Building Supervisory Capability Through Structured Leadership Development
In 2019, the Australian Business Unit of AngloGold Ashanti commenced a partnership with Future Institute of Australia to design and deliver an internally contextualised Leadership Development Program (LDP) aligned to the Certificate IV in Leadership and Management.
The Objective
The program was developed to strengthen supervisory and management capability across the business, while also providing leaders with the opportunity to attain a nationally recognised qualification in leadership and management.
It targets first-line leaders across the Sunrise Dam and Tropicana Gold Mines and the Perth corporate office, supporting them to build the practical skills required to lead effectively in operational and corporate environments.
Program design
The Leadership Development Program is structured across four learning blocks delivered over 12 months. It blends theoretical frameworks with practical application, ensuring participants can immediately apply learning within their roles.
Key features include:
- Assessment tasks embedded throughout the program to support completion of the Certificate IV qualification
- Workplace-based improvement initiatives and projects
- Practical application of leadership concepts in operational settings
- Contextualised case studies and scenarios reflecting real supervisory challenges
Content and assessment approaches have been adapted over time to meet evolving operational requirements, with delivery methods adjusted to maintain relevance and accessibility for participants across multiple sites.
Participation and reach
Since its inception, the program has delivered:
- 8 cohorts
- More than 100 participants across operational and corporate teams
The LDP has become an established component of leadership capability development within the business.
Measured outcomes
A quantitative comparison of 180 pre- and post-program Leadership and Management surveys, completed by both participants and their managers, indicates improved leadership ratings at program completion compared to commencement.
Some of the highest rated improvement areas include:
- Ensuring team activities are inclusive
- Treating others with respect and fairness
- Providing constructive feedback
- Being open to constructive feedback
- Defaulting to risk management practices
- Identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation
These outcomes reflect a measurable uplift in leadership behaviours linked to day-to-day operational performance and team effectiveness.
Ongoing evolution
The partnership continues to evolve, with delivery and assessment methods refined over time to ensure alignment with operational priorities and workforce needs. The program remains focused on developing practical leadership capability while embedding learning directly into the workplace environment.
