In addition to keynote addresses, the congress program incorporates presentation streams. These streams are built around responses to the Call for Case Studies, Innovative Models & Research Papers, which in 2009, invited Australian and international professionals and researchers to submit an abstract on a case study, Best Practice innovation, cutting-edge model of service delivery, or leading research.

Workshops will be presented in concurrent streams, with two (2) or three (3) presentations per stream. All presentations will be given in English.

WORKSHOP SESSION INFORMATION

Wednesday 24 March, 2.15 – 4.15 pm

Stream 1:  SOCIAL ENTERPRISES

Social Firms Australia - Building Supportive Workplaces for Employees with a Mental Illness

Mental illness is far more prevalent than previously understood, and the unemployment rates for people with a mental illness are very high. Employment is a critical component of social inclusion, providing structure, purpose and a sense of identity, and income. It is essential that employers make the adjustments required for employees with a mental illness. SoFA establishes and supports social firms – not-for-profit enterprises with up to 50 percent of positions for people with a mental illness. As a result, many people with a mental illness have been able to get and keep a job, and the successful support strategies are being developed and documented to promote to other workplaces.

Presented by: Caroline Crosse, Executive Director & Jeff Galvin, Consumer Advocate, Social Firms Australia (SoFA) – AUSTRALIA

Real Work for Real People

It has been the experience of BoysTown that paid work brings many benefits to disadvantaged young people – a statement of the obvious that is often easier said than achieved. Well constructed and supported intermediate labour market (social enterprise) employment opportunities can help address the life issues of the person and set them up for full inclusion in the labour market with all the associated benefits. It is BoysTown’s view that opportunities need to be “real, relevant and mainstream” to be fully successful. This presentation will outline a picture of the people, enterprises and outcomes. An overview of some of the difficulties and pitfalls experienced in ten years of developing and sustaining social enterprise employment opportunities for disadvantaged people will also be covered.

Presented by: John Perry, GM – Employment Education & Training, BoysTown –AUSTRALIA

Social enterprises for employment creation in Australia: What they do, how they vary, what they can achieve, and the implications for research and policy

In the non-profit sector there has been particular interest in social enterprises as a way to create employment and training opportunities for people needing supportive workplaces or a transition to mainstream employment. Both the current government’s social inclusion policy agenda and the opportunities created by the Community Jobs Fund and DEEWR Innovation fund have seen a significant number of new or growing social enterprises funded during 2009.

Presented by: Dr May Lam, Policy Manager, Social Traders – AUSTRALIA

STREAM 2: LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS

Rural Industry Workforce Planning and Action - A Framework for Local-level Collective Action from the Dairy Industry

A common issue facing rural industries is how to realistically plan and act collectively in people capability and workforce development when the sector consists of a large number of autonomous and dispersed small to medium sized businesses that on their own command no power in the context of ‘workforce-size’ when engaging with employment and/or economic development services. A workforce planning and action framework that can support regional industry groups to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders in their region about workforce needs, to prioritise efforts and to design activities.

Presented by: Dr Ruth Nettle, Leader, Rural Innovation Research Group and Dairy Australia Research fellowship, University of Melbourne – AUSTRALIA

“Participate in Prosperity”: A Program Response to Enhancing Social Inclusion in Queensland

The PiP strategy represents an innovative shift from traditional policies that base funding around one specific issue, to a more flexible model where the local community is engaged in identifying service gaps for clients with multifaceted needs. This continuum view shapes the delivery of the PiP strategy. PiP projects have targeted a range of barriers to employability such as: access to social welfare; general living and literacy skills; overcoming physical and mental health issues, abuse and socialization problems; overcoming ‘stereotypes’ associated with non-traditional employees and increased awareness of support available to employers; and availability of transport to inaccessible places of employment.

Presented by: Kerry Stephen, Principal Economist, QLD Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) – AUSTRALIA

STREAM 3: CAPACITY BUILDING

The Three Pillars Approach to Sustainable Employment Outcomes for Indigenous People

It is widely recognized that the Indigenous community is the most disadvantaged in Australia. The Replay Group has designed a new learning model which takes into account the educational and sociological needs of the Indigenous Community, and has led to remarkable results both from an employment and an intergenerational flow-on perspective. This presentation examines the learning model in detail and looks at the journey of two of 500 graduates who have successfully achieved a Certificate 111 level qualification and sustainable employment.

