University and BSL in groundbreaking move to lead social change

9 December 2002

The University of Melbourne and Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) are partnering in a global search for a 'pioneering thinker' to lead research and change in social policy and welfare delivery in Australia.

The new position of Professorial Fellow of Social Policy, with the title of Professor, will combine teaching and research at a premier university with policy development and research in one of Australia's leading welfare organisations.

Co-funded by the BSL and University of Melbourne, the five-year appointment is to lead research and development of policy around partnership solutions to Australia's social problems.

The Professorial Fellow's role will be divided between leading the BSL's Social Action and Research and teaching and research at the University's Centre for Public Policy within the Department of Political Science. The Professor will coordinate a new Masters program in Social Policy for the growing numbers of young people keen to pursue careers in this area.

"This groundbreaking work will focus on the link between important areas that are emerging in our social and political landscape - 'whole of government' service delivery, triple bottom line and corporate citizenship, and social enterprise," said Father Nic Frances, Executive Director of the BSL.

"In our work towards an Australia free of poverty we know there are more complex answers to social problems than economics. We're searching for solutions for better social inclusion and sustainability that involve the whole of our society.

"This is an exciting opportunity to lead practice and policy that will support this emerging pattern to create change. We're delighted the University is honouring our work in this field."

Professor Brian Galligan, Head of the University's Department of Political Science, said he is delighted that this partnership with the BSL enables the University to make a senior appointment in Social Policy to boost its research and teaching in the area.

"The University has a major commitment to social justice that this partnership enhances," he said. "In working with the BSL in this way, I believe we are on the side of the angels."