Research and Social Policy

Melbourne Citymission works at the ‘tail end’ of disadvantage. This means we work with individuals, families and communities who face barriers to participating in education, work and community life. Many also struggle to find and maintain safe, affordable housing.

These individuals, families and communities are often ‘invisible’. Their voices are rarely heard or valued in public policy and funding debates, even though these policies intimately affect their lives.

Through research and social policy, Melbourne Citymission seeks to put the ‘lived experience’ of people who are socially and economically excluded at the forefront of policy debates and decisions.

Melbourne Citymission’s objective is to develop evidence-based policies that provide long-term exits out of disadvantage. Our focus includes:

  • social inclusion / exclusion
  • locational disadvantage
  • homelessness and sustainable housing
  • employment, education and training pathways
  • outcomes measurement
  • Melbourne Citymission — in practice.

Research

The RSPU conducts diverse forms of research and evaluation including:

  • qualitative and quantitative research that reflects the experience and outcomes of service users and providers
  • action research that draws on our practical experiences of service delivery and the experiences of those who use our services
  • strategic evaluations of innovative service models and practices.

We develop, implement and report on our research in collaboration with:

  • university-based researchers
  • community sector organisations
  • government and peak bodies
  • communities stakeholders.

Policy

The RSPU draws upon diverse academic, policy and program literature as well as its own and other’s empirical research to contribute to the development of social policy that provides sustainable solutions to disadvantage and exclusion. This work includes:

  • critical analyses of current and past policies
  • development of conceptual frameworks for policy platforms
  • submissions to government consultations and inquiries
  • consultations with government departments and services.

Advocacy

The voices of those who are most marginalised are often missing from and misrepresented in public policy debate. This can distort community understanding of the causes and solutions to disadvantage and exclusion. To redress these silences and absences, the RSPU is focused on promoting a greater understanding and stimulating debate in the broader Australian community about the individual and structural causes of and solutions to disadvantage and exclusion.

Current Projects

The RSPU's current prjects include:

  • Homelessness and Sustainable Housing
  • Young People and Homelessness
  • Children and Homelessness
  • Women and Justice
  • Education and Employment
  • Social Inclusion and Exclusion
  • Disability services and individualised funding.

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Research Focus

The RSPU's research focus includes:

  • Social Inclusion and Exclusion
  • Sustainable Housing and Homelessness
  • Employment Education and Training
  • MORF.

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Publications and Presentations

This is where you find all Melbourne Citymission's research reports and presentations

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Melbourne Citymission

For 155 years, Melbourne Citymission has worked with disadvantaged people across Melbourne and Victoria. Every week we help thousands of people build a clear pathway out of disadvantage, economic exclusion and social isolation.

Our services support:

  • people to find a pathway out of homelessness
  • disabled people to get the resources and support they need to live the life they want
  • people to break the cycle of poverty and abuse
  • people to find jobs, or enter into education and training.