Presented by: Dr Mary Jones, CEO, The Replay Group – AUSTRALIA

The official launch of the Wareg website – A web-based educational tool to assist the transition of Australian Indigenous people living in remote and regional communities from welfare dependence to real employment

“Wareg” is the Aboriginal Kriol word for “work”. It is also the name of an online transition to employment program developed by the Wunan Foundation in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. The program, which has been designed to overcome the barrier of extreme remoteness, is a step-by-step guide in preparing participants for employment that is based on Best Practice. This resource has been modeled on a real life pilot program experience where cultural sensitivities have also been considered.

Presented by: Jorge Gonzalez, Project Manager & Murray Coates, General Manager, Wunan Foundation – AUSTRALIA

STREAM 4: EMPLOYMENT CREATION & ENGAGEMENT

The Success of Coordinating Services to Create Jobs for People with a Disability

Disability Works Australia Ltd developed a model that assists large employers to recruit people with disabilities and mental illnesses into their workforces by coordinating all Australian Government Initiatives. The business case to engage large national employers is strengthened considerably by the offer of a consistent process and level of service across Australia. The development of a nationally coordinated process has resulted in agreements with many large high profile nationally-based employers including Coles Group, NAB, Compass Group and Woolworths Ltd.

Presented by: Tina Zeleznik, CEO, Disability Works (and recipient of the 2009 National Disability Award for Business) – AUSTRALIA

Employment Creation: Project for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the Korean National Assembly

Disability awareness among officials in the National Assembly is changing as a result of working closely with disabled persons as they are performing their jobs. Korea’s Employment Promotion Agency for the Disabled (KEPAD) expects that this project will help boost employment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the public sector, i.e. judiciary, various administrations, local governments, and public libraries.

Presented by: Dr Jongjin Kim, Director, Employment Development Institute of the Korean Employment Promotion Agency for the Disabled – KOREA

Futures Coffeehouse – Finding Inclusion without Exclusion

With a social inclusion and accessibility focus, this friendly affirming community environment offers disability-specific equipment, resources and displays, highlighting the creativity of people with disabilities as well as employment and training facilities.

Presented by: Kevin O’Loughlin, CEO, Finding Futures – AUSTRALIA

STREAM 5: ENHANCED SERVICE DELIVERY MODELS

An International Model for Partnering

Strategic partnerships, the sharing of experience and best practice, and the efficient effective development and sharing of resources are critical elements for the sustainability in a post GFC world. In 2009 Interwork Limited, an Australia Disability Employment specialist, merged with Shaw Trust Limited UK. The objective is to establish an international organization that shares best practice to support end-users (job seekers, employers and contract owners). Interwork and Shaw Trust will share experiences and offer insight into a unique partnership between two not-for-profits from opposite sides of the globe.

Presented by: Rosemary Wallage, Managing Director & CEO, Interwork Ltd

The UK's Prime Contractor Model - Will it deliver innovation?

This presentation discusses how shifts in contracting have affected innovation in service delivery and access to specialist support. Greg identifies key issues for consideration by decision makers and potential Primes, including: how to ensure a broad range of specialist groups are catered for; facilitating innovation; and engaging communities and individuals who do not access statutory job centres. In addition to delivering employment services in the UK, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and Korea, Ingeus is currently contracted to assist more than 98,000 people with health conditions over three years through the UK’s Pathways to Work program. The company also provides specialist services to people on health-related benefits in France and Switzerland.

Presented by: Greg Ashmead, Deputy Managing Director, Ingeus Limited

Transformation of Service Delivery - The Challenge for Government in the Delivery of Social Services toward Greater Social and Economic Inclusion

This focus will be on what Government needs to do to transform social service delivery working across levels of government and putting the Customer (the individual/family/carer/community) front and centre of this transformation. The presentation will explore the use of technology, risk tiering and using existing government infrastructure; while examples of from both the public and private sector will also be used to share lessons learnt and innovation in service delivery.

Presented by: Permenthri Pillay, Senior Associate, Booz & Co – AUSTRALIA

STREAM 6: BEST PRACTICE & INNOVATION

Innovations in Enhancing Employment Outcomes - Addressing Mental Health at an Industry and Organisational Level

This presentation, which has been delivered to more than 400 organisations in Australia, has been independently evaluated by the University of Nottingham and licensed to be delivered within the United Kingdom; will provide an overview of beyondblue’s National Workplace Program, how it works with organisations to create change in attitudes and behaviours and a case study about how this has worked in practice.

Presented by: Therese Fitzpatrick, National Workplace Program Manager, beyondblue: the national depression initiative – AUSTRALIA

Case Management and Employment - The Advantages and Challenges Associated with a Case Management Approach to Employment Services

The focus of this presentation will be on the assessment and evaluation process, training initiatives and project outcomes, specific to the case management practices across Communicare’s employment services. The presentation will also provide an overview of their practice model as it relates to the application of a case management model within employment services.

