By Stella Jones, CALD Strategy, APSC
The APS CALD Sponsorship Program Pilot is helping build a stronger and more representative leadership pipeline across the Australian Public Service.
Launched in February 2026 with the support of APS CALD Champion Secretary Jim Betts, the pilot supports high-potential culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) Executive Level 2 (EL2) employees to prepare for future Senior Executive Service (SES) roles.
The initiative responds to the continued under-representation of CALD employees at SES level. As the first APS-wide sponsorship program designed specifically for CALD leaders, it aims to address barriers to career progression and create clearer pathways to senior leadership.
The pilot brings together 37 high-performing CALD EL2 participants and 37 SES Band 2 sponsors from 8 APS agencies. Through sponsorship, executive assessment, coaching and leadership development opportunities, participants gain greater exposure to senior leaders, strategic networks and career development pathways. The program includes tailored coaching, masterclasses, sponsor and participant development and engagement with senior leaders across the APS.
Sponsors play an active role in advocating for participants, broadening their professional connections and supporting access to leadership opportunities across the APS. The program also provides Band 2 sponsors with an opportunity to deepen their cultural capability, broaden their understanding of diverse leadership experiences and strengthen inclusive leadership practices.
‘It has been a privilege to support the development and career of an incredibly talented EL2 in my Department. And while I expected to give a lot of myself to support the program, the surprise has been how much I have learned and gained from the experience. The reverse mentoring has been a real highlight for me personally, and talking to the other sponsors in my agency we all have the same reflection about our own personal learning and growth as a result of participating as sponsors.’
- Paula Stagg at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts - Band 2 Sponsor
Designed as a scalable model, the pilot has the potential to expand across agencies and support other diverse talent cohorts. By fostering inclusive leadership pathways, the initiative contributes to the goals of the APS CALD Employment Strategy and Action Plan and supports a future SES that better reflects the diversity of the Australian community it serves.
Please contact the CALD team for further information.