Research for Social Impact

Swinburne University of Technology
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Welcome to the Research for Social Impact podcast, presented by the Centre for Social Impact (CSI) at Swinburne University of Technology. Hosted by Susan Pizzati, Principal Industry Fellow (Social Impact) at CSI Swinburne, this podcast aims to bring you the latest in social impact research and education, through engaging conversations, insightful interviews, and valuable information. We’ll cover topics such as social entrepreneurship, social finance, impact measurement, community services innovation, and employment reform, and our guests will include academic researchers, sector experts, industry guests and even our students and alumni. So, whether you're a seasoned professional in the social impact space or someone looking to make a difference, join us as we explore the latest research and initiatives relating to the social purpose ecosystem. We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands where we produce this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Episodes

  1. Episode 8: Growing Intellectual Disability Employment in the Public Sector

    Apr 9

    Episode 8: Growing Intellectual Disability Employment in the Public Sector

    In our latest episode of the Research for Social Impact podcast, we examine the recent research led by CSI Swinburne in partnership with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), focused on how public sector employers can expand employment opportunities and pathways for people with intellectual disability.The discussion features CSI Swinburne Research Fellow and co-author Lucy Macali alongside DCJ Senior Advisor for Inclusion and Diversity, Maiten Pennay. Together, they reflect on the findings of the Growing Intellectual Disability Employment project, exploring persistent barriers, practical approaches that are working, and the role of government in driving change.With employment for people with intellectual disability remaining significantly low, this conversation offers a timely and grounded perspective on what needs to shift.We hope you enjoy this discussion, and thanks for listening!

    36 min
  2. Episode 7: How the WISE-Ability Model is Transforming Employment for People with a Disability

    04/03/2025

    Episode 7: How the WISE-Ability Model is Transforming Employment for People with a Disability

    In this episode, we explore research by the Centre for Social Impact at Swinburne into innovative supported employment pathways designed to create meaningful opportunities for marginalised groups. Our discussion delves into the latest insights on how tailored employment models can foster inclusion, build skills, and support long-term workforce participation. Joining the conversation is Dr. Perri Campbell, Research Fellow at CSI Swinburne, who is the lead researcher on the project. Together with host Susan Pizzati, they discuss key findings, the impact on individuals and communities, and what these approaches mean for the future of employment support. This research includes the Work Integration Social Enterprise (WISE) Ability model, developed through the Connecting Pathways to Employment project. CSI researchers have been working with Disability Enterprises (previously known as Australian Disability Enterprises or ADEs) to develop an organisational design model that supports pathways to mainstream employment for participants. Tune in to learn more about the role of co-designed employment models, the importance of wraparound support, and the broader social impact of these initiatives. We hope you enjoy this discussion, and thanks for listening! Contact Details:Susan Pizzati (Host and Principal Industry Fellow (Social Impact) at CSI Swinburne) https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanpizzati/ Dr. Perri Campbell (Research Fellow at CSI Swinburne) https://www.linkedin.com/in/perri-campbell-78b297119/ Episode Links:Centre for Social Impact : https://www.csi.edu.au/ WISE Ability Model Australia: https://wiseabilitymodelaustralia.org.au/ Research: Connecting Pathways to Employment with the WISE Enterprise Model: https://www.csi.edu.au/research/connecting-pathways-to-employment-with-the-work-integration-social-enterprise-model/ Media Release:Zero Nomination Media Release: https://www.csi.edu.au/news/centre-for-social-impact-swinburne-shortlisted-for-prestigious-global-award/ Acknowledging our Partners:Windarring: https://www.windarring.org.au/ GenU: https://www.genu.org.au/ Disability Trust: https://disabilitytrust.org.au/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy46_BhDOARIsAIvmcwPYVnGnAbEenNrXqsDd1CAeIOyCk_mHqyJaBtLcQSN97SFM-W_7kPEaAoXzEALw_wcB Ability Works: https://www.abilityworks.com.au/ Department of Social Services: https://www.dss.gov.au/

    29 min
  3. Episode 6: Strengthening Financial Wellbeing in Jobs-Focused Social Enterprises

