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  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 10/29/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)

    Develop your Career with Excellence and a little “Disney Magic!”

    Please join us on October 29th at 1 PM ET as our speaker, Pete Blank, helps HR Professionals elevate their careers with intentional strategy and professional presence. Drawing from 13 years of leadership experience at Walt Disney World and insights from his book 55 Ways to Add Disney Magic, Pete shares practical, actionable lessons on professional presence, business savvy, strategic networking, and career expansion.

    Participants will learn how to show up “onstage” every day with credibility, read the room with emotional intelligence, build powerful professional networks, and grow through a career lattice rather than simply climbing a ladder.

    This fast-paced and inspiring session blends storytelling, real-world examples, and practical tools to help employees strengthen their impact, influence, and long-term success.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Demonstrate professional presence by understanding how body language, approachability, and everyday interactions shape credibility, influence, and client trust.
    2. Apply business savvy and emotional intelligence to read the room, navigate firm culture, and make sound professional judgments in high-stakes environments.
    3. Build strategic networks by leveraging LinkedIn, professional organizations, and internal relationships to increase visibility and career opportunity.
    4. Design a career lattice strategy by expanding skills, experiences, and cross-functional involvement to accelerate long-term career development beyond traditional upward promotion paths. 

    Speaker: Pete Blank, Training and Organizational Development Manager, Personnel Board of Jefferson County, AL

    PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.

    Making public sector work better®.

     

    Pete Blank

    Pete Blank

    Training and Organizational Development Manager

    Personnel Board of Jefferson County, AL

    After a stint as a television sportscaster, Pete began his Disney career in 1994.  Over the next 13 years, he managed various areas of Disney's theme parks and resorts, where he learned what it takes to run a world-class organization.  Pete was blessed to spend a majority of his time working at the Disney University.  While there, he led the Traditions program, which is known worldwide as one of the premiere employee orientation programs. He also facilitated college level courses to thousands of Disney College Interns, and was a Segment Learning Manager for Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and the Disney Cruise Line.

    Pete is the Training and OD Manager for the Personnel Board of Jefferson County.  He is also a leadership expert and professional speaker, as he also works with organizations and associations across the U.S., helping them achieve their goals in the areas of leadership, employee engagement and customer experience.

    Pete received the prestigious “Partners in Excellence” award from Disney, which is presented to the top 3% of all employees.  He also earned the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speakers Association and the Certified Facilitator of Training (CFT) from The Center for International Credentials.

    His two books are Employee Engagement: Lessons from the Mouse House and 55 Ways to add Disney Magic to your Organization.

  • Contains 14 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 10/21/2026 at 2:30 PM (EDT)

    This course is open from October 20, 2026 - December 4, 2026

    Public Sector HR Executive Leadership Certificate Program Syllabus


    Meet Your Instructor:  Dr. Bernadette Costello

    Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you have the best possible learning experience.

    Course Materials (All you need is your dashboard):

    • Executive Leadership Certificate Program Workbook (PDF and Word Versions)
    • HR20/20 Report

    Meetings and Discussions:

    • Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will access them through your course "Content Tab."
    • Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will access the Engage Community through your course "Content Tab."

    Course Design:

    The course spans six weeks with 4 cohort meetings and follows a specific timeline with a sequence of lessons and cohort sessions. 

    Time Commitment:

    Plan for 2 hours for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for cohort sessions. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the cohort sessions to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

    Course Cohort Session Schedule (Subject to Change): 

    Course Start: 10/20/2026

    Course End: 12/4/2026

    Cohort #1 – 10/21/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET

    Cohort #2 – 10/27/2026 - 1:00 - 2:30 pm ET

    Cohort #3 - 11/17/2026 - 1:00 - 2:30 pm ET

    Cohort #4 - 12/1/2026 - 1:00 - 2:30 pm ET


    Course Schedule: 

    Week 1:

    Online Lesson (self-paced)

    Lesson 1: Introduction

    Course Introduction.

     

    Week 2:

    Online Lesson (self-paced)

    Lesson 2: Assess Your Skills Through the Critical Lenses

    Learn more about business acumen; innovation; strategic orientation; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

     

    Cohort Session (virtual)

    Session 1: Introduction and Assess Your Skill Set

    Reviewing and discussing the content from the first two lessons.

     

    Week 3:

    Online Lesson (self-paced)

    Lesson 3: Assess Your Skills Through the Areas of Focus

    Learn more about leadership, culture, talent, technology, and communication.

