By Kristen Risby, Capability, Strategy and Insights - APS Academy
The Australian Public Service Commission has just released a new APS Learning and Development Strategy Action Plan, signalling the next horizon of activity to build capability across the service. The Adapt Horizon Action Plan outlines a set of practical, system-focused actions designed to help agencies reduce duplication, improve efficiencies and embed strong learning culture.
The Action Plan was developed following a detailed analysis of the current state and extensive consultation with L&D practitioners and the APS Learning Board. It reflects a shared understanding of current challenges, including inconsistent practice, variable access to development, and the need to better connect learning to performance and workplace outcomes.
Actions within the plan have been structured around the Strategy’s pillars (Culture, Governance, Capabilities and Technology) and target six critical objectives that must be addressed over the final 13 months of the Strategy. These objectives are:
Enhance learning culture: ensure leaders actively champion and prioritise a culture where learning is an integral part of operational success.
Promote best practice: encourage excellence in learning and the adoption of high-impact capability development solutions.
Network the system: strengthen the ability for APS L&D teams to work as a cohesive system, maximising the impact of individual agency efforts and supporting a One-APS learning ecosystem.
Drive efficiencies: optimise resource allocation that sustains and expands L&D efforts and maximises the value of investments.
Lift leadership and management capability targeting people managers across the APS.
Improve discoverability and accessibility of learning: developing the capability of L&D practitioners to establish, implement and maintain learning technology, and to improve the discoverability of learning for APS employees.
The Adapt Horizon Action Plan is not just a list of activities; it is a signal of intent. It reinforces the one-APS approach to developing capability. There is an important focus on investing in leadership, aligning effort, and building capacity to achieve a high-performing, future-ready public service.
The plan is designed to be iterative, allowing for ongoing refinement and adaptation as new needs and priorities emerge. So, if you want to get involved, find out more or contact us - we would love to hear from you!