On 9 December, the Polaris Programme: Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine brought together practitioners from Administrative Service Centres (ASCs) across Ukraine for a national dialogue in Kyiv focused on developing effective models of professional growth for ASC staff. Participants discussed existing training programmes, key challenges, and opportunities for shaping a systemic approach to capacity building. The event was moderated by Polaris experts Petro Makarenko and Alla Kovalchuk.
"The Polaris Programme is dedicated to strengthening local self-government in practical terms – including the institutional capacity of hromadas and the quality of service delivery. ASCs are a hromada’s superpower, the “front office” through which residents interact with local authorities every day. I hope our conference created a space for meaningful discussion and helped build a shared understanding of the key needs and future pathways for the professional development of ASC staff," said Susanna Dellans, Polaris Programme Team Leader, SALAR International Representative in Ukraine.
The first discussion focused on how ASCs themselves organise training – from onboarding new staff and running in-house courses to finding high-quality external programmes and planning resources. Participants emphasised the need for standardised approaches that would allow for personalised development pathways for every specialist.
The second panel brought together representatives of state institutions and international projects. The discussion explored the need to update training content, reduce duplication between programmes, integrate modern learning formats, and build a sustainable national model for professional development. A dedicated part of the dialogue addressed the expanding role of ASCs in delivering veteran-related services and how these new functions should be reflected in the preparation and support of administrators.
After the panel discussions, participants worked in groups on identifying ASC staff needs, mapping professional development trajectories, and finding an effective balance between online and offline learning.
The event served as a national platform for a practical conversation about ASC staff development and the creation of a coherent training system. The recommendations developed during the conference will inform future decisions and support from the Polaris Programme, ensuring that ASC staff can continue to grow without stepping away from their work – and without overstretching available resources.
