The unique role of government has a significant impact on the structure and function of government ministries and crowns. This workshop provides an introduction to that unique role and its influence on the processes of decision-making and accountability in the public sector. It also presents practical tools to use when engaging in policy design and implementation. You will also explore and address challenges to creating good policy in today’s complex context.

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• identify the unique role and function of government;
• distinguish between the policy cycle and other related cycles within government; 
• identify policy tools and when to use them;
• recognize how the role of government affects the policy process, the role of the elected, and the role of public servants; and,
• apply these principles to provide policy advice to decision-makers.

Core competencies explored: Evidence and strategic thinking; Policy and context knowledge

April 5, 2023 - 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm
Delivery: online
Online curriculum: 2 hours
Live online workshop: 6 hours
Length: full day
Cost: $450

This workshop provides public servants with an introduction to the principles and purposes of program evaluation. We will teach you how to use logic models and how to identify the goals of programs, focusing on outcomes. We will discuss the merit and worth of programs and how to distinguish between program efficiency and program effectiveness, performance management, benchmarking, program review, and evaluation design. We will show you how program measurement and evaluation are used to improve program outcomes and enable programs to meet targets and achieve their purposes.

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• recognize the basic elements of evaluation; 
• distinguish between various evaluation types and their benefits;
• identify measures to assess the effectiveness of programs and policies;
• identify the pitfalls common to evaluation and measurement and how to avoid them; and,
• apply these principles to design and implement an evaluation strategy in your own work.

Core competencies explored: Evidence and strategic thinking; Policy context and knowledge

April 12, 2023 - 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm
Delivery: online
Online curriculum: 2 hours
Live online workshop: 6 hours
Length: full day
Cost: $450

The service of the public requires a commitment to adhere to general values to work in good faith and carry oneself in a professional manner. This requires diligence to many policies such as privacy, antiharassment, conflict of interest, protocols and fraud, but the concept of ethics goes deeper than this. This workshop examines the concept of “the public trust” and the role that individual public servants and leaders have as caretakers of the public trust. You will also explore the role that organizational culture plays in maintaining a positive environment and the impact of culture on individual choices and behaviour.

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• describe how and why ethics and integrity are core values of the public service;
• examine different ethical approaches, definitions, and lenses;
• identify the elements and processes necessary to make ethical decisions;
• evaluate personal traits and characteristics that may impact your own ability to think and act ethically; and,
• apply strategies to address ethical issues that public servants commonly face in their work.

Core competencies explored: Implementation and improvement; Leadership

*This workshop was formerly called Public Service Ethics.

April 13, 2023 - 1 pm to 4 pm
Delivery: online
Online curriculum: 1-2 hours
Live online workshop: 3 hours
Length: half day
Cost: $325

Indigenous governments across Saskatchewan are exploring creative and unique ways to undertake economic development and build strategic partnerships to create opportunities and employment for their people. “Indigenous economic development is an integral component of reconciliation, holding huge potential to fuel Canadian economic growth” (The National Indigenous Economic Development Board 2019). What factors make some of these initiatives more likely to succeed? What role can the provincial and federal governments play to support these initiatives and where are the potential points of contention?

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• identify how Indigenous governments are finding a balance between traditional and contemporary approaches to economic development; 
• reflect on success stories of Indigenous economic development and the lessons learned; 
• recognize the role of partnerships in economic development, including those with provincial and federal governments; and,
• apply strategies to form partnerships to enable and support Indigenous economic development.

Core competencies explored: Connection and collaboration; Indigenous and intercultural responsiveness

April 18, 2023 - 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm
Delivery: online
Online curriculum: 2 hours
Live online workshop: 6 hours
Length: full day
Cost: $450

Writing a briefing note can be considered an art - it is not just a cut-and-dry writing exercise. This workshop provides public servants with practical and tested advice on how to write better briefing notes. You will learn about your audience and what their needs are, the why, how and when of using briefing notes, and writing tips that will help you communicate more effectively. You will also get a chance to gain experience and apply this knowledge through a practical exercise.

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• recognize the purpose of briefing notes as distinct from other forms of communication;
• identify the attributes of good briefing notes;
• consider your audiences’ needs and adapt your briefing notes to that audience; and,
• apply tips and techniques to write better briefing notes.

Core competencies explored: Connection and collaboration; Communications 

April 25, 2023 - 9 am to 12 pm
Delivery: online
Online curriculum: 1-2 hours
Live online workshop: 3 hours
Length: half day
Cost: $325 

"Prior to the workshop, I felt overwhelmed by the thought of writing a briefing note—if someone had asked me to at that moment, I would have floundered. Now I feel comfortable and even confident that I could do so—the workshop content has assisted me all over on good practices of writing a briefing note."

Collaboration, both within our organizations and with stakeholders, is a vital skill for addressing increasingly complex problems. This workshop examines various components of collaborative policymaking, including the skills, knowledge and strategies you need to develop collaborative solutions to complex public policy issues and manage collaborative partnerships. This workshop provides you with an introduction to developing policy through consensus-driven dialogue and participatory practices. It also explores various strategies that may be used to craft solutions in both planning and implementation.

