The AOD Leadership Accelerator Program is a targeted leadership development program for new and emerging leaders in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector, delivered in partnership with RMIT.
In 2026, the program will be delivered in two funded rounds, supported by the Victorian Department of Health
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.
Program Overview
The AOD Leadership Accelerator is a three-month intensive leadership program designed to build participants’ leadership understanding, confidence and capability within the context of the AOD sector.
The program combines in-person learning, online workshops and peer connection, with a strong focus on applying leadership learning in the workplace.
Program Structure
- Three in-person workshops
- Three online workshops
- Three online Community of Practice sessions
Who Should Apply
- Emerging leaders in the AOD sector, who are not currently in leadership roles, but have an interest in progressing to a leader/manager role.
- New leaders and managers in the AOD sector, who have been in their roles for 12 months or less.
2026 Program Dates
- Round 1: May – August 2026
- Round 2: August – November 2026
Sign Up to VAADA ENEWS to find out when EOIs open for each round.
The program is structured around three core leadership focus areas…
Foundations of Leadership
Participants explore leadership and management in the AOD context, with an emphasis on:
Leadership vs management
Understanding leadership styles and impact
Developing self-awareness and reflective practice
Leading Others
This module focuses on people leadership in complex environments, including:
Trauma-informed leadership practice
Leader wellbeing and regulation
Understanding diversity within teams
Building supportive, psychologically safe cultures
Leadership Across the AOD Sector
The final component broadens the lens to sector-wide leadership, including:
Systems thinking and leadership influence
AOD program design and development
Understanding and engaging with funding and grant processes
Evaluation and Impact
Earlier deliveries of the AOD Leadership Accelerator were independently evaluated by RMIT Workforce Innovation and Development Institute (WIDI), providing valuable insights to inform ongoing delivery.
Key findings included:
- 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.”
For more information about the program, 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.