Local Government
Scholarships for the
Public Sector Management
(PSM) Program
The PSM Program (formerly the Public Sector Management Course) provides an accredited
program of practical and professional management training, specifically directed to public sector
middle managers. As well as providing practical learning experiences in strategic thinking, human
resource management and customer service, the PSM Program also provides an opportunity for
middle managers to broaden their perspective and expand their networks by mixing with their
Commonwealth, State and Local Government counterparts. The program has been accredited at
the Graduate Certificate level and successful participants receive a Graduate Certificate in Public
Sector Management. Open Learning Australia currently accredit the program, with the Graduate
Certificate qualification awarded by one of the following universities; Curtin, Griffith, MacQuarie or
RMIT.
In South Australia the PSM Program is managed by a Local Management Group (LMG) of senior
state and commonwealth executives. The program was designed for all tiers of government,
however only twelve managers from the South Australian Local Government have participated in
the program since it commenced in 1991. The LMG would like to increase the participation of
managers from local government and is offering four part scholarships of $2250 (a total of $9000)
to promote participation in South Australia. The program is usually $4,500, however the PSM
Program will refund 50% of the program fee on successful completion of the program. Please note
the program runs for 18-24 months.
Caroline Dingle, the PSM Program Coordinator from the Office of the Commissioner for Public
Employment in the State Government, has met with Wendy Campana (Director, Strategic
Development) to discuss the administration of the scholarships. Wendy suggested that the LGA in
conjunction with the LGMA (Local Government Managers of Australia) would be the appropriate
bodies to promote and allocate the scholarships.
The suggested process to administer the scholarship is to:
1) Select a panel to choose the scholarship recipients, ideally members of the LGMA with
appropriate other professional groups represented, subject to the nature of applications received
and the LGMA co-ordinating this representation.
2) A joint LGA/LGMA/PSM letter and LGA Circular sent to all council Chief Executives informing
them of the scholarships together with a copy of the PSM Program prospectus and scholarship
application forms.
3) Assess the applications. The scholarship application form will be the basis for selection. It is
important to choose applicants who are currently managing projects or staff, who are selfmotivated and who have well developed written skills that will enable them to successfully
complete the academic component of the program. It is also essential that the participant’s
manager and chief executive support the application as the program will involve 19 days absence
from work and requires the managers input to select a suitable work based project.
The scholarship application form includes three questions to gauge participants suitability for the
program.
1)
What development needs do you expect to be fulfilled by participating in the PSM
Program?
This question is designed to check the applicant’s expectations of the program and to ensure that
the program will address their stated development needs.
2)
How will you manage your current workload and external pressures while completing
the program?
This question will gauge how well the applicant has considered the impact of post graduate study
on their work and lifestyle and whether they have support in place to assist them to complete the
program. Having realistic expectations about the pressure that study will place on an individual
appears to be linked to successful completion of the program.
3) In 300 - 500 words please describe how your role (and work unit’s role) assists your
council to meets its strategic objectives.
The ability to write clearly is necessary to successfully complete the program. Writing 300 — 500
words will assess whether there are any major difficulties with written expression that may need to
be addressed before commencing post graduate study. The question will also test the applicant’s
understanding of their current role and how it impacts on their organisation’s work. Most
importantly the question requires some effort on the part of the applicant and only individuals
motivated to devote some time to answering the question will apply for a scholarship.
It is recommended that 4 weeks be allowed to distribute scholarship information and receive
applications. The time required to select scholarship recipients will depend on the number of
applications received and the availability of the selection panel.
The PSM Program Coordinator is available to advise the scholarship selection panel and to answer
queries on the program.
Caroline Dingle
PSM Program Coordinator
Ph: 08 8226 2951
dingle.caroline@saugov.sa.gov.au