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Section II: Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

Strategic Outcome

The School has a single strategic outcome: "Public servants have the common knowledge and the leadership and management competencies they require to fulfill their responsibilities in serving Canadians." Four program activities support this strategic outcome:

  • Foundational Learning
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Public Sector Management Innovation
  • Internal Services

The School was created to ensure that all employees of the Public Service of Canada have the required competencies and common knowledge to serve Canadians in the most efficient and effective way possible. To achieve this goal, the School continues to offer a curriculum that focuses on the key skills and knowledge required by a dynamic public service that is constantly changing and adapting to the needs of its stakeholders and Canadians. At the same time, the School also relies on the consistency of its training and learning activities to ensure that public service employees have the common skills and knowledge expected of them.

Program Activity: Foundational Learning

The School, through its Foundational Learning program activity, contributes to building a professional workforce by providing the learning required for public service employees to serve Canadians. Four initiatives support this program activity:

  • Required Training
  • Professional Development Training
  • Official Languages Learning
  • Online Learning
2010-11 Financial Resources ($ thousands)
Planned Spending Total Authorities Actual Spending
69,358 101,650 72,488

2010-11 Human Resources (FTEs)
Planned Actual Difference
443 520 77

Expected
Results
Performance
Indicators
Targets Performance
Status
Public servants' learning objectives are met in the foundational learning activities provided by the School. Percentage of public servants who report their learning objectives were met through the School's foundational learning activities. 80% of respondents report learning objectives met. Met All:

In 2010-11, 87% of respondents reported that their learning objectives were met through the School's foundational learning activities.

Performance Summary and Analysis of Program Activity
Required Training

The Treasury Board's Policy on Learning, Training and Development requires new public service employees to attend Orientation to the Public Service training. The Orientation Program provides a foundational understanding of government and the values, ethics and responsibilities that public service employees will draw upon throughout their careers. The School uses a mix of learning approaches, with a one-day classroom session complemented by prerequisite online training. In 2010-11, the School added a new online component and updated the classroom format in order to improve learning delivery and better accommodate learners located in the regions.

Breakdown of Orientation to the Public Service Deliveries
Fiscal
Year
Courses Delivered in the
National Capital Region
Courses Delivered
Regionally
Total
Courses Delivered
Offerings Learners Offerings Learners Offerings Learners
2007-08 40 4,804 22 2,456 62 7,260
2008-09 55 5,568 47 4,916 102 10,484
2009-10 44 4,935 44 4,188 88 9,123
2010-11 39 3,417 48 3,042 87 6,459

In accordance with the Policy on Learning, Training and Development, the School provides Authority Delegation Training to five groups of employees: supervisors, managers, new executives (EX-01), senior executives (EX-02 EX-03 levels) and Assistant Deputy Ministers to ensure that these groups are equipped to exercise their delegated authorities.

In 2010-11, the School continued to work on implementing recommendations resulting from the Formative Evaluation on Authority Delegation Training, including increasing differentiation between courses in the program, defining priority knowledge elements and improving the quality of knowledge assessments and related participation rates.

In an effort to remain current and gain efficiencies, the School continued to modify the program by using a mix of learning approaches which will enhance the program's performance as well as the School's capacity to meet increasing demand for timely and quality training within existing resources.

New managers working in remote regions and abroad face particular challenges in accessing learning and training in a time efficient and cost effective manner. To address these barriers, the School finalized agreements with several departments whereby managers in remote regions are provided with access to course materials, qualified instructors and online knowledge assessments and therefore significantly reducing travel requirements.

In response to the Information Commissioner's special report to parliament on the implementation of access to information principles and practices within the Government of Canada, the School offered an "Access to Information and Privacy" course, making it available across the country. Furthermore, based on recommendations made by the Committee for Information Management in Business (CIMB), the School developed an Information Management\ATIP Learning Strategy which outlines current and forthcoming learning requirements and includes recommendations on the implementation of proposed solutions.

