New Micro-Credential at Trent University Teaches Realities of Public Leadership

Trent University is launching a new micro-credential through the Leadership and Democracy Lab, designed to help future leaders in government, non-profit and public service organizations strengthen their capacity and accountability.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

The Foundations of Public Leadership micro-credential was developed through Trent’s Leadership and Democracy Lab in the Create Centre for Entrepreneurship, and informed by Professor de Clercy’s research expertise on democratic governance, political trust, leadership in the public sector and policy engagement.

The suite of modules offers flexible, skills-based training tailored specifically to leaders in government, non-profit and public sector environments, areas where dedicated leadership education remains limited in Canada.

“People are often promoted into leadership roles in government or the public sector without receiving formal leadership training,” says Dr. Cristine de Clercy, Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership and professor of Political Studies at Trent University. “This micro-credential gives learners access to practical, targeted skills they can apply immediately, helping them become more effective, ethical, and confident public service leaders.”

Designed for individuals working in or preparing for leadership roles in government, non-profit and public service organizations, the micro-credential includes a suite of short, skills-based courses that may be taken individually or stacked toward a broader Public Sector Leadership credential. Courses such as Plain Language for the Public Sector and Facilitating Public Dialogue in Policymaking focus on core public leadership competencies, including ethical decision-making, inclusive governance, intercultural communication and clear communication in public-facing roles.

“When civil servant leaders are deeply informed about some of the key communication and ethical responsibilities they carry as public servants, they become leaders who are more responsive to citizen and stakeholder needs, more transparent and accountable, and better equipped to navigate complexity and do their jobs well,” continued Dr. Cristine de Clercy.

The Foundations of Public Leadership micro-credential is supported in part by funding from the RBC Foundation through the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership.

For more information on this new micro-credential, visit the website.

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