    02/27/2025

    Episode 6: Strengthening Financial Wellbeing in Jobs-Focused Social Enterprises

    In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking three-year financial wellbeing project, led by Whitebox Enterprises and funded by the Ecstra Foundation. This initiative is the first bespoke financial wellbeing program designed specifically for, and with, jobs-focused social enterprises, helping employees build confidence, skills, and behaviours around money management. Joining the conversation are Kelly Taylor, National Program Manager at White Box Enterprises, and Dr. Chris Dembek, Senior Lecturer & Researcher at CSI Swinburne, who has been leading the evaluation of the project to date. Kelly and Chris share key insights from the latest evaluation, discuss the impact on participants, and reflect on the broader impacts for those involved in the project. Tune in to learn about the power of co-design, peer learning, and wrap-around support models in improving financial wellbeing in jobs-focussed social enterprise, as well as what’s next for this exciting project. We hope you enjoy this discussion, and thanks for listening! Full episode notes: https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/s/csi_podcast

    34 min
  4. Episode 5: Scaling Social Enterprise Impact through Cross-Sector Collaboration with Sally McGeoch

    12/05/2024 ·  Video

    Episode 5: Scaling Social Enterprise Impact through Cross-Sector Collaboration with Sally McGeoch

    In this episode of the Research for Social Impact Podcast, we explore the potential of cross-sector collaboration to help Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) scale their impact. Our guest is Sally McGeoch, a PhD candidate at the Centre for Social Impact Swinburne University of Technology, whose research is exploring how partnerships can drive growth in the WISE sector.Sally also brings extensive hands-on experience as a Senior Advisor at the Westpac Foundation, where she designs and delivers grant and capacity-building programs that empower social enterprises to create meaningful employment opportunities for Australians facing complex barriers to work. With nearly 17 years of experience at the intersection of philanthropy, business, and social enterprise, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her academic research.During our conversation, Sally shares insights into her research journey so far, including her research involving STREAT, White Box Enterprises and Jigsaw, and her focus on creating an ecosystem growth strategy for scaling impact. She discusses the importance of collaboration in tackling complex social issues, the challenges of sustaining partnerships, and the need for greater support and resources within the WISE sector.Tune in to learn more about how social enterprises can achieve systemic change through collaboration, and what it takes to build a more inclusive employment landscape in Australia.We hope you enjoy this discussion, and thanks for listening!

    28 min
  5. Episode 4: Evaluation of the Payment by Outcomes Trial for Social Enterprise with Mark Daniels from White Box Enterprises

    11/13/2024 ·  Video

    Episode 4: Evaluation of the Payment by Outcomes Trial for Social Enterprise with Mark Daniels from White Box Enterprises

    In this episode of the Research for Social Impact Podcast, we delve into the Australian Government’s Payment by Outcomes (PBO) Trial for social enterprise. PBO is an innovative funding model that rewards outcomes rather than prescribed activities, marking a significant shift in how social services could be funded. The PBO trial is funded by the Department of Social Services and delivered in collaboration with White Box Enterprises and 17 social enterprises nationwide. It aims to secure long-term employment outcomes for individuals who have experienced extended periods of unemployment and receive Job Seeker or DSP payments. Our guests, Dr. Roksolana Suchowerska, Senior Lecturer in Social Impact at CSI Swinburne, and Mark Daniels, Chief Operating Officer at White Box Enterprises, talk us through the design, implementation, and results of the PBO for social enterprise. This episode highlights how the PBO Trial is enabling social enterprises to create meaningful, inclusive employment opportunities. With expert insights from the evaluation and real-world applications, this discussion offers valuable lessons for policymakers, social enterprises, and advocates of innovative funding models. We hope you enjoy this discussion and thanks for listening!