     

    Week 4:

    Online Lesson (self-paced)

    Lesson 4: Your Role as a Trusted Advisor

    Learn about executive presence, leading with empathy, and how to build trust to drive collaboration.

     

    Cohort Session (virtual)

    Session 2: Area of Focus Skills and Being a Trusted Advisor

    Reviewing and discussing the content from the third and fourth lesson.

     

    Week 5:

    Online Lesson (self-paced)

    Lesson 5: Creating a Personal Development Plan

    Take all that you've learned in the online lessons and cohort sessions and create a personal development plan.


    Online Lesson (self-paced)

    Lesson 6: Leveraging Your Skills

    Create a plan to influence agency strategy and short-term projects based upon the skills learned in this course.

     

    Cohort Session (virtual)

    Session 3: Personal Development Plan and Leveraging Your Skills

    Reviewing and discussing the content from the fifth and sixth lessons.


    Week 6:

    Cohort Session (virtual)

    Session 4: Course Wrap-up

    Review of course and opportunity to ask final questions.


    Certificate of Attendance earned upon course completion.


    Making public sector work better®.


  • Contains 7 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 10/21/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)

    This class will start on October 21, 2026 and end on November 4, 2026


    Course Syllabus

    Meet Your Instructor:  Dr. Jennifer Fairweather

    Course Description

    Change is inevitable — but successful change requires intention, understanding, and leadership. This interactive course equips HR professionals and public sector leaders with the tools and confidence to guide their organizations through change with empathy, strategy, and impact. This program explores the psychology, process, and practice of organizational change within government and public service contexts. Participants will engage in real-world case studies, group discussions, and hands-on exercises designed to strengthen HR’s role as a trusted advisor and champion of sustainable transformation

    Learning Objectives

    By the end of the course, students will be able to:

    • Understand the fundamentals of organizational change and HR’s role in leading it.
    • Identify common challenges and resistance to change and strategies to address them.
    • Apply practical frameworks and tools to support successful change initiatives in public sector organizations.
    • Strengthen HR’s role as a trusted advisor and change champion.
    • Develop actionable steps to apply change management strategies in their own workplace.

    Student Expectations:

    • Live attendance and full engagement at all 3 Zoom sessions.
    • Respond to each of the instructor’s discussion posts within 3 days.
    • Complete weekly readings and assignments.
    • Contact instructor if questions arise, [email protected].

    Instructor Expectations:

    • Provide weekly assignments and regular discussion posts for student engagement and learning.
    • Prepare for and present course content for live Zoom sessions.
    • Respond to any student email inquiries within 3 days.

    Module 1: Foundations of Change Management

    • Key Topics:
      • What do you consider a change
      • Why change initiatives fail or succeed
      • HR’s role in change
      • Introduction to different change models
      • Unique challenges in the public sector
    • Breakout Groups
      • What role has HR played in changing efforts in your organization (or not)? What worked and what didn’t?

    Module 2: Understanding Resistance & Engagement

    • Key Topics:
      • Common sources of resistance
      • Psychological impacts of change
      • Tools for diagnosing resistance
    • Breakout Groups  
      • Case study: TBD
      • Groups identify root causes of resistance and propose strategies HR could take
      • Share solutions 

    Module 3: Communicating & Leading Through Change

    • Key Topics:
      • The importance of clear, transparent communication
      • Storytelling and framing change
      • Coaching leaders and other stakeholders to be change advocates
    • Mini-Activity:
      • Participants draft a short communication message announcing a change
      • Share with partners and revise
      • Share out with larger group

    Module 4: Action Planning & HR as Change Champions

    • Key Topics:
      • Embedding change into culture and practice
      • Supporting managers, employees, and leadership alignment
      • Building a toolkit for future change initiatives
    • Breakout Groups      

    Wrap-Up & Commitments

    • Key Takeaways Recap
    • Reflection Activity: One action I will take to better support change in my role.
    • Resources & Next Steps

    Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

    All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.

    Meetings:

    • Course Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will be able to access your Zoom Meeting via the Content Tab.

    Course Design:

    The course will be delivered over three weeks with three one-hour sessions per week.  

    Time Commitment:

    Plan for 1 hour for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meeting to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

    Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):

    • Start Date: 10/21/2026
    • Completion Date: 11/4/2026
    • Meeting 1:  10/21/2026 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
    • Meeting 2:  10/28/2026 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
    • Meeting 3:  11/4/2026 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET

    Certificate of Attendance:  You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

    Cancellation Policy:  Professional Development Cancelation Policy

    Recertification Points:  PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5

    Making public sector work better®.

