Budget is the universal language between all areas of government. The Budget Process and Financial Literacy workshop will increase your fluency in public sector budgeting and financial management in the Government of Saskatchewan. This workshop will provide you with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of various players in the budget process and how budget decisions are made in the public sector. We will examine the phases of the budget process, including strategic planning and decision-making; budget implementation; financial management; and, budget reporting, accountability and evaluation.

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

• appreciate the elements of sound financial planning, management and accountability in public sector entities;
• recognize the vital role that financial considerations play in policy and program development and management; and,
• apply your knowledge of the financial planning and decision-making processes of government in your own work.

Core competencies explored: Evidence & strategic thinking (economics & finance)

Please note that while the majority of our policy workshops are aimed at a broad public sector audience, this workshop focuses primarily on the Government of Saskatchewan's budgeting process.

Register today!

Do you think business case analysis is only useful in private industry? Think again! In Business Case Analysis, you will be introduced to the idea of business case analysis in the public sector, including problem definition, development of alternatives, cost-effectiveness analysis, risk assessment and the development of recommendations. We will discuss the theory underpinning business case analysis and review public sector examples to demonstrate how this approach can be useful in the public sector.

By the end of this workshop, you will:

• understand how to approach a public sector business case analysis;
• gain experience by participating in hands-on examples of case analysis; and,
• appreciate the value of business case analysis as a method of program and initiative development.

Core competencies explored: Connection & collaboration (communications); Implementation & improvement (program & project management)

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 & improvement (leadership); Connection & collaboration (communications)

Wicked problems are complex issues, such as climate change, mental health and addictions, and poverty, which impact a diverse group of stakeholders and lack easily implementable solutions. This full day workshop provides public servants with tools and strategies they need to effectively address wicked problems in a rapidly-changing environment. You will examine various components of collaborative policy making, including skills, knowledge and strategies to develop collaborative solutions to complex public policy issues. This workshop provides public servants with an introduction to developing policy through consensus-driven dialogue and participatory practices. You will also collaborate with other public servants to have meaningful discussions on how to approach wicked problems in Saskatchewan and beyond.

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

• describe the complexity of wicked problems and identify the factors that make them complex;
• recognize how and why to engage others in collaborative processes;
• differentiate multiple approaches to collaborative policy making;
• examine case studies and examples of collaborative approaches to wicked problems; and,
• design and apply collaborative strategies to wicked problems you face in your daily work.

Core competencies explored: Connection & collaboration (engagement)

This full-day workshop includes content from two half-day sessions: Collaborative Policy Management & Innovative Approaches to Wicked Problems.

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 & collaboration (engagement)

In our increasingly globalized world, advances in technology allow us to better track policy impact and share information amongst jurisdictions. It is no longer acceptable for policy makers to claim they didn't know. Rather, the public expects that government be proactive in using the successes and failures of our global counterparts to make policy decisions. This workshop provides the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to create a shift in perspective through comparative analysis. You will gain an understanding of why it is useful to compare cross-national and cross-provincial public policies and how to do so.

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

• describe how comparing policies will aid in the understanding of your own policies;
• determine where to start and what questions to ask to extract lessons from studying other policies and programs;
• identify the main challenges and appropriate methods for choosing better jurisdictions within Canada and abroad to study;
• assess the reliability and usefulness of evidence from varying jurisdictions; and,
• apply strategies for comparative analysis so you can find, fine-tune, and present resourceful policy options to decision makers.

Core competencies explored: Evidence & strategic thinking (policy & context knowledge); Implementation & improvement (evaluation)

To lead resilient organizations and achieve sustainable results, it is important for leaders to master the practices of accountability. This workshop is designed for formal and informal leaders at all levels. It offers an overview of the challenges leaders face in influencing change and mobilizing others to act. You will learn tools and techniques to build a culture of accountability that is built upon a common client or challenge, or mutual purpose. This workshop will highlight tactics for enhancing communication and problem solving to drive results and relationships that last.

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

• describe the competencies that build a culture of accountability within and across organizations;
• identify common challenges to accountability and how they can be overcome;
• implement tactics and strategies in your own work; and,
• elevate your organizational impact by creating a culture accountability.