Presented by: Wayne Stevenson, General Manager, & Damian Green, Executive Manager Accommodation and Community Interventions, Communicare Inc.  – AUSTRALIA

WORKSHOP SESSION INFORMATION

Thursday 25 March, 1.30 – 3.30 pm

STREAM 2:  LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS

Keepit ACES: A Whole of Region Approach to Aboriginal Employment & Business Development

The Keepit ACES (Aboriginal Community Employment Strategy) is a ‘whole of region’ approach to Aboriginal employment. It recognizes that governments cannot sufficiently address this need working alone, and strategies are required to better coordinate the efforts and strengths across the Keepit Region if New South Wales. The work is lead by a new consortium of four Aboriginal organizations plus the Northern Inland NSW office of Regional Development Australia. Some significant outcomes have been achieved in a brief time and with relatively modest resources.

Presented by: Kim-Trieste Hastings, Project Officer – Northern Inland NSW, Regional Development Australia & Adam Blakester, Change Strategist, ParadigmPlay – AUSTRALIA

Enhancing Employment Outcomes for Indigenous People in Remote Communities

In July 2008, Victoria Daly Shire was created by amalgamating eight remote community councils as part of the Northern Territory reform process, to ‘develop strong local economies and jobs for local people’. Since this time, the council has increased employment from 180 to 320 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff, of which 77 percent are local Indigenous people. This presentation will explore the strategies used to gain such great outcomes in a short period of time.

Presented by: Sandra Cannon, CEO, Victoria Daly Shire Council – AUSTRALIA

STREAM 3A: CAPACITY BUILDING

Holistic Service Model

Asylum Seekers are some of Australia’s most disadvantaged people. While often grouped with refugees, their experience in Australia is in fact very different from their counterparts. Long term instability and uncertainty coupled with the ineligibility for government support, means that asylum seekers require a unique style of employment service provision. ASSET – the Asylum Seeker Service for Employment and Training – is the only employment and training service dedicated to asylum seekers in Australia. It receives no government funding, assists over 200 clients per year who receive no access to government employment support, government-funded TAFE courses or traineeships. It is operated by one full time paid staff member and 27 volunteers.

Presented by: Gavin Ackerly, Manager, ASSET – AUSTRALIA

The Art of Social Inclusion

Social inclusion of migrants and other disadvantaged groups and individuals is an ongoing challenge. Addressing this through innovative creative leadership programs is one way of creating new networks, improved language and communication skills, wellbeing and employment pathways. Creativity Australia is developing a number of programs which bridge social capital between unemployment and disadvantaged people and executives and employees of business and government. By using the universal language of music and song, new networks and mentoring are occurring and are leading to employment pathways and jobs.

Presented by: Tania de Jong AM, Founder & Chair, Creativity Australia – AUSTRALIA

How the Swedish Study Circle Enhances Social Participation

Study circles are an extremely effective non-formal, small group, deliberate dialogue learning format that Sweden has been refining for over 100 years. A key principle of study circles is diversity in participation. Everyone is invited to the dialogue. Those who face barriers to employment, such as people with a mental illness or disability, the homeless, indigenous people, ex-offenders and youth, engage in democratic dialogue with those in power, on equal terms. A major tenet of the Dialogue to Change Program is that the problems the disadvantaged face are not just theirs – these are problems we all face – and we all need to work through them.

Presented by: Dr Mark Brophy, Director, The Australian Study Circles Network - AUSTRALIA

STREAM 3B: CAPACITY BUILDING

Taking it Online – Online Social Networking Technologies used by Indigenous Business Owners

This presentation will provide a case study of what social media strategies were considered most successful by participants and yielding the best results for their target audiences and customers, focusing on a project between the Indigenous Women’s Business Group and Small World. The project explored and tested the best use of online social networking technologies for the purpose of supporting, connecting and prompting Indigenous women business owners. A key focus of the project has been to illuminate innovative approaches to supporting Indigenous business, their founder’s skills, their professional networks and enhancing their individual and collective business growth and employment.

Presented by: Michelle McNamara, Lead Interactive Designer, Small World & Lani Blanco-Francis, Founder & CEO, LBF Consulting - AUSTRALIA

What’s Social Media Got to Offer?

This presentation will provide a range of case studies that will describe how social media has been used to enhance collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across a range of private and public sector Australian organizations. The case studies will feature strategies including strategic planning, research, consultation, campaign design, implementation and evaluation.