Breakdown of Authority Delegation Training Deliveries
Fiscal
Year
Courses Delivered in the
National Capital Region
Courses Delivered
Regionally
Total
Courses Delivered
Offerings Learners Offerings Learners Offerings Learners
2007-08 178 4,051 123 2,616 301 6,667
2008-09 234 5,259 138 2,931 372 8,190
2009-10 257 5,891 157 3,147 414 9,038
2010-11 272 5,764 170 3,174 442 8,938
Professional Development Training

In support of deputy heads' accountability for learning in their organizations, the School worked closely with functional communities throughout 2010-11 and designed/launched several learning products, including:

  • Three required training courses for financial management professionals aimed at providing a set of core skills related to financial management control frameworks, government planning, budgeting, reporting and evaluation and financial management systems;
  • A Financial Management Strategic Series which is comprised of optional learning events and is aimed at helping financial analysts develop their critical thinking skills and gain an understanding of the strategic perspective of senior leaders; and,
  • A course on Web Accessibility Standards to support the rollout of new policy guidelines for Government of Canada web sites.
Breakdown of Functional Community Deliveries
Fiscal
Year
Courses Delivered in the
National Capital Region
Courses Delivered
Regionally
Total
Courses Delivered
Offerings Learners Offerings Learners Offerings Learners
2007-08 358 7,226 255 5,647 613 12,873
2008-09 458 9,222 256 4,177 714 13,399
2009-10 470 8,794 281 3,166 751 11,960
2010-11 472 9,361 254 3,284 726 12,645

The School initiated the use of rapid e-learning software to facilitate the design and integration of specific modules into the core learning for managers on values and ethics. The School also began incorporating the online collaboration capabilities of the School's new ILMS.

Breakdown of Professional Development Deliveries
Fiscal
Year
Courses Delivered in the
National Capital Region
Courses Delivered
Regionally
Total
Courses Delivered
Offerings Learners Offerings Learners Offerings Learners
2007-08 305 6,262 198 2,792 503 9,054
2008-09 271 5,628 196 3,066 467 8,694
2009-10 375 7,686 261 3,843 636 11,529
2010-11 389 8,403 264 4,033 653 12,436
Official Languages Learning

The School facilitates on-time access to language training for public service employees in order to assist them in acquiring and maintaining second official language skills. In 2010-11, the following activities were undertaken:

  • 99,113 learner days were delivered by the School through its internal and external providers.
  • 85 qualified language teachers and facilitators from the School worked on-site in departments across the country. The School also provided language training to 17 students with special needs in the National Capital Region (NCR).
  • 1,478 language learning plans were prepared and delivered across the country. These plans include elements such as the estimated number of training hours required by the learner to meet their targeted language proficiency.
  • In collaboration with Public Works and Government Services Canada, the School continues to provide its expertise towards the development of a National Master Standing Offer (NMSO) for the delivery of standardized French and English language training across the country.

As part of the Roadmap for Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future, the School continued its three-year pilot initiative with 10 Canadian universities. As of March 31, 2011, there were 206 students participating in this initiative. Participants benefited from the Public Service Commission's second language exams, English and French curricula, weekly bulletins and access to 16 online language training products.

Online Learning

The School designed new products using the newly acquired rapid e-learning development software in time for the launch of the ILMS, which offers an online peer collaboration capability, including a number of language training tools. By offering a comprehensive learner toolkit through the online community of practice in addition to the e-learning module, learners can benefit from both the ongoing interaction pre and post course. The School's current online learning offerings are made available free of charge to support the enhancement and maintenance of key skills and competencies. In 2010-11, 54,177 users accessed a total of 694 online products offered by the School.

Lessons Learned

The importance of ensuring development standards for e-learning products which include clear processes and accountabilities (e.g. needs identification, design and quality control) came to the forefront. As a result, the School documented standards and business processes in order to provide comprehensive support to the School's e-learning product line.

Program Activity: Organizational Leadership Development

The School strengthens the Public Service capacity by building the leadership competencies of existing and emerging leaders through leadership development programs. Due to the significant focus on leadership accountabilities and the anticipated high retirement rates among employees and executives, there is increased demand for programs that develop leaders for a modern public service in a globalized environment.

Three initiatives support this program activity:

  • Leadership Competencies
  • Leadership Development Programs
  • Leadership Community Building

2010-11 Financial Resources ($ thousands)
Planned Spending Total Authorities Actual Spending
13,724 19,133 17,993

2010-11 Human Resources (FTEs)
Planned Actual Difference
102 123 21

Expected
Results
Performance
Indicators
Targets Performance
Status
Public service managers', executives' and senior leaders' learning objectives are met through organizational leadership development at the School. Percentage of public service managers, executives and senior leaders who report their learning objectives were met in organizational leadership development at the School. 80% of the respondents report learning objectives met. Met All:

In 2010-11, 87% of respondents reported that their learning objectives were met in the area of organizational leadership development.
Performance Summary and Analysis of Program Activity

The new generation of leaders in the Public Service are facing added pressures as they move into leadership roles more quickly than their predecessors. In response, departments and agencies are responding by investing in leadership learning in order to mitigate the associated risks. In order to meet the growing needs of departments and agencies, the School has continued to respond to the high demand for programs which support and equip leaders with the required skills and capabilities to achieve results for Canadians.

