Conference Chairperson & Opening Remarks

Brendan Barrett, Communications Consultant

Change Management and Resistance

Speaker: Sue McLoughlin MBA, Founder and Managing Director, StriveToThrive.ie

• Techniques for identifying sources of resistance within organisations
• Strategies for engaging employees in the change process
• Best practices for developing a culture that embraces change
• Case studies on successful change management in public sector settings
• Tools for measuring the effectiveness of change initiatives

Ethics and Governance in the Public Sector

Speaker: Patrick Downes, Managing Partner, Lionheart Corporate Governance                                

• Key principles of public sector governance and accountability
• Ethical decision-making frameworks for public sector leaders
• Role of transparency and public trust in governance
• Handling conflicts of interest within public sector organisations
• Implementing effective risk management strategies

GDPR and Data Protection Compliance

Speaker: Kate Colleary, Director - Pembroke Privacy, Country Leader Ireland- IAPP

• Overview of GDPR principles and their application in the public sector
• Compliance challenges and how to address them
• Strategies for ensuring data security and privacy
• Case studies on GDPR breaches and lessons learned
• Roles and responsibilities of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in public bodies

Coaching and Mentorship for Public Sector Managers

Speaker: Fredericka Sheppard, Co-Founder and Managing Director (Joint), Voltedge Management

• Key strategies for integrating coaching and mentorship in leadership
• Best practices for setting clear development goals with employees
• Balancing support, accountability, and guidance in team development
• Techniques to foster continuous learning through coaching and mentoring
• Effective methods for mentoring employees through challenges and growth

Judicial Review and Public Sector Accountability

Speaker: Nicola Saarsteiner, BL, The Law Library

• The role of judicial review in maintaining public sector accountability
• Key legal principles, including fair procedures and the obligation to give reasons
• Recent case law and its implications for public sector decision-making
• Strategies for minimizing the risk of litigation
• Practical advice for handling judicial review processes effectively

Dealing with Difficult People and Conflict Resolution

Speaker: Barbara Lynch, Lynch Training & Development Ltd

• Identifying different types of difficult behaviours in the workplace
• Techniques for maintaining emotional intelligence during conflicts
• Strategies for effective communication and de-escalation
• Best practices for setting boundaries and managing stress
• Case studies on resolving conflicts in public sector environments

Public Sector Communication Strategies

• Essential principles for effective communication during emergencies
• Utilizing social media and digital channels for real-time updates
• Strategies for engaging the public and maintaining transparency
• Best practices for crisis communication and media relations
• Case studies on successful public sector communication campaigns