Core competencies explored: Implementation & improvement (leadership)

Empathy is an integral leadership competency and a signature aspect of emotional intelligence. It is closely associated with improved employee performance, customer services, and respect of colleagues and employees, and it is a behaviour that can be learned, honed and mastered. This workshop will teach you the science and the art of empathy and help you incorporate it into your activity with colleagues, employees, stakeholders and citizens. For some people empathy is a natural talent, but for many people it is not. The good news is that behaviors do change with practice, and in time you can learn, develop, and master this powerful leadership behavior.

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

• describe what empathy is and how to demonstrate it as a leader;
• apply strategies to encourage a culture of empathy with team members and colleagues;
• develop the skills of active listening, perspective taking, and compassion; and,
• develop an action plan for yourself so you can demonstrate empathy with colleagues, clients, and citizens.

Core competencies explored: Implementation & improvement (leadership)

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 & improvement (leadership)

Please note that this workshop was formerly called Public Service Ethics.

It goes without saying that new policies and decisions should be informed by evidence, but how do you know if the information you are looking at is accurate or based on emotion? Evidence-based decision making requires verifiable information, often from published research and other sources. This workshop will focus on how to determine if the information you are analyzing is appropriate to use in your work. You will delve into where to look for good sources of information, evidence and policy in the real world, using the data appropriately, and how to present your information to the decision makers. Information can be gathered from existing sources or collected for specific purposes to inform policy analysis. In some cases public servants are faced with not having enough information while at other times there is a wealth of information to choose from and choosing the appropriate data is critical.

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

• describe the differences between evidence-based and evidence-informed policy development;
• determine where to look for verifiable and reliable information;
• assess the reliability and validity of sources of information; and,
• identify challenges in the real world of policy development and how to overcome them.

Core competencies explored: Evidence & strategic thinking (statistics & data)

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 & collaboration (Indigenous & intercultural responsiveness)

Engaging with Indigenous communities is a vital part of any public servant's role, particularly when advancing the TRC Calls to Action or developing and implementing policies and programs that impact Indigenous peoples. It can also be a challenging task because of the realities many Indigenous communities face and the roles that governments have played historically in implementing policies that have significantly harmed Indigenous peoples. In this workshop, you will learn how to engage with Indigenous communities and governments in a meaningful and thoughtful way that moves beyond tokenism or "ticking a box." You will learn about the historical policies that have shaped the current context in Saskatchewan and Canada, the fundamentals of public sector engagement practices, and how to apply and adapt best practices when engaging with Indigenous communities and governments in your work.

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

• better understand and consider the truth of some of the unique circumstances, experiences, and viewpoints of Indigenous peoples in western Canada
• implement basic concepts and principles to lead engagement strategies with Indigenous groups, communities, and governments in your work
• understand and summarize the government's obligations regarding "duty to consult"
• assess and apply public engagement concepts, and government's consultation obligations, with the circumstances of Indigenous communities to plan meaningful, collaborative engagement strategies and processes with those communities.

Core competencies explored: Connection & collaboration (Indigenous & intercultural responsiveness)

What is innovation really, and what is its place in the public sector? This workshop explores how public sector organizations can successfully encourage and enable innovation. You will learn about different types of innovation and the compelling reasons for governments to emphasize and encourage innovation in services and programs. You will explore the unique challenges that government innovators face and consider different approaches to address these challenges. We will focus on execution to increase the odds of success in a field that experiences a high failure rate; learning from failures and managing change are important components to consider for public servants striving for innovation.

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

• identify and describe key factors for a successful organizational innovation strategy;
• assess your own organization’s readiness to implement an innovation strategy; and,
• be able to apply innovation strategies that are appropriate for your context and resources.

Core competencies explored: Implementation & improvement (leadership)

Wicked problems are complex issues which impact a diverse group of stakeholders and lack easily implementable solutions, such as climate change, crystal meth, and poverty. Innovative Approaches to Wicked Problems provides public servants with the tools and strategies they need to effectively address wicked problems in a rapidly changing environment. Participants will engage in holistic and critical thinking, discuss collaborative and adaptable methods, and hone their skills in problem solving and effective communication. This innovative workshop offers a valuable opportunity to collaborate with other public servants and have meaningful discussions on how to approach wicked problems in Saskatchewan and beyond.

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

• describe the complexity of wicked problems and the factors that make them so complex,
• strategize how to maximize stakeholder engagement through collaboration, and,
• develop innovative and flexible strategies required to effectively approach wicked problems.

