early intervention and addressing concerns constructively
- future‑focused performance reviews and development planning
- embedding accountability, safety and high performance
All sessions are held at the same time and location on the dates listed below.
Time: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Location: Fig Tree Function Centre, Adelaide Zoo
July intake (two full days)
- Day one: Thursday, 23 July 2026
- Day two: Wednesday, 29 July 2026
October intake (two full days)
- Day one: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
- Day two: Thursday, 29 October 2026
The cost of the Leading Performance Management Program is $1,450 + GST.
The fee includes:
- full participation across the two‑day program
- support from experienced facilitators and program coordinators
- access to comprehensive learning materials and resources
- catering and venue costs
Travel and accommodation are not included.
This program is for South Australian public sector employees who:
- currently manage or supervise others
- aspire to move into a management or team leader role
- support people leaders (for example, HR or advisory roles)
Who should attend
- new managers building foundational leadership capability
- experienced managers seeking to strengthen their approach
- HR professionals or others who support people leaders
Participation requires approval from your manager and authorised agency delegate.
Registrations for the July and October 2026 intakes are now open.
To register, complete the relevant registration form:
Register for Intake 1
Register for Intake 2
For enquiries:
- Email: OCPSELeadershipAcademy@sa.gov.au
- Phone: 1800 317 333
We understand that circumstances can change. Below are the cancellation terms for the Leading Performance Management Program.
July 2026 intake
| Notice period | Cancellation terms | Key dates |
|---|---|---|
| More than 30 working days | No charge / full refund | Before: 11 June 2026 |
| 15-30 working days | 50% charge | Between: 12 June and 2 July 2026 |
| 0-14 working days | 100% charge | From: 3 July 2026 |
October 2026 intake
| Notice period | Cancellation terms | Key dates |
|---|---|---|
| More than 30 working days | No charge / full refund | Before: 7 September 2026 |
| 15-30 working days | 50% charge | Between: 8 September and 29 September 2026 |
| 0-14 working days | 100% charge | From: 30 September 2026 |
* Please note: Cancellation terms are working days and not calendar days.
View the Event Cancellation Policy
If you have questions about the Leading Performance Management Program or enquiries about your current registration, enrolment status or invoicing, please contact the South Australian Leadership Academy team:
- Email: OCPSELeadershipAcademy@sa.gov.au
- Phone: 1800 317 333