  • Contains 7 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 10/16/2026 at 11:30 AM (EDT)

    This class will start on October 16, 2026 and end on October 30, 2026


    Course Syllabus

    Meet Your Instructor:  Braxton Casey

    Course Overview

    This fast-paced, three-part course introduces foundational concepts in HR analytics and strategic data storytelling. Participants will learn how to identify actionable questions, test hypotheses using HR data, and communicate insights with impact—using visualizations and ROI-focused
    storytelling techniques.

    Format: 3 Micro-Sessions (60 minutes each)

    Audience: Public sector HR professionals, analysts, supervisors, and decision-makers

    Learning Objectives

    Identify: Analytics concepts, data types, and common HR metrics 
    Develop: Hypotheses based on real HR challenges
    Analyze: Data using a structured, outcome-oriented approach
    Visualize & Communicate: Data-driven stories with clear business value
    Apply: Analytics and storytelling to HR decision-making

    Session 1: HR (People) Analytics – Getting Started
    Duration: 60 minutes
    Learning Topics:
    - What is HR analytics?
    - Qualitative vs. quantitative data
    - Key HR metrics (turnover, quality of hire, time-to-fill, etc.)
    - Four levels of analytics: descriptive → prescriptive Activity:
    “Right Question” Exercise – Identify a pressing HR issue and craft a question that analytics can help solve.
    Outcomes:
    - Define the purpose and value of people analytics
    - Learn how to spot opportunities for data-informed HR decisions

    Session 2: Formulating a Hypothesis and Building a Mini Project
    Duration: 60 minutes
    Learning Topics:
    - What is a hypothesis? What makes it testable?
    - Determining metrics, interventions, and data needs
    - Understanding correlation vs. causation, reliability, and statistical significance
    Activity:
    Project Planning Exercise – Define a hypothesis, outline an intervention, and identify relevant data and metrics.
    Outcomes:
    - Draft a mini HR analytics project plan
    - Understand how to evaluate data quality and test assumptions

    Session 3: Storytelling, Visualization & Application
    Duration: 60 minutes
    Learning Topics:
    - The structure of a compelling data narrative (Setting →Issue → Data → Solution → Success)
    - Choosing the right visual (bar charts, scatter plots, heatmaps, etc.)
    - Basics of dashboard design
    - Communicating ROI and business impact
    Activity:
    Mini Project Presentations – Present your analytics project using the storytelling structure.
    Outcomes:
    - Gain confidence in communicating data insights
    - Leave with a completed, actionable mini-project plan

    Course Materials:  Slide deck with sample dashboards.

    Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

    All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.

    Meetings:

    • Course Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will receive your Individual Zoom Link before the course starts.

    Course Design:

    The course will be delivered over three-weeks with three one-hour sessions per week.  You will receive details about the dates, times, and your course URL.

    Time Commitment:

    Plan for 1 hours for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meetings to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

    Course Meeting Schedule (subject to change):

    • Start Date: 10/16/2026
    • Completion Date:  10/30/2026
    • Course Meeting 1:  10/16/2026 - 11:30 -12:30 pm ET
    • Course Meeting 2:  10/23/2026 - 3:00 - 4:00 pm ET
    • Course Meeting 3:  10/30/2026 - 11:30 - 12:30 pm ET

    Certificate of Attendance:

    You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

    Cancellation Policy:

    Professional Development Cancelation Policy

    Recertification Points:  

    PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5

    Making public sector work better®.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 10/15/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)

    Effective Strategies for Engaging in the Accommodation Process

    Please join us on October 15th at 1 PM - 3 PM ET, as our speaker from the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) shares the importance of collaborative communication in identifying effective workplace accommodation solutions.

    Participants will gain an overview of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title I fundamentals, learn practical strategies for engaging in the accommodation process, and better understand the role accommodations play in supporting workplace success and worker retention.

    The training also provides key approaches for facilitating productive accommodation discussions and introduces JAN services and resources that support successful accommodation outcomes.

    Speaker: Tracie DeFreitas, M.S., ACE-CHC, Program Leader, Training Director, Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

    Show Me More

    PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.

    Making public sector work better®.