Core competencies explored: Implementation & improvement (leadership); Connection & collaboration (engagement)

• describe the concepts upon which the principles of access to information and protection of privacy are based;
• explain how those principles support proper functioning of democratic government, and the role that publicservants play in upholding the principles;
• apply those principles to information and records that are collected, used and disclosed by your organization;and,
• explain the role that records management frameworks and best practices have in supporting access toinformation and protection of privacy.

Core competencies explored: Evidence & strategic thinking (policy & context knowledge; statistics & data)

Regulatory systems in a democratic society are intended to advance the public interest of citizens' health, safety, and economic well-being, and the overall sustainability of society. This introductory workshop examines the role and benefits of regulation and regulatory policy, and explores increasingly complex regulatory environments and the challenges of achieving regulatory compliance. You will learn about the public policy basis for regulation, compliance tools, how to create a culture of compliance, and best practices for regulatory governance. Additionally you will explore the concept of 'regulatory excellence' and how you can implement principles of regulatory excellence in your own work. The workshop content is applicable to those working in a regulatory capacity, as well as organizations that are subject to regulation and striving to better understand regulatory approaches in order to achieve and maintain compliance.

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

• express how regulation supports public policy objectives within a democratic society;
• explain the nature and implications of increasingly complex regulatory environments;
• describe the basic functions of regulatory policy, regulatory compliance, and mechanisms that support compliance; and,
• apply best practices that support regulatory compliance, including sound governance structures, creating a culture of compliance, and implementing a risk-based regulatory approach.

Core competencies explored: Implementation & improvement (evaluation) & Evidence & strategic thinking (policy & context knowledge)

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 & improvement (leadership)

Please note that the $150 fee for the pre-workshop LADP self-assessment in non-refundable.

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 & improvement (leadership)

Please note that the $150 fee for the pre-workshop LCP self-assessment is non-refundable.

Public engagement is the cornerstone of good public policy development. Interacting with citizens to help define problems and co‐design solutions is another aspect of an engaged democracy. The methods used to facilitate participation are shifting dramatically, however. As our system of democracy evolves, public sector leaders will be responsible for developing alternative participation methods to encourage people to be more involved. This workshop provides an in‐depth look at public engagement and the emerging smart practices of participation, including how these initiatives need to go beyond information gathering.

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

• identify and define the principles of public engagement;
• assess the impact of social media and other web-based platforms on public engagement practices;
• describe the spectrum of participation levels and when each level is most appropriate; and,
• begin to develop and design effective public engagement strategies in your work.

Core competencies explored: Connection & collaboration (engagement)

As leaders and teams, it is not sufficient to just examine and reflect on what went well. Deeper learning and growth come from exploring what didn’t go well and why. Successful organizations acknowledge and learn from their failures in a proactive and purposeful way. While big failures tend to surface naturally, many small failures remain hidden. Surfacing failure is key to creating a learning organization. The path to creating a safe environment for sharing our failings is fragile and must be built on a strong foundation of trust and openness – free from a culture of blame and shame.

High performing organizations also build in course correction, by ‘failing forward fast.’ They not only view failure as an opportunity for learning but are emboldened by moving past what isn’t working to reflect further on the nature of the problem they are trying to solve and introduce alternate countermeasures and experimentation. These efforts are key to creating a nimble organization and a culture of innovation, problem seeking, and problem solving.

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

• recognize failure as a natural human and organizational condition;
• acknowledge that failure is sometimes good, sometimes bad, but always an opportunity to learn;
• describe the meaning of ‘fail forward fast’; and,
• identify and create the necessary conditions in an organization for surfacing and exploiting failure in order to learn and grow.

Core competencies explored: Implementation & improvement (evaluation)

The legislative process provides the framework for many public service activities at a variety of levels. This workshop will provide you with a foundational understanding of how policy becomes legislation and what choices are available prior to introducing draft legislation in the Assembly. It will also discuss the legislative process, the scope of amendments and the regulative process. You will gain a deeper understanding of the various approaches to legislation and how these should be considered when working on policy development. Ultimately, this workshop will better prepare those who influence or are impacted by changes in legislation.

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

• describe how laws are made in the Legislative Assembly;
• identify what material is required by ministers and members when they prepare and present legislation for consideration; and,
• appreciate the nuances of the legislative processes.

