About us

Why an Institute of Social Relations?

The Australian Institute of Social Relations provides education and training that is directly linked to workplace realities and needs. Social Relations offers a framework within which to explore connections between people and the work that they do.

Our Institute signals a new era in the field of Human and Community Services education and training because it takes as its starting point improved outcomes for the client. Thus, in providing training and education for the helping professions we are focusing on the people who will ultimately be the beneficiaries of improved service delivery.

This priority sets us apart from other undergraduate training institutions. We feel confident that in partnership with workers and other agencies we will create a benchmark of excellence in this vital area.

The Community Services and Health industry is one of the largest industries in Australia, and is experiencing significant growth.

Government departments, services and non-government agencies are all aware that in order to achieve effective outcomes in this complex arena in the future, they must adopt an holistic approach, emphasise partnerships and focus on those people in the community with greatest need.

These directions require workers to have a complex range of on-the-job skills – many of which are not covered in existing training. Qualified workers need opportunities to advance their knowledge base and apply and refine it in their work practice. People without formal qualifications need appropriate training to undertake their roles in the workplace.

People who work in this industry therefore require training that is of excellent quality and is directly linked with workplace realities and needs. The Institute is able to target these needs specifically and in partnership with relevant agencies both at state and national levels.

Training provided by the Institute addresses contemporary service provision issues and is customised to meet the needs of particular people and contexts.The Institute is able to respond to local needs, and at the same time be involved in cutting-edge initiatives developed nationally and internationally.

The Australian Institute of Social Relations strives to be a leading and dynamic centre of learning for the human services workforce. It offers a physical base to which community and health workers can belong and where they can participate in a learning culture that is responsive to their individual and professional needs.

Working predominantly with this specific group has enabled the Institute to build considerable expertise with the range of issues the profession deals with. These issues include domestic violence, cultural diversity, mental health and dealing with challenging behaviours.