About the SPR Unit
The Social Policy and Research Unit is committed to challenging inequality and creating a more just society.
The Unit undertakes policy development, advocacy and research across the organisation's strategic priority service areas: women and girls, young people and families, community strengthening and financial inclusion. Our agenda is set in consultation with the organisation's programs and services and with other key stakeholders including government and community service providers.
We support the organisation's services and programs by assisting with reviews, program development and data collection. We are also responsible for the development and oversight of the organisation's Social Justice Strategy.
In addition, we participate in research consortiums through the Australian Research Council grants and offer policy and research placements for students from a range of disciplines.
Advocacy
We represent the circumstances of people who are disadvantaged or excluded in some way to government and others who have the power to make a difference. In some cases our advocacy may seek to change community attitudes or broaden people's understanding of vulnerable groups.
Our advocacy activities include: developing community information materials, media articles and letters; launching our research reports and running public forums on issues of concern. We also join with other organisations and individuals with similar concerns to strengthen the impact of our advocacy.
Examples of our advocacy activity are:
Education Costs Kit: a resource for community agencies
Bankruptcy and Mental Illness: a resource for mental health workers (PDF 3.22MB)
Research
Our research activities help develop an understanding of the nature and scope of issues identified through the programs and services of Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service or through discussion with community or policy stakeholders.
We use ‘action research', bringing about positive change in people's lives while building knowledge of effective responses. We use a range of methodological approaches and always give priority to the voices and experiences of people using our services, recognising people as experts in their own lives.
Our Research Ethics Committee operates in accordance with the guidelines of the National Health and Medical Research Council and includes academics and community representation. Committee approval is required for all Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service research projects.
If you would like to apply to undertake research with us, please contact us.
For more information contact us on (03) 9418 3000 or email info@goodshepvic.org.au