Core competencies explored: Evidence & strategic thinking (policy & context knowledge)

Governments’ primary role is to undertake actions to improve the quality of life of their citizens. These desired outcomes are planned and pursued through investments in public programs and policies but can be very complex in nature, such as addressing poverty. Just doing more things and spending more money without a plan to “move the needle” is not an acceptable approach.

This workshop provides public servants with an opportunity to focus on outcomes, as they pertain to the policy cycles and program and policy development. The workshop will teach you a logic model approach to understand outcomes, as they cannot be a standalone goal and must be an integrated part of the problem definition and design process. You will also discuss how outcomes and accountability are connected.

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

• differentiate between outputs and outcomes and how they are linked;
• recognize the different types of outcomes (direct, indirect and final);
• formulate the types of questions to ask to understand outcomes that are relevant; and,
• describe how an outcomes-focus can clarify expectations and problem definitions.

Core competencies explored: Implementation & improvement (evaluation)

Please note that this workshop is a deeper dive into performance measurement and is best taken after Program Measurement & Evaluation.

Policy development and implementation are often described as distinct and separate stages within the policy cycle. In practice, policy development and implementation are integrally linked. This workshop will cover topics related to both processes and will help participants to understand the relationship and interdependence between them. During the policy development stage, both political and technical issues have to be addressed. Political issues include linking with government goals, getting buy-in, and setting a vision. Technical issues include gathering evidence and data of what works, analysis and design of options, implementation planning, and public consultation.

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

• summarize the basics of the policy development and implementation process in the 21st century;
• describe the policy cycle and how it links to other cycles in government;
• identify a number of challenges and considerations you may encounter during the process; and,
• apply strategies and best practices to effectively address these complexities.

Core competencies explored: Implementation & improvememtn (program & project management)

You have already defined and researched the problem, analyzed the potential solutions, chosen criteria to evaluate the options, and recommended a course of action. Now comes the easy part, right? Wrong! The number one reason that policy fails is that not enough time and focus is given to implementation. The best policy on paper will not deliver outcomes if it is poorly implemented. On the flip side, even poorly developed policy can succeed if implemented well. The key to achieving outcomes is being able to implement the approved decision successfully. This workshop focuses on the key areas to successful policy implementation.

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

• recognize the importance of planning ahead for implementation (it doesn’t just happen);
• review the steps within a proper implementation strategy;
• identify strategies for integrating stakeholders and staff during the planning phase;
• plan to allocate appropriate resources to achieve the desired result; and,
• develop a communications strategy for each group involved.

 Core competencies explored: Implementation & improvement (program & project management)

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: Implementation & improvement (evaluation)

Building upon learning from The Role of the Public Servant, this workshop provides a deeper dive into the unique role of the public servant and the processes of decision making and accountability in the public sector. You will explore your role in reconciliation and promoting diversity within the public service. You will also examine your role within the government budget process and look at the division of powers and funding between different levels of government. We will also discuss the unique relationship between public servants and elected officials, as well as ethical challenges like speaking truth to power, loyal implementation, and the concept of "capture."

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

• apply strategies to promote diversity in the public service;
• consider an authentic reconciliation focus within your work;
• more effectively collaborate with other levels of government to align with your strategic directions;
• provide the best policy advice to decision makers by speaking truth to power; and,
• examine your stakeholder relationships so you can identify and avoid capture.

Core competencies explored: Evidence & strategic thinking (policy & context knowledge)

We strongly recommend participants complete The Role of the Public Servant prior to completing this workshop.

The release of the Final Report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada came with a simple request – every Canadian needed to engage in this process. This resulted in a flurry of reconciliation mandates within public and private sectors. However, if your organization does not neatly fall under one of the 94 Calls to Action, it can be difficult to create a strategy. In this workshop, you will discuss what it means to create a meaningful reconciliation strategy and how to effectively implement a strategy that will engage your colleagues.

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

• examine the meaning of reconciliation in a contemporary work context;
• discuss the role reconciliation can play in a work environment;
• compare previous efforts to engage in the process; and,
• identify and apply strategies that can support team efforts in the reconciliation process.

Core competencies explored: Connection & collaboration (Indigenous & intercultural responsiveness)

There are increasing expectations that decisions, policies, and practices be informed by evidence. While there is a lot of research and evidence available, it can be challenging to distinguish relevant, trustworthy information from irrelevant or untrustworthy information. How can you use research and evidence in your work, and do so responsibly?