Presented by: Kathy Phelan, Director, Small World & Alan Barnett, Director - Asia Pacific, Talent Point Pty Ltd – AUSTRALIA

STREAM 5: ENHANCED SERVICE DELIVERY MODELS

Co-production and Public Services in recession - Higher Outcomes and Lower Cost

The recession, credit crunch and increasing consumer demands from public services are creating unprecedented need for innovation and new models of public service delivery. Within this context all providers of public services – public, private and not-for-profit – need to explore ways to redesign services. This presentation will share international examples of innovation in personalized public services. It will look at evidence and opportunities for higher performing service to the public whilst reducing the cost to the state.

Presented by: Rob Murdoch, Executive Director, A4e Ltd (and Chair of the UK's Employment Related Services Association) – UK

Work and Income Job Search Service - Enhanced Model

The Job Search Service was developed in a way that ensured our practices would evolve to meet the needs of our clients and the wider community as times and circumstances changed.  This way of working was implemented at a time when New Zealand’s economy was strengthening; the labour market was tightening and there were increasing levels of skill shortages.

Presented by: (To be confirmed) Gloria Campbell, Regional Commissioner for Social Development, Ministry of Social Development – New Zealand

STREAM 6A: BEST PRACTICE & INNOVATION

Improving the Outcomes of a Service Delivery Model for Disadvantaged Jobseekers - Results of a Computer Simulation

One of the main challenges in the Job Services contracting model remains this issue of including the highly disadvantaged groups such as long-term unemployed, people with poor skills or disabilities, and ethnic minorities (or indigenous groups).  How can governments ensure that those groups receive the services in a market that allows for profit making as an incentive? Under a new computer simulation model of a welfare to work services market (called "Pre-tender") this presentation discusses various design choices, such as award criteria, the funding formula, the application of Star Rating, et cetera. Which placement outcomes, provider benefits, and costs for government result from such design choices? And which design would target services most to these disadvantaged groups?

Presented by: Arthur van de Meerendonk, Director, Magazijn13 BV – The Netherlands

The Doorways Program - Breaking Barriers & Changing Lives

The Doorways Program is a critical pre-employment training opportunity which assists disadvantaged job seekers achieve a positive outcome where they attain the employability skills necessary for work. ‘Doorways’ quite simply breaks down barriers and changes the lives of those who access the program. The Doorways model combines four crucial and interdependent components, and is a fine example of cutting edge service delivery that is highly innovative and person focused.

Presented by: Karin Febey, Training Manager, & Steve Daley, Executive Director, Devonfield Enterprises – AUSTRALIA

Employment Difficulties Encountered by Australians with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord for which there are some treatments but as yet no cure. People with MS often have difficulty maintaining employment. Recent research has shown that careful management of MS symptoms such as fatigue and mobility problems, and early planning and adjustment of the workplace before major disability occurs, might hold the key to retaining employment for people with MS and perhaps some other chronic diseases.

Presented by: Dr Rex Simmons, Project Manager, Australian MS Longitudinal Study & Principal Research Fellow, Canberra Hospital – AUSTRALIA

STREAM 6B: BEST PRACTICE & INNOVATION

Enhancing Indigenous Training and Employment Outcomes through Valid, Reliable, Culture-fair Assessment

Since 2004, Value Edge Consulting has completed over 4,000 “Q Test” assessments with a variety of companies and organizations throughout Australia and Asia. The Q Test provides a unique insight into a candidate’s training and employment potential. It has become increasingly clear that valid, reliable, culture-fair assessment can greatly assist in optimizing outcomes relating to the training, employment and retention of Indigenous candidates. This presentation will highlight operational case studies of how the Q Test has positively impacted on a range of Indigenous training and employment programs.

Presented by: Mark Mathieson, Consultant Psychologist, Value Edge Consulting – AUSTRALIA

Youth Unemployment: Best Practice and International Experience

The presentation will focus on: Reed in Partnership’s existing research and evidence; and best practices and innovation to manage growth in youth unemployment. This will include discussion of barriers to work faced by young people, their motivations and activities with which to engage them in the community.

Presented by: David O’Sullivan, Executive Director, Reed in Partnership – AUSTRALIA

Collaboration for Success: Working Together to Improve Social Inclusion and Employment Participation

This presentation will highlight factors critical to the success of two collaborative service delivery projects assisting people with psychiatric illness. Through a shared awareness of service roles and responsibilities, primary health care professionals were better able to identify critical pathways and points at which clients with psychiatric illness were most likely to benefit from accessing mental health, social participation and employment interventions. Factors critical to success in both the collaborations will be highlighted, as well as how taking a risk and being open to new ways of working can result in some unexpected spin offs.

Presented by: Alison Angleton, Research and Evaluation Manager, CRS Australia – AUSTRALIA

PLEASE NOTE: All workshop streams on each day will run concurrently.

Full presentation papers will be available for download from this website, after the Congress.