Centre for Public Value UWA

The Centre for Public Value UWA is an independent research centre situated in the UWA Business School. The establishment of this centre is motivated by the opportunity for making a real and substantial contribution to Australian and regional communities through robust examinations of Australia’s social policy landscape and, in particular, the effectiveness and sustainability of the human service sector.
Embedded in our approach is the adoption of an historical perspective so as to capture the lessons learnt from our accumulated experience, as well as examine the extent to which these lessons are adequately reflected in current practices. A major benefit of this approach is that it enables a more effective contestation of paradigmatic assumptions, influences and practices.
Aims and Objectives
The Centre's key objectives include:
- Developing a systematic examination of the efficiency and effectiveness of the Australian human services sector.
- Producing insight into the economic mechanisms and significance of the Australian human services sector.
- Develop industry-ready resources to further systematic governance, transparency and planning in the sector, as well as within the government/nonprofit nexus.
- Further the establishment and utilisation of appropriate data assets and capabilities to deliver high-quality decision-making and foster linkage and accessibility for broader knowledge sharing and insight
The Centre's Research Programs
- Australian Nonprofit Accountability
- Australian Disability Services System
- Economics of Human Services
- History of Human Services and the Welfare State
- Australian Nonprofit Accounting Standards Research Program
- Public Sector Accountability and Governance
- Resources to Support Nonprofits
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Real Costs, Real Impacts: A Path to Social Services SustainabilityProfessor David Gilchrist and Ben Perks
To highlight the growing crisis of social services sustainability Catholic Social Services Australia have commissioned Professor David Gilchrist, Director of the Centre for Public Value at The University of Western Australia, and Ben Perks, Research Fellow at the Centre for Public Value, to produce a groundbreaking report "Real Costs, Real Impacts: A Path to Social Services Sustainability". The report identifies five key causes of financial sustainability risk, including:
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Economics of Human Services Paper Series
This working paper series has been designed to provide people with skills outside of economics with explanations and commentary relating to important economics topics that effect the sustainability of the human services sector in a mixed economy. As such, these working paper draw on, and add to, research and commentary undertaken by the Centre for Public Value UWA.
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Pathways to Politics for Women UWA
Pathways to Politics for Women is increasing the number of women in Australian politics by equipping diverse women to boldly embrace their political ambitions, thrive as leaders and make a profound contribution to society.
Through comprehensive practical training, workshops, mentoring and career-long support, we provide unparalleled expertise for women who are serious about driving change through political leadership.
The program at UWA is run through the Centre for Public Value UWA and the UWA Public Policy Institute.
Stay Updated
The Centre for Public Value strives in providing regular and up-to-date publications, news, events and opportunities to our community. If you would like to receive the latest from the sector and in public value we invite you to subscribe to our newsletters.
You can also view our YouTube channel for more video offering bitesize practical insights.
Team Members, Fellows and Associates
- Director
- Centre for Public Value Research Team
- Media and Communications
- Fellows
- Research Students
- Associated Scholars
- UWA Adjunct Personnel
- UWA Honorary Research Fellows
PhD Opportunities
Academics associated with the research network are available for supervising topics related to public value as its relevant intercepts.