This workshop introduces public servants to the fundamentals of research. You will learn foundational knowledge for engaging with research responsibly. You will also develop strategies to effectively navigate the world of research, evidence, and information in ways that help you do your work better.

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

• explain the evidence continuum and why it matters;
• locate trustworthy research studies and existing data sources relevant to your work;
• develop and apply strategies to assess the trustworthiness of research; and,
• create opportunities to bridge the researcher-practitioner gap.

Core competencies explored: Evidence & strategic thinking (statistics & data)

Program managers are called upon to play a critical role in identifying risks, assessing the level and consequences of risk, and advising when risk should be accepted, avoided, or mitigated. You will learn the difference between different types of risk and how risk can impact strategic goals if left unaddressed. This workshop will teach you the stages of risk assessment and the mechanisms available to mitigate risk in program operations. 

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

• examine who in the organization decides what risk to accept, what to avoid, and what to mitigate;
• recognize the advantages and disadvantages of different risk assessment and mitigation strategies;
• assess the probability and consequences of risk; and,
• develop and implement strategies for risk assessment and mitigation within your organization.

 Core competencies explored: Implementation & improvement (program & project management)

Daniel Goleman said, “leadership is the art of persuading people to work toward a common goal” (Emotional Intelligence). To do this, leaders today must act not only as decision makers but also as mediators, subject matter experts, and role models.

This workshop assists leaders in sorting out competing expectations in order to work corroboratively to meet organizational objectives. You will explore the key principals of collaborative problem solving, including establishing and maintaining a positive culture, managing personality types, and guiding discussions to reach decisions.

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

• identify the key competencies for collaborative leadership;
• recognize the impact of personality types and bias on leadership outcomes;
• examine how aspects of organizational culture relate to the success or failure of collaborative efforts; and,
• apply strategies for building collaborative relationships in the workplace.

Core competencies explored: Connection & Collaboration (engagement)

To make progress in economic and social policy, it is important to define a preferred future. A preferred future gives context to immediate decisions, it sets a general direction, and it allows you to monitor progress. Knowing where you’re headed also supports resilience and invites innovative and creative solutions. This workshop will get at the heart of strategic thinking so that public policy leaders can spend valuable energy on shaping their direction as they prepare strategies to get there.

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

• utilize tools to assess where you want to go before you embark;
• examine the importance of framing policy options and recommendations against a preferred future; and,
• consider what good looks like so you can assess progress and evaluate impact.

Core competencies explored: Evidence & strategic thinking (policy & context knowledge)

Cabinet Decision Items (CDIs) are one of a number of important decision-making tools used by cabinet. This workshop is designed to provide Saskatchewan public servants with the knowledge and skills to better prepare cabinet documents. You will review the different types of cabinet documents, their functions and purposes, their organization and formats, and the importance of properly framing options and recommendations. You will learn practical tips and guidelines that will help you prepare and write better quality cabinet documents in the future.

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

• assess your audience and their needs;
• distinguish between well-written and poorly-written cabinet documents; and,
• apply tips and techniques to write better cabinet documents.

Core competencies explored: Connection & collaboration (communications)

Please note that while the majority of our policy workshops are aimed at a broad public sector audience, this workshop focuses on how to write cabinet documents within the Government of Saskatchewan.

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 & collaboration (communications)

"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."

This full-day workshop provides an overview of the historical events and policies that have shaped the current relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada. The workshop highlights how this historical context plays a role in the Calls to Action highlighted by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). We are also honoured to have Elder Kewistep share his story of survival from his experiences with residential schools in Saskatchewan. The workshop also examines current Indigenous policy and reviews engagement strategies and relationship-building tools that public servants can use with Indigenous communities.

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

• recognize how historical events, policies and current legislation have shaped the current social, health, and education inequalities for many Indigenous people;
• apply relationship-building tools and engagement strategies; and,
• implement TRC Calls to Action in your work.

 Core competencies explored: Connection & collaboration (Indigenous & intercultural responsiveness)

Though the earth may seem limitless, we’re reminded nearly every day that it is fragile and finite. Evidence of climate change, resource shortages, eroding ecosystem integrity and biodiversity loss is growing in significance year by year. Answers to environmental issues are not black and white. Debates around environmental policy are often among those with fundamentally different values, and the way that problems and solutions are defined can play a central role in shaping how those values are translated into policy. Can environmental policy steer human systems to function within environmental constraints? How are effective environmental policies designed, implemented and evaluated? In this workshop you’ll be introduced to several environmental policy instruments and emerging environmental trends and issues and discuss their importance in public sector decision-making.