Three initiatives support this program activity:

  • Leadership Competencies
  • Leadership Development Programs
  • Leadership Community Building
Breakdown of Leadership Program Deliveries
Fiscal
Year
Courses Delivered in the
National Capital Region
Courses Delivered
Regionally
Total
Courses Delivered
Offerings Learners Offerings Learners Offerings Learners
2007-08 145 2,051 13 166 158 2,217
2008-09 103 2,666 38 182 141 2,848
2009-10 170 3,027 35 148 205 3,175
2010-11 140 2,483 23 377 163 2,860

In 2010-11, new learning tools and methodologies such as coaching support, peer learning circles and learning needs assessment instruments were expanded both as stand-alone services and also as integral components of selected courses and programs to deepen leadership learning and application of new practices in the workplace.

Learning activities which support public servants in becoming more knowledgeable and effective in leading in the global context both expanded and showed increased uptake in 2010-11. Furthermore, the School concluded a three year multilateral program Leadership Across Borders in partnership with the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand and will undertake a comprehensive program evaluation in 2011-12 to inform the design of future joint, cross-border senior leadership learning initiatives.

Four Leadership Development Programs designed for employees with high potential at key leadership levels were offered to a total of 814 learners in 2010-11. These multi-year, multi-faceted programs which involve classroom learning, coaching support, learning assessment services, on-line learning and other elements are a key component of public service talent management and succession planning. They provide departments and agencies with a structured leadership capacity building program for high potential employees to prepare them for more complex leadership challenges in the future.

Lessons Learned

The need to incorporate direct engagement and involvement of senior leaders (ADMs, DMs) through a variety of interactive learning methods (e.g. discussions, mentorship and job shadowing) has proven to be beneficial for learners and also enables the School to offer curriculum content which not only reflects the challenges of the day but also equips public servants with the tools to meet those challenges, while striving for service excellence to Canadians. The School will continue to redesign its leadership programming to include shorter and sharper learning interventions in addition to offering courses on mastering the job at hand.

Program Activity: Public Sector Management Innovation

The School enhances the performance of the Public Service by disseminating innovations and leading practices in public management and providing public service organizations with advice and support regarding learning and change management. Two initiatives support this program activity:

  • Organizational Learning Services
  • Innovative Management Practices

2010-11 Financial Resources ($ thousands)
Planned Spending Total Authorities Actual Spending
11,647 11,124 10,468

2010-11 Human Resources (FTEs)
Planned Actual Difference
77 71 -6

Expected
Results
Performance
Indicators
Targets Performance
Status
Public service organizations have access to the tools and services to help them integrate learning, manage change and innovate and integrate learning and by adapting best practices. Number of outreach activities and public sector management advisory services and tools provided to public service organizations (National Capital Region and Regions). 30 organizations provided with learning advice/services.

6 outreach activities: 2 best practices products and 4 university relations activities delivered.
Exceeded:

In 2010-11, the School offered over 650 "360 degree assessments" to management teams across the Public Service, representing over 30 departments.

The School developed 12 best practices products and 8 university relations activities.
Degree of satisfaction of public service organizations with Canada School of Public Service's public sector management advisory services. 80% satisfaction rate. The School is currently developing a methodology for the evaluation of this performance indicator.
Performance Summary and Analysis of Program Activity

The School continued to support the Government of Canada's commitment to ensuring that Canadians are served by a skilled, well-trained and professional workforce that shares common values and understands the expectations of public sector management now and in the future.

In an effort to support both learning and engagement, the School continued to design and disseminate learning products on Best Practices and Innovation in Public Service Management at Roundtable discussions throughout the year. In 2010-11, the School organized several activities, including: the Deputy Minister University Champion Program, Public Servant-in-Residence and New Synthesis in Public Administration initiatives in order to promote engagement and nurture university-public service partnerships.

Strategic change and coaching services were provided to a wide range of departments and agencies to facilitate: the development of human resource strategies and performance management and employee engagement. The School worked with more than 30 departments and agencies over the course of the year, and reached more than 2500 public service employees with its services. Other activities included working with departmental senior management teams to build their capacity to lead in these areas and incorporating a public service-developed change management framework to guide its interventions.

In 2010-2011, the School facilitated select international CIDA funded projects to promote knowledge transfer and innovative management development in areas such as leadership training and development and governance capacity building.

