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Julia Flynn Leadership Program

Background

Background

The Julia Flynn Leadership Program is a DEECD initiative which aims to raise the visibility of high potential and capable women in the Department, as well as develop their leadership and management skills to prepare them for future career and promotional opportunities. The Program is offered annually to high potential women at VPS Grades 4 and 5, with support from their manager. It comprises completion of a graduate certificate course, complementary workshops and provision of mentoring and networking experiences.

The Program was first offered in 2003 and 46 women have since completed the Program. The current cohort (2009) (Word - 24Kb) comprises 10 scholars who are undertaking the Public Sector Management Program being conducted by Victoria University.

The 2009 program will conclude in July 2010.

2009 program - commenced July 2009

This year, participants are undertaking the Public Sector Management Program (PSMP) delivered by Victoria University which has a focus on the policy and legal environment, how to work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders, ethical behaviour, motivation to perform, delivering on management objectives and developing a career in the public sector.

Participants have been placed in one of two intakes, commencing in either July or September 2009 and study with employees from other State and Commonwealth agencies.

The PSMP is delivered as a series of four workshops held during work hours in the Melbourne CBD – 3 of three days duration and the last workshop is four days. There is a half day orientation session scheduled before the start of the first unit which includes an assessment writing component. The program takes a minimum of 13 months to complete.

In addition, as a discrete Julia Flynn cohort, participants are attending individual and group workshops aimed at increasing their knowledge of themselves as leaders, building their leadership capacity as well as providing a forum for networking and discussion of issues relevant to women in leadership.

Participants have been provided with time off work to attend workshops and for study purposes as per DEECD’s study leave policy.

Participants have been matched with a DEECD manager to act as a mentor for the duration of the program. Induction for all participants was provided.

2010 Program

Next Year's program will be advertised in April 2010.

Women, who have not previously studied at tertiary level, staff from regional offices, people from diverse backgrounds or with a disability are encouraged to apply. The Program is designed to take into consideration participants’ work/life balance.

Participants need to be able to commit to the entire program. Applications must be discussed and endorsed by the manager.