Integrated Leadership System (ILS)
Strong leadership capability is critical to the effectiveness of the Australian Public Service (APS). The Integrated Leadership System (ILS) provides a common framework for leadership development across the APS, outlining the capabilities, behaviours and expectations required at different classification levels.
Developed by the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC), the ILS supports individuals, managers and agencies to understand what effective leadership looks like in practice. It provides a shared language for capability development and helps employees identify opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills throughout their careers.
The ILS complements APS classification and work level standards by providing practical guidance on leadership behaviours, development pathways and workforce capability planning.
This resource aligns with the Leadership and Management capabilities across the APS.
What are the benefits?
- Provides a consistent leadership framework across the APS
- Supports individual leadership development and career planning
- Clarifies leadership expectations at different APS classification levels
- Helps agencies develop leadership capability and workforce planning strategies
- Supports performance, development and talent management conversations
- Strengthens leadership capability to meet current and future APS challenges
What this resource covers
The Integrated Leadership System provides:
- Leadership capabilities and behaviours: Clear descriptions of the behaviours expected at APS and executive levels.
- Development pathways: Guidance to support progression and capability growth throughout a career.
- Workforce capability planning: Tools and resources to help agencies identify, develop and sustain leadership capability.
- Performance and development support: A framework for capability assessments, development discussions and leadership planning.
The ILS applies across all APS agencies and supports a consistent approach to leadership development.
About the resource
This resource provides an overview of the Integrated Leadership System and its role in building leadership capability across the APS.
It supports employees and agencies to:
- understand leadership expectations at different levels
- identify development priorities and learning opportunities
- strengthen leadership capability and professional growth
- support workforce planning and talent development
- contribute to a capable, adaptable and high-performing APS
The resource provides a practical foundation for developing leadership capability and supporting career progression across the Australian Public Service.