Employment services provider, Asuria, is set to integrate a PhD program into the delivery of its Disability Employment Services (DES), thanks to a partnership with Australian Catholic University (ACU).
The program will examine the diverse perspectives of employees with disabilities in small and medium-sized businesses, and aims to support Australian businesses in their recruitment and retention of people with disability.
Th most recent recipient of the prestigious National Industry PhD Program award, Professor Jo Ingold from ACU, will oversee a PhD researcher embedded within the management and delivery of Asuria’s DES program, gaining access to processes and insights from thousands of weekly interactions with job seekers and employers.
Despite recent increases in the disability employment rate, employees with disability still struggle to remain and progress in employment, an area for improvement which Asuria will address for the benefit of the businesses and the employment services industry at-large through the PhD partnership.
The project will see researchers uncover new academic knowledge and design tested strategies and practices that businesses can use. Evidence-based recommendations for government will serve to inform future policy decisions, while employment service providers will benefit from open access to Asuria and Professor Jo Ingold’s findings and insights.
“Workforce inclusion for people with disability isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a catalyst for innovation. Beyond the immediate benefits of reduced turnover costs and enhanced productivity, inclusive hiring practices create a triple win: organisations gain loyal, skilled talent; employees find meaningful careers; and governments strengthen their economic foundation,” said Nicole Grainger-Marsh, CEO of Asuria Australia.
Professor Jo Ingold added: :Through this grant, the government is not only strongly reinforcing the need and opportunity for improvement in the employment prospects and potential of people with disability, but it paves the way for an impactful partnership with an organisation such as Asuria, that has continually demonstrated its desire to challenge an innovate.”
Professor Ingold and Asuria are currently welcoming enquiries from potential PhD researchers interested in undertaking the research and a formal advertisement will follow soon. The PhD expected to commence in early 2025.