Project learning and reports

Annual reports
The Australian Institute for Social Research have been engaged by WorkCover to provide independent evaluation of the Return to Work Fund and work with individual projects to ensure appropriate evaluation is undertaken and learnings are identified and reported. To date, the recommendations in the 2009-2010 annual report have been accepted by WorkCover and are being implemented. Recommendations from the 2010-2011 report are still being assessed and will be implemented, where appropriate.

Return to Work Fund Evaluation – July 2009 - June 2010 [1.67 MB]

Learning from Returning – July 2010 – June 2011 [1.19 MB]

Case study
Understanding Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinators in South Australia: A case study report 

The success stories depicted in the four case studies presented in this report reinforce the importance of fundamental ingredients for successful return to work. The findings also illustrate the contribution Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinators can make to the return to work process. The critical success factors exemplified in the case studies are summarised in the report, and relate to the two key stakeholders in the workplace – the Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator, and the employer - reflecting the interactive effect between them. 

Understanding Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinators in South Australia [741 KB]

Discussion paper 
The role of the workplace in return to work 

This discussion paper prepared by the Australian Institute for Social Research provides an overview of research related to return to work, guidelines, practical tools and examples considered to be most useful for organisations seeking to improve return to work following injury or illness. 

The role of the workplace in return to work [1.04 MB]

Survey 
Building Bridges - Perspectives of Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinators

This survey looks at the role of the Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinators since their inception from 1 January 2009.

This survey explores the demographic and workplace characteristics of Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinators, perceived effectiveness of their training and professional development activities, organisational value of their role, barriers facing an injured worker’s return to work, and strategies to promote return to work in the workplace.

Building Bridges [1.3 MB]