Social Policy Research Centre | Arts, Design & Architecture – UNSW Sydney (original) (raw)

Researching critical social issues

The Social Policy Research Centre makes a positive impact through independent and leading research that tackles critical social issues.

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Our research

We're dedicated to tackling critical social issues through research with a focus on poverty, inequality, wellbeing and justice. Explore our research areas to learn more.

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Our people

Our researchers are leaders in their fields, with a strong reputation in the academic community, lending authority to our work and influence to public debate.

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Our projects

We focus on projects that enhance the lives and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Our research enlightens public debate and enhances policy formation, both nationally and internationally.

Latest research

Uniting Families Report Uniting Families Report

Uniting NSW.ACT and the SPRC have embarked on a 10-year partnership to produce an annual Families Report. This research seeks to examine the reality of family life in Australia, foster a deeper understanding of the diversity within our communities (and how their experiences differ), and explore what it means to raise children and young people.

Evaluation of the Universal Screening and Support pilot Evaluation of the Universal Screening and Support pilot

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice commissioned the SPRC to undertake a process, outcomes and economic evaluation of the Universal Screening and Support pilot (USS) over 2019-2022. USS is a prevention and early intervention program, screening all students in participating schools and delivering targeted wrap around supports to students and their families to reduce their risk of homelessness and school disengagement.

Road to Employment evaluation Road to Employment evaluation

Road to Employment is a 3-year NDIA funded project implemented by Purple Orange in South Australia that uses a lifecycle approach from childhood to adulthood to change work expectations about people with disability. A team of researchers at the SPRC and Flinders University in Adelaide are undertaking an action research approach to evaluate the impact of the Road to Employment project on stakeholders and the lessons from the project for future similar projects.

Budget Standards for Low-Paid Families Budget Standards for Low-Paid Families

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) Annual Wage Review 2019–20 decision referred to budget standards as one consideration when assessing the needs of the low paid, particularly a 2017 report on budget standards developed for low paid Australians by SPRC researchers. This current project has reviewed and revised the budget items in the 2017 report and expanded on the previous report by including feedback from a broader section of the community (both low-paid and middle-income households).

Evaluation of the Educational Pathways Program Evaluation of the Educational Pathways Program

The NSW Department of Education commissioned a research team from the SPRC and UNSW School of Education to undertake an outcomes evaluation of the Educational Pathways Program, designed to improve further education and career outcomes for young people.

Has progress stalled on gender equality at work? An international body of research led by UNSW academics warns progress towards gender equality at work is stalling – and in some cases going backwards – as climate change, artificial intelligence, violence and politics reshape working conditions. Jan 15, 2026 Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion UNSW Canberra Social Policy Research Centre SDG SDG5 SDG8 SDG10 Social Affairs Art, Architecture & Design General Research Environments and systems Prosperity Healthy lives

8 ways to drink less during the silly season You don’t have to rely on willpower alone. Dec 01, 2025 Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion General Health Opinion Culture Healthy lives Resilient society SDG SDG3 SDG12 Social Policy Research Centre Poverty in Australia increases to 1 in 7 people: new report The number of people living in poverty in Australia has increased to 1 in 7, according to a new report released today, at the start of Anti-Poverty Week. Oct 13, 2025 Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion Networks and partnerships Prosperity Resilient society Social Affairs Art, Architecture & Design General SDG SDG1 SDG2 SDG3 SDG8 SDG10 Social Policy Research Centre Stable housing and income key to building family support networks, new report Access to a ‘village’ to help raise a child is not equal and family circumstances can make or break the ability to sustain support networks, according to UNSW researchers. Sep 08, 2025 Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Social Affairs Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion SDG SDG10 Social Policy Research Centre