Strengthen executive capability to govern AI and digital initiatives and guide strategic decision-making. Organisations are navigating a fast-moving digital landscape where technologies such as AI are reshaping public services. The Executive Program for Digital and AI Governance support senior people leaders to confidently govern digital and AI-enabled programs in line with the Victorian Government’s AI Mission Statement, which emphasises responsible adoption, ethical use, strong digital infrastructure, growing local innovation, and building workforce capability.This sector-specific program reflects the State’s commitment to using AI safely and effectively across the public sector, strengthening community trust while enabling innovation and productivity. Through immersive governance simulations grounded in real Victorian government frameworks and AI considerations, participants build practical capability to make informed, ethical and future focused decisions.Why the Executive Program for Digital and AI GovernanceThis two-day, simulation-based program is designed specifically for senior public purpose sector leaders responsible for overseeing digital, ICT, or technology‑enabled initiatives.Participants engage in a series of realistic governance board meetings built around a contemporary case study with embedded AI functionality. Throughout these simulations, participants explore strategic decision-making, interrogate complex project information, navigate risk and uncertainty, and practise the governance behaviours that drive successful outcomes.The program integrates real Victorian Government reference materials to ensure participants are applying the frameworks and standards expected in real program governance.governance roles, responsibilities and accountabilitiesbenefits management and the critical importance of robust business casesdecision-making frameworks and evidence-based governancegoverning for technology and artificial intelligencerecognising indicators of project failuremanaging variation, resetting programs and informed escalationreadiness for service and benefits realisationlessons learned, including AI-related implementation insights.Turn learning into actionYou will gain a comprehensive overview of governance of AI and digital initiatives, and by the end of this program, participants will be able to:Apply effective governance principles to digital and AI-enabled programs, understanding the distinct roles, responsibilities and accountabilities of a governance board.Interpret and challenge project documentation, including business cases, progress reports and risk assessments, to support evidence-based decision making.Identify early indicators of risk or program failure and make informed decisions about interventions, including resets, pausing or stopping programs.Assess the implications of AI functionality within digital programs, including capability, risk, culture change, and governance considerations.Strengthen leadership behaviours that promote constructive governance, including strategic thinking, managing ambiguity, navigating conflict and ensuring benefits realisation.Course audienceThis course is designed for those who are: Directors, Executive Directors, CEOs, COOs, General Managers, Deputy Secretaries and Secretaries across the Victorian public purpose sector.Facilitator Deirdre Diamante Managing Director, Assure ConsultingDeirdre has more than 20 years of experience in providing procurement, probity, governance and quality assurance support, particularly within the public sector. As a current member of company boards in the digital services sector and banking, and past chair of the Victorian Council of the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) Deirdre is also experienced in all facets of governance and technology. She has led governance and assurance management roles, that include risk management and probity in various Government Agencies including the Department of Defence, Department of Premier and Cabinet and Victorian Government Purchasing Board. Her experience includes significant commercial advice and support to technology, transport and infrastructure projects as well as whole of government purchasing arrangements for telecommunications, software, hardware and networks. Deirdre is a certified Victorian Government Gateway reviewer. Her role as a certified gateway reviewer provides advice about progress and likelihood of the success of delivery of high value and high risk projects, ensuring the project’s risks are managed and mitigated and benefits are able to be achieved. Deirdre also co-designed and delivered ICT Governance Education Programs to government executives through the Department of Government Services. Based on 9 years of delivery to Victorian Government executives, the ICT Project Governance Education program directly addresses the cultural issues seen in the public sector that can impact how public sector executives on a governance board make decisions about a project. This talks about the need for robust board reports and objective and evidence-based decision making at every meeting. Read More