    52 min
  6. Episode 3: Mental Health and Wellbeing in Australian Creative Industries with Support Act

    10/14/2024

    Episode 3: Mental Health and Wellbeing in Australian Creative Industries with Support Act

    This episode of the Research for Social Impact Podcast, we delve into a vital study on the mental health and wellbeing of workers within Australia’s creative industries, research conducted by the Centre for Social Impact Swinburne University of Technology in collaboration with Support Act, a charity dedicated to providing crisis relief and mental health support, particularly for those in the music sector. The episode features insights from psychologist Dr. Ash King of Support Act and the Centre for Social Impact Research Fellow Dr. Aurora Elmes, who share findings on the mental health challenges faced by professionals in various fields, including music, visual arts, performing arts, and digital games. The study reveals ongoing issues such as job precarity, low income, and heightened anxiety and burnout, problems exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.Support Act plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges through initiatives like mental health training and financial assistance. Despite some positive developments, many creative workers continue to grapple with significant obstacles, including financial stress and adverse working conditions. The research underscores the importance of adequate work and income, social support and self-care, emphasising how creativity and community are essential to fostering resilience and enhancing the wellbeing of workers in these industries.We hope you enjoy this discussion, and thanks for listening!

    45 min
  7. Episode 2: Exploring Outcomes Measurement

    07/08/2024

    Episode 2: Exploring Outcomes Measurement

    In this episode, we delve into the topic of outcomes measurement, which has become increasingly important in work undertaken across the social impact ecosystem in terms of both accountability and demonstrating effectiveness. But what exactly do we mean by outcomes measurement, and what challenges do we face in this process?To unpack this complex topic, we’ve brought together two researchers from CSI Swinburne: Centre Director, Professor Erin Wilson and Dr. Robert Campain, both of whom bring a wealth of practical and academic experience in outcomes measurement.We hope you enjoy this discussion, and thanks for listening!__Links for this episode:Community Services Outcomes Tree: https://www.csi.edu.au/tools-and-guides/community-services-outcomes-treeCentre for Social Impact: https://www.csi.edu.auCSI Swinburne Course Information: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/research/centres-groups-clinics/centre-for-social-impact-swinburne/our-study-optionsContacts:Professor Erin Wilson: ewilson@swin.edu.auRobert Campain: rcampain@swin.edu.auSusan Pizzati: spizzati@swin.edu.auCSI Swinburne: csiswin@swin.edu.au Community Services Outcomes Tree: CSOT@swin.edu.au

    35 min
  8. Episode 1: An Introduction to Research for Social Impact

    04/30/2024

    Episode 1: An Introduction to Research for Social Impact

    Welcome to the first episode of the Research for Social Impact podcast! In this episode, we wanted to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Centre for Social Impact (CSI) at Swinburne University of Technology, and provide an overview of our work at the Centre. Joining us as our first-ever guest is our Centre Director at CSI Swinburne, Professor Erin Wilson. Erin brings a wealth of experience to her role, having been an integral part of the CSI Swinburne senior leadership team since 2019. She is highly regarded both nationally and internationally for her contributions to research and education in outcomes measurement, community services innovation, and disability employment. We are honoured to have Erin with us to kickstart our podcast journey, setting the tone for the informative conversations that lie ahead in this series. We hope you enjoy this episode, and thanks for listening!__Links for this episode:Community Services Outcomes Tree: https://www.csi.edu.au/tools-and-guides/community-services-outcomes-treeSocial Startup Studio: https://www.socialstartupstudio.com.auSeedkit: https://seedkit.com.auCentre for Social Impact: https://www.csi.edu.auProfessor Erin Wilson: ewilson@swin.edu.auSusan Pizzati: spizzati@swin.edu.auCSI Swinburne: csiswin@swin.edu.au

    30 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Welcome to the Research for Social Impact podcast, presented by the Centre for Social Impact (CSI) at Swinburne University of Technology. Hosted by Susan Pizzati, Principal Industry Fellow (Social Impact) at CSI Swinburne, this podcast aims to bring you the latest in social impact research and education, through engaging conversations, insightful interviews, and valuable information. We’ll cover topics such as social entrepreneurship, social finance, impact measurement, community services innovation, and employment reform, and our guests will include academic researchers, sector experts, industry guests and even our students and alumni. So, whether you're a seasoned professional in the social impact space or someone looking to make a difference, join us as we explore the latest research and initiatives relating to the social purpose ecosystem. We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands where we produce this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Information

  • Creator
    Swinburne University of Technology
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Swinburne University of Technology.
  • Show Website
    Research for Social Impact