MEETING THE RISING NEED OF AN AGEING, GROWING POPULATION BY DEVELOPING IDEAL PUBLIC SERVICES WORKFORCE

Abstract

Purpose: This paper explores aspects that helps to develop public services workforce for the future. This paper sets out the details of an master’s graduate programme in Wales, UK that focuses on improving the leadership and governance of public services.

Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review approach is used in this study and articles are selected via pre-set inclusion criteria.

Findings: The programme is a leadership and development programme for civil and public servants, exposing them to a range of services. The intention is that, through these experiences, future leaders will approach problems from a multi-service perspective, will be better networked and ready to deal with complexity. Areas of good practice are highlighted, together with some of the challenges of developing leaders in this way.

Originality: This paper presents a new graduate programme for the training and development of future public leaders in Wales. The focus should be on equipping workers with the digital skills needed to deliver on the government’s ambition for ‘digital by default’ public services, providing training for those whose jobs are at risk due to automation and as we transition to net zero, and increasing access to upskilling and retraining opportunities to help more public sector workers progress in their careers.