Asuria, is set to integrate a PhD program into the delivery of its Disability Employment Services (DES) to examine the diverse perspectives of employees with disabilities in small and medium-sized businesses, with the goal of supporting Australian businesses in their recruitment and retention of this underrepresented section of the workforce.
As the most recent recipient of the prestigious National Industry PhD Program award (an Australian Government initiative which aims to train 1,300 PhD candidates over 10 years) Professor Jo Ingold of 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.
Over four years, the project will contribute new academic knowledge from three studies, as well as delivering rigorously tested strategies and practices for organisations. 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.
Addressing the economic and societal benefits of increasing the representation and retention of people with disability in the workforce, the project’s outputs will be used to create a practical framework for small and medium-sized businesses looking to benefit from the immense economic potential of people with disability, whose skills and aptitudes remain under-utilised.
Nicole Grainger-Marsh, CEO of Asuria Australia, says of the collaboration: ‘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.
‘It’s for all these reasons and more that we are immensely proud to be supporting Professor Jo Ingold and ACU in this invaluable endeavour.’
Professor Jo Ingold adds: "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.