    Tracie DeFreitas, M.S. ACE-CHC

    Tracie DeFreitas, M.S. ACE-CHC

    Program Leader, Training Director

    Job Accommodations Network

    Tracie DeFreitas is a Program Leader and the Director of Training for the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), the nation’s leading resource on workplace accommodations and the interactive process. She brings more than 30 years of experience providing expert consultation and delivering effective training on a wide range of accommodation and compliance issues under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As a nationally recognized speaker and writer, Tracie is known for guiding organizations through complex ADA challenges and translating requirements into practical, results-oriented strategies that extend beyond basic compliance. In her leadership roles, she directs the planning, design, and delivery of JAN’s training initiatives and collaborates in overseeing the program’s day-to-day operations.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 10/14/2026 at 2:00 PM (EDT)

    This course will begin and end on 10/14/2026

    The HR Story: What Leadership Really Needs 

    to Hear from Us

    Syllabus


    Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you have the best possible learning experience.

    Course Material:  No worksheets -- just reflective, real-world conversation.

    Meetings and Discussions:  Will take pace live via Zoom Events.

    Course Design:  The course spans one sixty-minute session. 

    Time Commitment:  No prior preparation needed.

    Course Content:

    Participants are divided into two facilitated discussion groups to encourage active participation and peer exchange.

    This session will explore:

    • What leadership values that HR doesn’t always articulate
    • Moments when HR’s story got lost (and why)
    • How HR frames risk, value, and organizational impact
    • What “strategic communication” actually looks like in government

    Exploration Focus:  A space to unpack the tension between HR’s work and leadership’s priorities.

    Certificate of Attendance:  You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

    Making public sector work better®.

    Patricia Spetz

    Patricia Spetz

    Senior Director of Membership and Learning

    Public Sector HR Association

    Patricia is the Senior Director of Membership and Learning at the Public Sector HR Association.

    Mark McGraw

    Mark McGraw

    Editor in Chief and Research Lead

    Public Sector HR Association

    Mark McGraw has been a writer and journalist for more than 25 years, with more than two decades’ worth of experience covering HRand the workplace.  

  • Contains 20 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 10/06/2026 at 2:30 PM (EDT)

    This class will start on 9/29/2026 and ends on 12/8/2026.


    PSHRA’s Foundations Public Sector HR Certificate Program Syllabus

    (formerly Public Sector HR Essentials Certificate Program)

    Meet Your Instructor:  Cheryl Cepelak

    Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

    Course Material (All you need is on your dashboard)

    • Foundations of Public Sector HR Certificate Program Workbook 
    • Foundations of Public Sector HR Certificate Program Lessons Summary
    • HR20/20 Report

    Course Design:

    The course spans ten weeks and follows a specific timeline with a sequence of lessons and cohort sessions. 

    Time Commitment:

    Plan for 2 hours for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for cohort sessions. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the cohort sessions to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

    Course Cohort Session Schedule (subject to change):

    • Start Date: 9/29/2026
    • Completion Date: 12/8/2026
    • Cohort Session 1:  10/6/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
    • Cohort Session 2:  10/20/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm
    • Cohort Session 2:  11/3/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
    • Cohort Session 4:  11/17/2026 - 3:00 - 4:30 pm ET
    • Cohort Session 5:  12/1/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
    • Cohort Session 6:  12/8/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET

    Course Content:

    Week 1 - Introduction

    Cohort Session 1:  Introduction

    Week 2 - Lesson 1:  Public Sector Basics

    Week 3 - Lesson 2:  Recruitment

    Cohort Session 2:  Public Sector HR Basics & Recruitment

    Week 4 - Lesson 3:  Selection

    Week 5 - Lesson 4:  Classification and Compensation

    Cohort Session 3:  Selection, Classification & Compensation

    Week 6 - Lesson 5:  Benefits

    Week 7 - Lesson 6:  Labor and Employee Relations

    Cohort Session 4:  Benefits and Labor Management Relations

    Week 8 - Lesson 7:  Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity

    Week 9 - Lesson 8:  Organizational Development

    Cohort Session 5:  Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity, Organization

    Week 10 - Lesson 9:  Course Summary

    Cohort Session 6:  Course Summary and Wrap-up

    Certificate of Attendance earned upon course completion.

    Making public sector work better®.

  • Contains 8 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 10/05/2026 at 12:00 PM (EDT)

    This class will start on October 5, 2026 and end on October 7, 2026


    Course Syllabus

    Meet Your Instructor:  Dr. Beatriz Coningham

    Learners will explore the full investigation process from intake to reporting, with a focus on balancing legal, ethical, and organizational considerations. Participants will gain tools to plan, conduct, and document investigations with fairness, consistency, and clarity. The content will be delivered through a realistic and engaging case study.