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• identify and describe different approaches to collaborative policy-making;
• assess the benefits and challenges of collaborative processes;
• describe the factors that lead to effective collective impact to address complex and wicked problems; and, 
• effectively design and implement strategies for effective collaborative policy-making.

Core competencies explored: Connection and collaboration; Engagement

May 2, 2023 - 9 am to 12 pm
Delivery: in person
Location: University of Regina College Avenue Campus, College Building, 2155 College Avenue, Room 308
Online curriculum: 1-2 hours
Live in-person workshop: 3 hours
Length: half day
Cost: $325 

Coaching has become a bit of a buzzword these days, and it seems like everyone is expected to be a coach, with confusing definitions of what being a coach really is. The power of coaching, like anything else, takes time upfront so you can have big payoffs in the future. The benefits of coaching include improved communication skills, increased confidence, increased productivity, and a better work-life balance. Good coaches let go of control and rather than providing answers - they move to curiosity. Coaching is all about going from the “fixer” to the “empowerer” and helping individuals navigate problem-solving on their own. This workshop will provide you with an introduction to coaching and will help you adjust your approach to interactions in your office and with your staff.

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• distinguish between coaching and other workplace interactions, such as mentoring, counselling, and consulting; 
• identify when it is appropriate to use coaching and when it is not;
• apply strategies to create a safe space for coaching; and,
• develop your skill of curiosity and ask powerful questions.

Core competencies explored: Implementation and improvement; Leadership

NOTE: This workshop was formerly a half-day session, but has been expanded to a full day.

May 17, 2023 - 9 am to 12 pm, and 1 pm to 4 pm
Delivery: in person
Location: University of Regina College Avenue Campus, College Building, 2155 College Avenue, Room 308
Online curriculum: 2 hours
Live in-person workshop: 6 hours
Length: full day
Cost: $450

Timed for emerging, new, or mid-level leaders, this workshop will equip you with practical tips, tools, and techniques to be an effective leader. In this workshop, you will review research-based leadership best practices and different leadership styles. Included in the cost of this workshop is a personalized leadership self-assessment, which you will complete to discover your strengths and areas for improvement. In this session, you will also learn how to lead yourself, team members, and projects effectively and how to find the right balance between delegation and micro-managing. You will also learn how to action-plan and keep growing to reach your full leadership potential.

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• identify the characteristics of high-performing leaders;
• recognize the role of a leader in creating high-performing cultures and organizations;
• analyze the various pressures and pitfalls leaders experience;
• recognize your leadership strengths and the areas in which you can grow; and,
• design and implement a leadership action plan.

Core competencies explored: Implementation and improvement; Leadership

May 31, 2023 - 9 am to 12 pm, and 1 pm to 4 pm
Delivery: online
Online curriculum + LCP self-assessment: 2 hours
Live online workshop: 6 hours
Length: full day
Cost: $450 + $150 LCP = $600

NOTE: The $150 fee for the pre-workshop LCP self-assessment is non-refundable.

This workshop explores the topic of leadership by examining several research-based leadership practices: leadership accelerators that are important for success, dimensions of leadership motivation, leadership derailers to avoid, and paradoxes that leaders are often expected to navigate. You will explore each of these areas and learn specific tips and tools for each of them. You'll then apply what you've learned to a case study and generate an action plan to fuel your continued leadership growth.

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• describe and summarize 12 leadership accelerators, 3 motivators, 5 derailers, and 12 paradoxes;
• interpret the results of your own leadership self-assessment to identify areas of strength and growth;
• apply tips and tools to real-world examples and challenges, including those you face in your own work; and, 
• develop and execute an action plan to facilitate your continued leadership development.

Core competencies explored: Implementation and improvement; Leadership

June 8, 2023 - 9 am to 12 pm, and 1 pm to 4 pm
Delivery: online
Online curriculum + LADP self-assessment: 2 hours
Live online workshop: 6 hours
Length: full day
Cost: $450 + $150 LADP self-assessment = $600

NOTE: The $150 fee for the pre-workshop LADP self-assessment in non-refundable.

There are a number of considerations when crafting government documents. Writing for different audiences requires you to think about style, format, technical information, decisions required, and key messages. This introductory workshop will examine these considerations as well as tips and tricks that can improve your writing. You will submit a briefing note assignment in advance of the live workshop, and facilitators will provide you with customized feedback on your writing. During the live workshop, you will explore key sections required in briefing notes and discuss material from the assignment to illustrate how to improve your writing skills.

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• identify tips and techniques to write better government documents;
• consider your audiences’ needs and adapt your writing to those needs;
• apply strategies for effectively communicating information to your audience, especially technical or challenging subject matter; and, 
• implement facilitator feedback and suggestions in future written documents.

Core competencies explored: Connection and collaboration; Communications

June 22, 2023 - 9 am to 12 pm
Delivery: online
Online curriculum + required assignment: 2 hours
Live online workshop: 3 hours
Length: full day
Cost: $450

NOTES: 

• This workshop was formerly called Applied Government Writing; because of the pre-workshop assignment, this workshop is considered a full day.
• Required pre-requisite: Participants must complete The Art of the Briefing Note prior to attending this workshop or have significant experience writing briefing notes.