The AOD Leadership Accelerator Program was a pilot initiative delivered in 2024–2025 by VAADA in partnership with RMIT University, funded by the Victorian Government’s Skills Solutions Partnership Program.
The program was designed to empower new and emerging leaders in the AOD sector with the necessary theory and practice to lead teams in complex social service setting.
Why an AOD specific leadership and management course?
Through our surveys and consultations with sector staff and services, it was clear that current leadership and training programs did not meet the needs of the AOD sector. There was a significant demand for a leadership program that understands the complexities and unique challenges of the AOD sector, but with broader applicability to other social service sectors.
Pilot Program Overview
The six-month pilot program consisted of a series of in-person two-day workshops and six online community of practice sessions to support application of knowledge and skills in between workshops.
Workshop 1: Leadership and Management Essentials
This foundational module helps participants begin viewing themselves as leaders, exploring the relationship between leadership and management.
Workshop 2: From Conversation to Connection
This module introduced DISC communication styles, key leadership scenarios, alongside reflective practice and supervision in the AOD context.
Workshop 3: Managing HR and Critical Incidents Effectivly
This module builds on previous leadership content with a focus on leading teams through HR practices and managing organisational risks.
Workshop 4: Trauma Informed Leadership
This module focuses on embedding trauma-informed principles into leadership practice, with an emphasis on regulating as a leader, wellbeing and fostering a supportive culture.
Workshop 5: Leading with Inclusion
This module focuses on the dynamics of leading diverse and multidisciplinary teams within the AOD sector. It explores diversity in clients accessing services & of the workforce.
Workshop 6: AOD Program Design & Development
The final module shifts perspectives to sector-wide systems thinking and influence. It explores the concept of systems thinking, advocacy, policy influence and AOD sector program design.
Evaluation and Impact
The pilot concluded in May 2025 and was evaluated by RMIT Workforce Innovation and Development Institute (WIDI).
- High value for sector-specific content: Participants valued the program’s focus on trauma-informed leadership, cultural responsiveness, and lived experience integration.
“This is the most relevant training I’ve done since entering the field.”
- Increased confidence and leadership capability: Many participants reported improved knowledge, skills, and confidence in leadership capabilities.
“Meeting my leadership goals – this was exactly what I needed.”
- Value for guest speakers: The mix of interactive workshops, guest speakers and peer learning helped bridge theory and real-world application.
“I loved the guest speakers – they added such a valuable lens.”
- Valued peer connection and support: The Community of Practice sessions were seen as vital reflection, learning reinforcement and building sector-wide relationships.
- Strong call for future access: There was overwhelming support for the program more widely available.
“I would love to see this program fully funded for more people to access.”
VAADA is exploring options to sustain the program and offer it again in future. In the meantime, the program outcomes and learnings will inform VAADA’s understanding of the needs of emerging leaders in our sector, and our advocacy for continued workforce development offerings.
For more information about the pilot, please get in touch with Anushka Ananth, Workforce Development Coordinator at aananth@vaada.org.au
| Description | Dates |
|---|---|
| CoP: Introduction (online) | 19th September 2024 |
| Workshop 1 (2 days in-person) | 7th and 8th October 2024 |
| CoP 1 (online) | 24th October 2024 |
| Workshop 2 (2 days in-person) | 11th and 12th November 2024 |
| CoP 2 (online) | 28th November 2024 |
| Workshop 3 (2 days in-person) | 2nd and 3rd December 2024 |
| CoP 3 (online) | 16th December 2024 |
| Workshop 4 (2 days in-person) | 3rd and 4th February 2025 |
| CoP 4 (online) | 18th February 2025 |
| Workshop 5 (2 days in-person) | 17th - 18th March 2025 |
| CoP 5 (online) | 25th March 2025 |
| Workshop 6 (2 days in-person) | 14th and 15th April 2025 |
| CoP 6 (online) | 29th April 2025 |
| End of program celebration (in-person) | May 2025 |
FAQ’s
I’m not a current manager but I am interested in this course.
Our program is designed for aspiring leaders and managers, and you don’t have to be in a current leadership/manager role.
Will the course be running next year?
The program is a pilot leadership and management running across 2024 and 2025. The pilot program will be evaluated by RMIT’s Workforce Innovation and Development Institute (WIDI), and subject to the outcomes of the evaluation, we hope to continue and expand the program.
I am interested in applying for this course, but I am not currently working or tied to a social service organisation.
The program includes both theoretical and practical elements. The CoP sessions are designed for participants to reflect on and discuss the application of learned skills in real-world settings, which requires active employment in the sector. If you’d like to discuss your specific situation further, please contact us.
I’m not sure if I can attend all in-person workshops.
We understand the challenges of stepping away from your roles and backfilling them. The program has been designed specifically with that in mind. While the Community of Practice sessions will be held online to support this, the workshops will be in-person due to the benefits of fully immersing yourself into the course and the networking opportunities it brings. Speak to your manager and consider your capacity to commit to attending all workshops before applying.
I don’t currently work in the AOD sector but I am interested in applying for this course.
If you are a new or emerging leader in another social service sector, you may also apply for this program. Note that the workshops will be tailored to the AOD sector, and places for applicants from allied sectors will be limited.
Will I receive anything upon completion of the program?
Participants will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon completion. We will also host an End of Program Celebration. We expect participants will also take away important knowledge and practical skills to apply in their workplace, while also developing enduring relationships with peers from the pilot.