    Overview

    This comprehensive learning program is designed for Human Resource (HR) professionals in the United States public sector. It prepares learners for the complexities and challenges of conducting fair and effective workplace investigations.

    Learning Objectives

    1. Ensure Legal Compliance: Understand the legal frameworks and compliance requirements necessary for conducting workplace investigations.
    2. Support the Complainant and Prevent Retaliation: Master communication techniques that prioritize confidentiality and complainant protections.
    3. Enhance Investigative Skills: Learn advanced investigative techniques to conduct thorough and effective investigations.
    4. Apply Skills Practically: Engage in scenario-based activities that simulate real-life challenges, enhancing practical application skills. 

    Program Components

    Workshop 1

    • Introduction to Workplace Investigations: Overview of legal and ethical considerations specific to public sector contexts.
    • Supporting the Complainant, Preventing Retaliation: Processes and techniques.

    Workshop 2

    • Planning an Investigation: Steps for a thorough, timely and impartial investigation.
    • Conducting Interviews: Developing effective interview questions and documentation.

    Workshop 3

    • Gathering and Analyzing Evidence: Managing your own bias, selecting and collecting evidence from various sources.
    • Reporting and Concluding an Investigation: Deciding on the outcomes and recommendations, and communicating the results. 

    Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

    All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.

    Course Design:

    The course will be delivered over three-weeks with three one-hour sessions per week.  You will receive details about the dates, times, and the URL for your course meetings

    Time Commitment:

    Plan for 1 hour for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meeting to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

    Meetings and Discussions:

    • Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will access them through your course "Content Tab."
    • Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will access the Engage Community through your course "Content Tab."

    Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):

    • Start Date: 10/5/2026
    • End Date: 10/7/2026
    • Meeting 1:  10/5/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
    • Meeting 2:  10/6/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
    • Meeting 3:  10/7/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET

    Certificate of Attendance:  You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

    Cancellation Policy:  Professional Development Cancelation Policy

    Recertification Points:  PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5

    Making public sector work better®.

  • Contains 8 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 09/30/2026 at 12:00 PM (EDT)

    This class will start on 9/30/2026 and end on 10/6/2026.

    Course Syllabus

    Meet Your Instructor:  Dr. Patrick Henley

    Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

    Course Material (All you need is on your dashboard)

    • Detailed Course Syllabus
    • Ethics and Policy Participant Handbook
    • Ethical Decision-Making
    • Framework-Cheat Sheet

    Course Design:

    The course will be delivered over three-weeks with three one-hour sessions per week.  You will receive details about the dates, times, and the URL for your course meetings

    Time Commitment:

    Plan for 1 hour for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meeting to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. 

    Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):

    • Start Date: 9/30/2026
    • Completion Date: 10/6/2026
    • Meeting 1:  9/30/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
    • Meeting 2:  10/2/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
    • Meeting 3:  10/6/2026 - 12:30 - 1:30 pm ET

    Course Content:

    Module 1 — Foundations of Ethics in Public Sector HR

    Topics Covered

    • Why ethics matter in government HR
    • Major ethical theories and practical applications
    • Public-service values and professional responsibility
    • HR as steward, strategist, and guardian of trust

    Module 2 — Professional Standards & Codes of Conduct

    Topics Covered

    • Purpose and structure of HR codes of ethics
    • Core principles: fairness, impartiality, confidentiality, transparency
    • Ethical leadership behaviors and modeling expectations
    • Documentation and rationale in ethical decision-making

    Module 3 — Ethical Risks & Integrity Challenges in HR

    Topics Covered

    • Risks in hiring, promotion, and classification decisions
    • Favoritism, undue influence, and political pressure
    • Conflicts of interest and divided loyalties
    • Misuse of authority and breaches of trust
    • Systems weaknesses that enable misconduct
    • Subtle or “quiet” forms of unethical behavior

    Module 4 — Building Ethical Culture & Governance Structures

    Topics Covered

    • HR’s role in shaping organizational culture
    • Governance mechanisms and internal controls
    • Transparency practices and reporting pathways
    • Whistleblowing, psychological safety, and anti-retaliation norms
    • Leadership impact on ethical climates

    Module 5 — Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks (Applied Practice)

    Topics Covered

    • Structured reasoning processes
    • Assessing stakeholders, principles, and consequences
    • Applying policies and values to real situations
    • Navigating ambiguity and competing obligations
    • Hands-on scenario walkthroughs
    • Developing confidence in ethical judgment

    Module 6 — Policy, Accountability & Public Trust

    Topics Covered

    • Designing clear, enforceable HR policy
    • Aligning policy with ethical expectations
    • Accountability structures and compliance practices
    • Managing gray areas and policy gaps
    • The relationship between ethical HR and public confidence

    Certificate of Attendance:  You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

    Making public sector work better®.

