Implementing the Inspirit Model of
Care: A Relationship-Centred Approach to Transforming Aged Care

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is offering one full-time PhD scholarship package to evaluate and support the implementation of Catholic Healthcare Limited’s (CHL) Inspirit Model of Care.

A collaboration between ACU and CHL, this project will evaluate and support the implementation of CHL’s Inspirit Model of Care, a transformative, relationship-centred approach to deinstitutionalising aged care. Using evidence-based implementation science frameworks and participatory action research, it will investigate organisational readiness, barriers and enablers to implementation, and co-develop strategies for sustainability and scale.

This scholarship is ideal for PhD candidates interested in health systems transformation, organisational change, and the implementation of health-related services in Australia. The successful candidate will:

• conduct a comprehensive needs assessment and stakeholder analysis
• design and deliver co-design workshops with staff, residents, and families
• collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data on implementation outcomes
• develop and refine an evidence-informed implementation strategy for CHL facilities
• produce research outputs including peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and an implementation toolkit
• be supported by a senior supervisory team at ACU with expertise in implementation science, organisational transformation, and service design
• work closely with CHL’s Inspirit Model of Care project team, gaining unique industry experience and access to real-world data.

How to apply

Applications close: Friday 31 October 2025, 11:59 pm AEDT

Eligibility

• This opportunity is open to both domestic and international applicants.
• The eligibility criteria for the PhD program at ACU can be found in the Higher Degree Research Policy.
• The eligibility criteria for research scholarships can be found in the ACU Research Training Program Scholarship Policy.

Requirements

In addition to the eligibility criteria, the successful applicant should have:

• a social marketing, public health, health management, psychology, social sciences or implementation science background
• strong qualitative and/or mixed methods research skills
• ability to work collaboratively with industry partners and diverse stakeholders
• strong academic writing skills and commitment to producing publishable research
• strong project management skills.

Application process

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must submit all documentation required for an application to the PhD program at ACU, as detailed in the How to Apply instructions, plus a CV outlining relevant academic and practical experience.

When completing the PhD application form, please indicate that you are also applying for a stipend scholarship and include the name of this project "Implementing the Inspirit Model of Care: A Relationship-Centred Approach to Transforming Aged Care".

Before you apply

Interested candidates should contact Professor Joy Parkinson before applying for the PhD program and scholarship.

joy.parkinson@acu.edu.au