By the Australian Taxation Office
The ATO has been working hard to strengthen and support EL2 Leadership capability, acknowledging that leaders now need to be effective in working with dispersed teams, adopt new, customer-centric ways of work, and be digitally literate and confident using data. Strong leadership will continue to grow across the ATO, with the success fostering a positive culture for the future. That’s where the ATO flagship EL2 Leadership Program comes in.
About the program
The EL2 Leadership Program supports new and experienced EL2 staff to enhance their management and leadership capability, build high performing teams, inspire innovation and engagement, and lead others through change and complexity. Participants are exposed to contemporary leadership concepts and research, and the opportunity to experiment with new tools, frameworks and concepts to enhance their leadership and management practices.
This micro-credentialled program is delivered over a 12-week period by the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) of the University of New South Wales (UNSW). It is suitable for both people managers and technical subject matter experts without direct reports at the EL2 level. Upon successful completion of the program, participants are awarded four points towards a Certificate in Executive Management and Development and a digital badge.
Leigh Shanks, ATO EL2 Service Delivery Director
The ATO receives consistently positive responses from program participants, such as this feedback from ATO EL2 Service Delivery Director, Leigh Shanks.
“I was part of the first EL2 Executive Leadership program in 2020 while we were still in and out of lockdowns. I was impressed that the program was facilitated by the University of NSW and delivered virtually so I could participate from the office or from home.
There was a lot of work to do, but the topics were interesting and beneficial. I especially liked the HBDI assessment which taught me a lot about myself and how I engage with people.
My manager supported me to structure my work around attending my courses. We both understood that this type of development is an investment that will benefit me and the ATO.
The group discussions were a little tough at first, but we all shared more as we began to trust each other. The conversations were really helpful to understand that we were all experiencing similar issues.
Once I completed the program, I realised that I had achieved 4 points towards a Certificate of Executive Management and Development (CEMD). I worked with my L&D business partners to participate in other leadership development courses.
I have now attained my CEMD, and I apply these skills to my work every day.”
The benefit of cross-agency collaboration
The ATO has connected with the APS Academy to deploy the program to APS EL2 participants across different government agencies, providing opportunity to share and learn from each other’s experiences and build networks across government. The program has embedded dynamic and responsive ways of working and ensures consistent, fair and cost-effective EL2 capability uplift across the APS, positioning us well to tackle evolving leadership challenges and drive ambitious change.
How can you get involved?
The Academy is seeking expressions of interest for a small number of suitable EL2 candidates to participate in the EL2 Leadership Program. Expressions of interest close Thursday 4 April 2024.