Development of Digital Competences for Public Administration Employees in Latvia
Latvia’s largest training centre for public administration employees, the ‘School of Public Administration’, has developed Digital Skills and Competence Framework for Public Administration within the framework of the ‘Digital Academy of Public Administration’ project. This framework is an important step in modernising public administration and developing digital skills in Latvia. The School of Public Administration Annual Report shows that 33,981 employees of state and municipal institutions improved their digital skills during 2024.
Project Aim and Scope
The project ‘Digital Academy of Public Administration’ aims to increase the skills of public administration (state and municipal) staff in digital transformation and the use of technologies to develop policies appropriate for the digital age. This contributes to achieving set objectives related to a unified framework for the assessment, identification, planning, and evaluation of basic digital skills, including alignment with the European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp).
Strategic Priorities and Key Tasks
The Learning and Development Plan for Public Administration Employees 2021-2027 sets strategic priorities for the professional development and learning of public administration. The school's political objectives are also related to other development planning documents and are aimed at the digital transformation of public administration, modernisation of services and increasing the professionalism of employees.
The School of Public Administration performs the following tasks:
carry out a study of training needs and use the information gathered to develop an appropriate training offer;
coordinate the development and implementation of training modules and training courses, including further education programmes, in accordance with development planning documents and regulatory enactments;
ensure the recruitment, selection and coordination of teaching staff;
ensure the certification of internal auditors, the maintenance and withdrawal of the internal auditor certificate;
prepare and, in accordance with the procedures laid down in laws and regulations, provide proposals regarding the financing from the State budget necessary for the performance of the tasks of the school;
provide proposals to the State Chancellery on draft development planning documents and informative reports in the field of professional development of public administration, as well as on draft laws and regulations related to training of employees;
implements education programmes and projects financed from foreign financial instruments and EU structural funds in the field of professional development of public administration;
provide the services specified in laws and regulations;
ensure the performance of the tasks laid down in other laws and regulations.
In 2024, 92,058 participants took part in the School of Public Administration training, which is at least 3 times more than in 2023. 83% of all training was provided within the framework of projects financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility. 95% of all training conducted in 2024 was free of charge.
More than 65 thousand of all participants have acquired their knowledge through webinars or video recordings, only 3% of them have studied in person and in face-to-face events.
Personalised training for institutions
Personalised training organised in 2024 for 35 institutions, 58 groups, with a total of 2 312 participants, tailored to the specific learning needs of each institution. Personalised training has been provided to various institutions, such as the Data State Inspectorate, the Emergency Medical Care, the State Land Service, the Public Utilities Commission and others. Various types of trainings have been implemented: ‘Establishment, supervision and development of the internal control system’, ‘From specialist to manager’, ‘Effective manager’, ‘Internal communication’, ‘Artificial intelligence methods for daily work and creativity’, ‘Worker load planning’, etc. The trainings of the School of Public Administration are conducted by professionals in the field – experts in public administration, academics, as well as representatives of the private sector, who are involved in organising public procurement procedures.
Why is this a good practice?
The School of Public Administration uses not only classical theory lectures in the teaching process, but also an increasing number of new and innovative methods: mutual exchange of experience, case studies, coaching, provision of individual support for the development of managerial skills, stimulation of organizational situations, which provides an opportunity to improve the quality of services and reduce the administrative burden.
In September of this year, the first Skills Development Council meeting of the new school year took place at the School of Public Administration, which brought together the leaders of learning and development processes. It was an opportunity to look back at what has been done and at the same time look into the future – new learning offers, opportunities for cooperation and innovative approaches.
The digital upskilling of public administration staff continues to grow rapidly, with more than 53 thousand employees already completing their knowledge at the Digital Academy, which represents 87% of the target set by 2026.
Developed Digital Skills and Competence Framework
The competence framework comprises 29 competences divided into six thematic groups: information and data literacy, digital communication and cooperation, digital content creation, cybersecurity, digital governance and development, and transversal skills. Each competency is described in detail and divided into four levels, ranging from minimum to expert skills.
One of the main components of the digital skills and competences framework is the method of self-assessment of the competences of the employee, which allows to determine the level of competences in the relevant field.
Functions of the Self-Assessment Tool?
Informative function: The tool helps staff to find out what is expected at each competence level.
Development promotion function: Staff can assess their current competences and identify new areas for development in view of the future career path.
Professional maturity assessment function: The tool helps employees find out if they are ready to apply for new challenges or the next level of training.
Harmonious development function: The tool reminds staff of general skills that contribute to general competence.
Practical application of the tool: The self-assessment tool is created in MS Excel format, which is adapted to assess digital skills and competences. The tool can be used both for individual assessment of competences and for the creation of role profiles within the organisation. It provides an automated flow of information to manage the competency requirements of positions/roles and to offer appropriate courses and training materials.
Digital Skills and Competences Framework
Learning Management System and Learning and Development System
The School of Public Administration is developing a modern information system that ensures the organization and management of learning and development processes, contributing to the digital transformation of public administration and the development of the knowledge and skills of employees. The Learning Management System creates opportunities for learners to acquire the necessary skills in a structured and controlled way, while reaching a wide audience and contributing to the efficiency of public administration.
Promoting international cooperation
The school actively cooperates with international organisations and public administration schools in other countries. This international cooperation allows you to learn the best practices of other countries and integrate them into the Latvian administrative system. This helps to ensure that Latvia's public administration is modern and in line with international standards.