Lessons Learned

Departments and agencies identified the need for greater emphasis on "on the job learning" with an increased focus on facilitating action learning among peers and coaching services.

Program Activity: Internal Services

Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. [5]

2010-11 Financial Resources ($ thousands)
Planned Spending Total Authorities Actual Spending
17,962 21,450 27,685

2010-11 Human Resources (FTEs)
Planned Actual Difference
318 220 -98

The School's expenditures related to Internal Services, including its human resources are dependent on the amount of revenue and learner registrations, generated by the organization. The differences between planned and actual spending reflect the increase in the amount of revenue generated above the planned amount by the School.

Performance Summary and Analysis of Program Activity
Program Activity Highlights
Activity Status on Performance and Results
Management Priorities
  • Under the 2010-11 Management Agenda, the School made a number of strategic decisions, most notably, a new organizational structure which reduced the number of direct reports to the Deputy Minister, from eight to four.
  • The School embarked on the implementation of a Management Agenda that focuses on three key areas of action:
    1. The management of the School's curriculum
    2. Clarifying the School's Business Model
    3. Aligning human resources to the Business Model
Internal Audit
  • In accordance with the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) Policy on Internal Audit, the School's internal audit function is due to undergo its first external practice inspection in 2012-2013. In preparation, the School engaged an external consulting firm to perform a Readiness Assessment which would identify any gaps in its implementation of the TBS Policy.
  • The Office of the Chief Audit Executive (CAE) continued to implement its Internal Audit Quality Assurance Improvement Process to ensure compliance with the TBS policy and standards, and the Institute of Internal Auditors' professional practices.
Evaluation
  • The School's Evaluation Plan was updated to reflect the requirements of the new Treasury Board Policy on Evaluation, improving performance reporting for senior management decision-making.
  • The evaluation of the training provided to the Procurement, Materiel Management and Real Property functional community was completed in 2010-11.
  • The evaluation of the Online Collaborative Technology project was completed in 2010-11. With the adoption of the new ILMS, the evaluation report provides recommendations that will guide the School as it explores platform and feature options and that will improve the School's online learning strategy.
Communications and Marketing
  • Promotional activities such as broad scale promotional campaigns and targeted interventions were sustained by an integrated approach combining communications, marketing and outreach activities, in support of the School's priorities.
  • The School's intranet site and other communications tools were further enhanced to support outreach and learning across the Public Service and promote the School's objectives and priorities via messages from the Deputy Minister regarding the School's Management Agenda and the reorganization.
Human Resources Management
  • A strategy to improve staffing practices was developed and implemented. A procedure for managing vacant and new positions was established to ensure that a corporate approach to staffing is in place. A new Staffing Process Project Charter is now in use. The School's overall rating on the Departmental Staffing Accountability Report (DSAR) improved from Acceptable to Strong.
  • Reporting on people management is now published and shared with senior management via the School's People Management Dashboard and Workforce Demographic Profile.
IM/IT
  • The School has finalized the implementation of a new IM/IT organizational structure and stabilized the IT infrastructure by working closely with its shared services supplier, PWGSC, and has identified ways to reduce IT infrastructure costs while maintaining high quality services.
Procurement and Administrative Services
  • The School developed a medium-term accommodation strategy to optimize its office space and reduce from six buildings to three buildings while ensuring the most efficient and effective use of its current locations.
  • The School implemented a series of Standing Offer Agreements and has also signed User Agreements with PWGSC for the use of Standing Offer/Supply Arrangement to support its operations.
Lessons Learned

The School has experienced a reduction of appropriated funding through various review and restraint initiatives combined with the requirement for all federal departments to absorb employee compensation adjustments. In response, the management and operation of the School has shifted to a model that is more closely aligned to its cost-recovery reality, whereby more than half of its operating budget comes from the revenues generated through the provision of its learning products. This transformation will continue in the future and the School is well positioned to respond to the ongoing and emerging needs of the Public Service by focusing on the innovation, relevance and quality of its products and services.

The collection of the School's performance measurement data continues to be a challenge. The School is in the process of reviewing its data collection reporting to ensure its relevance in assessing both performance and targets.

While the School has successfully implemented the ILMS, the complexity associated with replacing four legacy systems with one integrated system brought many challenges related to the management of change within the School and with its clients. The migration of the School's activities, products and services continues to be a priority for the organization. The School is currently focusing on establishing and implementing a plan to further maximize the technological capabilities of this integrated tool.