Shaping our workforce: a Tasmanian development program

Abstract

The Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services management and leadership development program consists of a foundation program for frontline and aspiring managers, with additional program streams for graduate trainees, senior nurses and allied health professionals, clinical leaders and senior executive management teams. An academic pathway has also been developed in partnership with the University of Tasmania. Some elements of the management and leadership program were developed with a great deal of specificity and structure, while others have been left free to respond to expressed need as it arises. This case study describes the development and delivery, challenges and achievements of the program, focusing on the more structured elements: the foundation, graduate trainee and academic streams. In particular, it illustrates the strengths and weakness of a program that depends upon the goodwill and commitment of organisational partners and middle and senior managers, during a time of fiscal constraint. This article will be of interest to other jurisdictions and sectors seeking to strengthen staff management and leadership skills.