Foundational Leadership Program

The new Foundational Leadership program is designed to build fundamental leadership skills for aspiring and newly appointed people leaders in our University of Sydney context. This fully online, self-directed program is most suitable for staff at HEO levels 5–7 and Academic levels A/B. However, it is available to all staff via Workday, at no cost. 

Piloted in 2024, the Foundational Leadership program contains curated online learning materials and interactive elements to suit a variety of learners. Our University leaders, including Pro Vice-Chancellors, Deans and Professional Service Unit  Chiefs, feature in each module, explaining how they apply the program skills in their role. As part of our Sydney in 2032 strategy, this new initiative contributes to ‘A better place to work and a place that works better’ by supporting staff who are starting their leadership journey.

We encourage participants to complete the program in consultation with their managers, as part of their Academic and Professional development. A manager toolkit has been developed to support these important conversations. You can also interact with fellow participants via the dedicated Viva Engage community we have created. 

The program topics align with the Leadership Academy Success Profiles:

• Collaborating with others
• Developing others
• Thinking and solving problems creatively
• Navigating change
• Demonstrating accountability
• Working effectively

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Suggested Learning Pathway

For an accessible version of this learning pathway, please use this link.

This learning pathway is recommended as the program has been designed to progressively build on previous knowledge. However, you can organise your learning to suit your needs. The timing shown is also a suggestion, there is no time restriction on completion. We do recommend that you space out the modules to allow time for reflection and to incorporate learning into your role.

Enrol in the Foundational Leadership program and access supporting materials below.