Insights

Thought leadership, case studies and news from across our four divisions — on APS reform, governance, aviation, workforce strategy and learning.

27 results

A project team gathering around a table to mobilise Case Study

Rapid Workforce Mobilisation

Surge capability for a Commonwealth program — a multidisciplinary workforce mobilised at short notice, meeting transition milestones and maintaining continuity.

15 June 2026
Project documents and plans laid out on a desk Case Study

ICT Project Surge Capability & Operational Support

Short-notice surge support for a Commonwealth WHS reporting pilot — project coordination, ICT administration and stakeholder engagement over seven months.

20 May 2026
Aerial view of a city representing complex systems Article

Building Contestability in Governance Committee Decisions

Why independent challenge strengthens — not slows — governance committee decision-making, and practical ways to build contestability into your frameworks.

10 May 2026
A regional aircraft on the tarmac at dusk Article

Regional Aviation to Take Flight

Regional aviation is critical infrastructure — and its future workforce is at risk. Adam Phelan on making aviation careers visible where they're needed.

Adam Phelan · 5 May 2026
Abstract representation of artificial intelligence Article

AI in Recruitment — Meeting Government Expectations

The APS expects transparent, responsible AI in recruitment by June 2026 — what it means for agencies, and how to build a defensible, practical baseline.

15 April 2026
Aerial view of a city representing complex systems Article

Public Interest Disclosure Act Reforms

What the Public Interest Disclosure Act reforms and new Whistleblower Ombudsman mean for agencies — and the practical steps to be ready for early 2026.

2 April 2026
A risk and compliance dashboard on screen Case Study

Enterprise Risk Management Strategy

A contemporary enterprise risk management strategy for a Commonwealth statutory regulator — aligning risk appetite, governance and PGPA compliance.

20 March 2026
Strategy documents and a laptop on a desk Case Study

Establishing a Program Management Office

Re-establishing a Defence PMO through transition to acquisition — building a new risk management capability aligned with the Prime System Integrator.

5 March 2026
Professionals reviewing commercial documents Case Study

Commercial Support to a New Maritime Capability

Strategic commercial advice and contract management for new maritime capability in CASG — navigating complex procurement within legislation and policy.

25 February 2026
An engaging workshop session in progress Case Study

Psychological Safety Workshop

A short, high-impact workshop building psychological safety for a technical public-sector team, with practical, evidence-based strategies.

10 February 2026
A team in a working session Case Study

Change Management

Co-designing a fit-for-purpose operating model for a Federal agency’s Public Affairs Branch — structure, capability uplift and a bespoke Business Partner Model.

30 January 2026
Australian Public Service performance framework concept Article

Leading Under the New APS Performance Framework

The APSC's 2026 performance framework puts behaviour alongside outcomes. What the reset means for agencies — and the questions leaders should ask now.

Barbara Phelan & Lizzie Papadakis · 20 January 2026
Leaders in discussion at a table Article

Emotion, Bias and Power: Silent Blockers of Team Performance

Emotion, bias and power quietly derail teams under pressure. Why independent, structured case management brings clarity and fairness to performance matters.

15 January 2026
A team planning around a table Case Study

Workforce Planning

Strategic workforce planning capability uplift for a national security agency, delivering a strategic workforce plan and divisional action plans.

10 December 2025
Project documents and plans on a desk Case Study

Project Management & Strategic Procurement Support

Project management and strategic procurement for a major cultural institution — early-works readiness and a market-tested non-art storage redesign.

20 November 2025
Reviewing governance and compliance documents Case Study

Building Governance Frameworks

A governance framework review for Surf Life Saving Queensland — Charities Act compliance, emergency-services dependencies, resources and business continuity.

5 November 2025
Aerial view of a city representing complex systems Article

Good Governance — Where Do You Start?

Governance is often blamed for delays — but where do you start? Practical foundations for accountability, risk, transparency and better decision-making.

15 October 2025
A person engaging with digital learning Case Study

Digital Learning

Designing and delivering a suite of eLearning solutions to professionalise a client’s learning advisory function, from adult learning to instructional design.

1 October 2025
An engaging workshop session in progress Case Study

Reform Program Education

Designing the education strategy for the New Aged Care Act — accessible learning modules for older people, providers and the aged care workforce.

15 September 2025
An abstract map of connected data points Article

Complexity Cartography

Compliance registers miss the events that matter. Complexity Cartography blends intelligence, systems thinking, foresight and immersion into risk intelligence.

1 September 2025
Aviation professionals at work Article

Why Inclusion Must Drive Australia's Aviation Rebuild

Australian aviation is at a turning point. Adam Phelan on why inclusion — not just recruitment — must drive the workforce rebuild after COVID's disruption.

Adam Phelan · 20 August 2025
Abstract representation of artificial intelligence Case Study

Strengthening AI Governance and Workforce Compliance

How Holan set clear rules and training for responsible AI use — aligning to the PSPF, Privacy Act and APS AI Ethics Principles across client delivery.

5 August 2025
Data and analytics on a screen Case Study

Implementing an AI-Powered Database

Building the case for an AI-powered policy and knowledge database for a Federal agency — requirements, benchmarking, benefits and a defensible case for change.

20 July 2025
A workshop on wellbeing and safety Article

Psychosocial Safety at Work

Holan Learning’s Psychosocial Safety at Work series — practical workshops on leading psychosocial safety, psychological safety culture and conflict resolution.

5 July 2025
A manager and team member in conversation Case Study

Performance Management

A customised suite of learning programs for a department — performance fundamentals, goal setting, managing underperformance and managing conflict at work.

20 June 2025
A secure operations environment Case Study

Security System Design — Australian Government

Reviewing and redesigning the security systems of a small Australian Government entity — new policies, governance, registers and PSPF/ISM alignment.

5 June 2025
A facilitated workplace workshop in progress Case Study

Workplace Respect & Courtesy Workshops

A facilitated respect and courtesy workshop for a Commonwealth department — shared behavioural expectations, legal foundations and practical tools for teams.

25 May 2025