Practical Skills for Complex Public Sector Conversations

Is this event for you?

In the public sector, negotiation occurs everywhere. It sits behind funding decisions, stakeholder relationships, policy outcomes and day-to-day conversations that shape progress.

This 3-hour Masterclass Lab is designed as a practical, hands-on experience where you will develop skills to navigate these conversations with greater confidence and clarity. Led by Mills Oakley Partner Scott Alden, the session draws on proven principles from Getting to Yes and brings them to life through real-world public sector scenarios.

You will explore how to move beyond positions to understand what really matters, manage competing interests, and find outcomes that are both practical and sustainable. Through a series of guided exercises, role plays and group discussions, you will practise techniques that you can apply immediately in your work.

Bring Your Own Challenge

A key feature of the session is the opportunity to bring along a real negotiation scenario or challenging conversation you are currently facing. Working in small groups, you will test approaches, receive feedback and build a clear plan for how to move forward.

You Will Walk Away With Practical Tools To:

• Prepare for complex negotiations with greater confidence
• Navigate competing priorities and stakeholder pressures
• Communicate clearly while maintaining strong relationships
• Create options that lead to better outcomes for all parties

A Practical Learning Experience

This is not a traditional training session. It is a safe, structured environment to practise, refine and strengthen the conversations that matter most for your role.

Sponsor

This event is sponsored by:

Speaker

Scott Alden
Partner
Mills Oakley

With over 25 years' experience, Scott specialises as a legal advisor on significant projects and procurements for government clients.

Scott's role of lead advisor to significant projects often incorporates legal and procurement expertise on the same transaction, as well as strategic probity advice.

In recognition of his position as a leading government lawyer, Scott was one of the first Law Society Accredited Specialists in Government and Administrative Law, both Commonwealth and State (with a focus on government commercial and procurement transactions), and has been appointed by the Law Society of NSW as the Head Assessor for that Specialist Accreditation this year. Scott also writes and lectures two procurement courses for the Masters Programs at both College of Law and the University of Melbourne.

Scott also has a special interest in contract law, particularly for major projects, and is a member of the Australian Advisory Board for World Commerce and Contracting Association (previously the International Association of Contract and Commercial Management)

How to register

Please note: All NSW Public Servants are entitled to complimentary Bronze Membership with IPAA NSW and are eligible for member rates. Find My Membership

Event Details

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