  • Contains 13 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 09/25/2026 at 2:00 PM (EDT)

    This class will start on 9/22/2026 and end on 11/6/2026.

    Syllabus:  Strategies for Public Sector Leadership Certificate Program
    Meet Your Instructor:  Isabel Godina-Vergara 
    Welcome:
    Welcome to PSHRA's Strategies for Public Sector Leadership. This course will equip you with the necessary tools to shift from a transactional to a strategic role in Public Sector HR by using a competency framework. Your role has evolved beyond merely transactional tasks. Today's HR department in the public sector is pivotal to the agency's success. It involves teaching team building, coaching, conflict resolution, consensus-building, fostering a risk-taking culture, enhancing communication, building trust, and more. 
    Course Outcomes:
    This comprehensive leadership course is designed for mid- to senior-level public sector HR leaders, providing a solid foundation for success.
    To achieve this, the course focuses on the following outcomes:
    • Assess the impact of HR and human capital management in the public sector and justify HR programs in the public sector.
    • Design programs that align with specific competencies within the PSHRA Competency Model, covering three major modules: Leader, Business Partner, and Change Agent.
    • Evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses regarding these competencies and create a plan for your individual professional development as an HR professional using the PSHRA Competency Model.
    • Plan professional development in accordance with your personal competencies.
    You will finish this course with:
    • A solid strategic foundation for success.
    • A professional development plan.
    Certificate of Attendance:
    You will earn a Certificate of Attendance upon completion of the course.
    Course Design:
    The course spans six weeks and follows a specific timeline with a sequence of lessons and cohort sessions. You will receive details about the dates, times, and locations of cohort sessions. 
    Time Commitment:
    Plan for 90 minutes for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for cohort sessions. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the cohort sessions to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans.
    Meetings and Discussions:
    • Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will access them through your course "Content Tab."
    • Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will access the Engage Community through your course "Content Tab."
    Online Cohort Schedule (subject to change):
    • Cohort #1 – 9/25/2026 - 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ET
    • Cohort #2 – 10/7/2026 - 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ET
    • Cohort #3 - 10/16/2026 - 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm ET
    • Cohort #4 - 10/23/2026 - 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ET

    Course Schedule:

    Week 1:
    Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 1: Introduction
    Week 2:
    Cohort Session (virtual) - Session 1: Introduction
    Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 2: The Role of the HR Leader
    Week 3:
    No Cohort Session
    Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 3: The Role of an HR Business Partner
    Week 4:
    Cohort Session (virtual) - Session 2: The Role of the HR Leader
    • Negotiation: the cohort participants will perform a mock negotiation of a contract or provisions of a rule and have sides. This activity will allow participants to see how people react in these situations and practice skills used to defuse tension
    • Emotional Quotient/Intelligence: cohort participants will develop a proposed response modeling EQ based on a stressful leadership/communication scenario
    Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 4: The Role of the Change Agent
    Week 5:
    Cohort Session (virtual) - Session 3: The Role of an HR Business Partner
    • Partnered practice scenario performs as a trusted coach or consultant on a challenging people issue such as performance, DEIA, risk management, or leadership coaching (developing) or advising (consulting)
    • Partners work on conducting an HR needs analysis
    Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 5: Summary
    Week 6:
    Cohort Session (in-person or virtual) - Session 4: The Role of the Change Agent & Summary
    Course Workbook:
    The course includes a workbook.  You'll use the workbook throughout the course to reflect on what you're learning, record ideas, plan for future personal development, and plan activities for your agency. There are two versions:
    • a PDF version - if you'd like to print it and write your answers and ideas and
    • an MS Word version - if you'd prefer to work electronically.
    The files have the same content - just differences in page layout. You will use the workbook while taking the online lessons and while attending the cohort sessions.
    The workbook is available by selecting the Course Materials tab and then Strategies for Public Sector Leadership Workbook.
    Making public sector work better™.