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

• describe the fundamentals of environmental policy, its history, guiding concepts and examples of environmental policy in practice;
• recognize the inter-relationships between economic, social and ecological systems and how strategic decision making can be enhanced using systems and sustainability perspectives;
• identify the need for public engagement and working with all levels of government, proponents, stakeholders and communities; and, 
• explore reconciliation, the need for consultation with Indigenous communities, and examples from Nations that are creating their own environmental policies.

Core competencies explored: Evidence & strategic thinking (policy & context knowledge)

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 & strategic thinking (policy and context knowledge)

Please note that this workshop is required for a Public Sector Workshop Series Certificate of Completion.

Register today!

Advancing economic and social policy requires effort to mobilize other people, organizations, and partners with different perspectives and needs. Leaders must secure a commitment to a mutual purpose and establish a strategy for achieving it. The most innovative public servants will tap into diverse perspectives to find new solutions. This workshop will offer an overview of the challenges leaders face in influencing change and mobilizing others to act. You will learn tactics, tools, and strategies for enhancing communication and problem solving to reach agreements. The session will be interactive and will include a number of exercises and role-play scenarios.

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

• analyze a policy problem and set goals;
• identify the competencies that will enable you to build alliances with a mutual purpose;
• utilize tools and tactics to shape mutually-satisfactory strategies;
• recognize opportunities in your daily work to further develop and enhance your communication skills; and,
• design and implement strategies so you can build alliances in your everyday work.

Core competencies explored: Connection & collaboration (engagement)

Advancing economic and social policy requires effort to mobilize other people, organizations, and partners with different perspectives and needs. This course is designed to equip public servants with the collaborative tools necessary to effectively engage with a diverse range of partners, impacted parties, and teams. You will learn strategies to foster strong alliances, improve communication, and drive collective success. By embracing diverse perspectives and enhancing teamwork capabilities, you will be able to build and maintain strong relationships that are crucial for implementing public policies and achieving organizational goals.

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

• design inclusive strategies for building meaningful alliances with a wide range of teams, partners, and impacted parties;
• utilize communication skills and tools that foster dialogue and enhance team and partner interactions;
• implement collaborative problem-solving techniques to enhance teamwork and navigate conflicting priorities; and,
• create actionable plans for sustaining long-term collaborations that accommodate diverse perspectives and needs.

Please note that this full-day workshop includes content from the half-day Strategic Collaboration and full-day Tools for Building Alliances workshops.

Do you possess the traits that make an innovator? Can you build those traits or gain tools to support innovation? Find out how! While our Innovation workshop focuses on how to conduct organizational assessments and identify systems and cultures conducive to innovation, the Traits & Tools for Innovation workshop identifies four categories of skills, attitudes, and behaviours required by individuals so they may contribute to an organization’s capacity to innovate. You will explore specific strategies and tools for innovation.

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

• identify principles that will help you develop strategies, capabilities, products and processes that support innovation;
• facilitate creative problem solving and continuous improvement;
• summarize the fundamentals of risk assessment and mitigation; and,
• examine how to build relationships and networks to enable successful innovation.

Core competencies explored: Implementation & improvement (program & project management; leadership)

Public servants in the public sector play a critical role in ensuring the resources, processes and services of government are efficiently managed. Beyond their knowledge and technical skill, successful public service employees demonstrate leadership, accountability, innovation, and risk management with a focus on the citizen. For some, this requires working with the Minister’s office or directly with the Minister. For others, it means helping the senior officials in your Ministry prepare for those meetings and presentations. This workshop will discuss how public servants can best serve the people of the province by supporting their Minister’s accountability to the Legislature and will include a panel discussion with a former Minister.

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

• describe how the senior officials in your ministry engage with the minister and their staff;
• examine the intricacies of the relationship between ministers and the public service; and,
• implement strategies to meet the opportunities and challenges with working with the elected.

Core competencies explored: Evidence & strategic thinking (policy & context knowledge)

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 & collaboration (communications)

Please note:

• Because of the required pre-workshop briefing note assignment, this workshop is considered a full day.
• Participants must complete The Art of the Briefing Note prior to attending this workshop or have prior experience writing briefing notes.