Professional Diploma in Public Service Innovation · A key element of public service innovation is ensuring that users are at the centre of every policy we create and service we deliver.

Professional Diploma in PublicService Innovation

A b o u t t h i sP r o f e s s i o n a lD i p l o m a

will be complemented by innovationpractitioners from across the PublicService and policy-makers in this sphere. Top leaders in the Public Service will beinvolved in practical assessments. Students will be expected to takeownership of a certain level ofindependent study and work-basedresearch. Student Profile: This unique qualification, accredited by theNational University of Ireland, is intendedfor people-leaders from across the PublicService who wish to gain a professionalqualification in this emerging field ofstudy. Graduates will position themselves withinthe vanguard of change andtransformation for the workforce of thefuture.

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Learning Outcomes: The Professional Diploma in Public ServiceInnovation will introduce candidates to thetheory of innovation and will support thedevelopment of a creative mind-set.Participants will gain an insight into how tomanage and implement innovation andemphasise the vital leadership competencyrequired to innovate across our PublicService. Graduates will understand how to manageand implement innovation and criticallyevaluate the impact of innovationprogrammes across our Public Service. A coreaspect of this course will be the applicationof continuous assessment that seeks to solvereal-world problems faced by yourorganisation. Delivery: This programme will be delivered inclassroom blocks by expert academics fromthe Institute of Public Administration and

The context in which we, as public servants, operate is increasingly complex and challenging. Fast-paced technological disruption, the proliferation of data, the changing nature of work,growing customer and employee expectations, geopolitical shifts, changing demographic patternsand many other external factors are all shaping our economy and society. The Public Service needs to be strategically placed to respond to these challenges in the short,medium and long term. Our Public Service 2020 commits us to championing innovation andcollaboration in how we serve the citizen. Our Public Service 2020 also seeks to maximise the skills and expertise that exist across ourorganisations. These commitments will feature prominently in the forthcoming Public ServiceInnovation Strategy which will significantly impact all Public Service Bodies. A key element of public service innovation is ensuring that users are at the centre of every policywe create and service we deliver.

M O D U L E 1I N N O V A T I O N P R I N C I P L E S A N D A P P L I C A T I O N S

M O D U L E 2L E A D E R S H I P A N D T H E M A N A G E M E N T O F C H A N G EThis module examines the place of innovation in the work environment and its interactions withleadership and teamwork. The module examines the role of, and demands on, leadership in innovationand explores the processes and challenges of leading innovative changes, at both the individual andorganisational levels.

1 8 T H - 2 0 T H M A R C H 2 0 2 0

Programme Content

This module aims to establish the nature of innovation, explore various components of, and stages in, theinnovative process and assess major innovative practices and techniques. The module also assesses thecritiques and limitations of innovation.

Defining innovationDifferentiating innovation from creativity andinvention Innovation classificationsCritical evaluation and impact analysis ofinnovationEvaluation of different innovationmethodologies and toolsDistinguishing public service innovationIterative learning

Data and data managementEmpathy and user understanding  Framing problemsIdeation techniques Divergent and convergent thinkingPrototyping and business experimentation Business model innovation        Measuring innovation Stage-gate funding and innovation

3 R D - 5 T H J U N E 2 0 2 0

Critical perspective of organisationalmanagement     Innovation’s influence on the organisation ofworkInnovation’s role in the evolving nature of workPublic services of the futureCritical perspectives of leadership andmanagementEvaluating leadership in the context of change

Evaluating leadership in a public sectorcontext Application of leadership models andinnovationChange Demands on leaders in the modernworkplaceModelling change managementFostering cultural change and evolvingvalues  Creating a climate for innovation and changeManaging resistance to innovation andchange

T B A O C T O B E R 2 0 2 0M O D U L E 3I N N O V A T I V E B E H A V I O U R S

This module aims to examine and explore various behaviours associated with innovation that lead tochanges in the ways things are understood and done.  The module examines different aspects ofcreativity, innovation skills, collaboration and communication.

Creativity, creative thinking and the creativeprocess     Key creativity enablers Innovation skills, competencies andcapabilitiesCollaboration and collaborative behavioursEffective communication in the context ofinnovation and change

Innovation and social attitudes (ethics,diversity and inclusion) Responsibility for innovation and its socialconsequences     Fostering a culture of innovation andadaptabilityInnovation strategy and structure

M O D U L E 4A C T I O N L E A R N I N G P R O J E C T

This module provides the participant with a practical action-learning assignment (circa 3,500 words)that puts into practice the theoretical learnings from the other three modules and identifies innovativeapproaches to the design and delivery of aspects of public service with a focus on service users. Students are expected to select an area of work in which innovation can be applied. Participantswill complete individual projects. However, they will be expected to participate in peer groups,under the guidance of lecturing staff, to exchange and analyse information and practice at boththe project planning and drafting stages.

Collaboration is a key enabler of public service innovation. As part of this programme, the coursedesigners are purposely seeking to make provision for representation from as many areas of thepublic service as possible. Accordingly, a small number of places will be reserved to ensurerepresentation from sectors such as health, justice and policing, local government, defence,education, the civil service and non-commercial agencies.

Eligibilty:Candidates should normally possess at least a level 7 award on the National Framework ofQualifications and should have sufficient professional experience, at the appropriate level, in amanagement position. In certain circumstances prior experience may be considered in lieu ofqualifications. 

Sectoral Representation

Application Procedure:Applications should be made on the appropriate form which can be downloaded from www.ipa.ie

Final Award:Participants who successfully complete the programme will be awarded a Professional Diplomain Public Service Innovation (NFQ Level 8, 30 credits) accredited by the National University ofIreland.

Assessment:Participants will be required to undertake and submit module assignments. These assessmentswhich include an action learning project will be used to reflect progress and to provide feedbackon progression.

Programme Fees:TBA by the IPA