The Innovation Capability Program is for individuals who work in or with aged care providers and recipients and want to change the way things are done. We help you develop solutions grounded in evidence, to ensure meaningful, impactful and sustainable results.
No project or research experience? No problem! While any experience you bring is valuable, it’s not a requirement.
Bring your project idea or organisational challenge to the program, and our experts will guide you through finding the best solution and developing it into a robust project plan. Together, we’ll co-design your project using evidence-based practice, pragmatic implementation, effective change management, and outcome-focused approaches.
- 100% online
- Underpinned by best-practice
- Interactive learning to gain transferable skills
- Facilitated group workshops
Program outcomes
Builds skills and knowledge: You will learn how to develop and implement a project that tackles a work challenge. You learn new skills in problem definition, finding and understanding evidence, co-design, project and change management, and measuring impact and then apply them to your context.
Puts evidence into action: We provide access to the latest discoveries and help you translate them into real-world settings, ensuring you are delivering care and services that are based on evidence, tailored to your context. Develop strong foundations in implementation best practice to be able to apply this knowledge to future problems as well.
Uses a comprehensive approach: Develop a robust solution that cuts across and addresses governance, clinical and workforce challenges for a comprehensive solution.
Works alongside you: ARIIA team members with expertise in evidence-based practice and project implementation work with you and connect you with peers, resources and tools.
Provides convenient learning: The program is delivered 100% online via self-directed learning modules and workshops facilitated by an expert ARIIA facilitator. You will learn alongside a cohort of peers who work in the aged care sector across Australia.
Embeds sponsor support: You will be supported by a dedicated sponsor from your workplace to help you develop your project and provide organisational context and connections to ensure success.
A project plan: An action-focused and robust plan based on evidence, sound implementation, change management and evaluation principles to support success.
A ready ‘pitch’: You will be guided in development of a pitch to help socialise the project across your organisation so everyone understands why change is happening and what it means for them.
Transferable skills: You will be able to apply your new skills and knowledge to find the best solution to the next problem, and the next problem..!
Innovation Network: All program graduates become a member of the ARIIA Innovation Network, a community-of-practice that provides ongoing support, learning and networking.
Originally established as the Innovator Training Program in 2022, the program has supported more than 70 innovation and improvement projects.
ITP Individual Testimonials
Since 2022, the Innovator Training Program has supported more than 70 innovation and improvement projects. We’ve helped aged workers to define their problem and use evidence to find the best solution, and built their skills in project management, change management and evaluation.
Here's what some of our Innovators and Sponsors have to say about their ITP journey...
The ITP has given me a skillset to spearhead change within my organisation. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone in the aged care sector that’s ready to think outside the square and would like to see positive change in the industry.
- Claire, Carer and ITP Innovator
I always knew that I had a unique staff member in my employ, but I don’t think I or anyone could imagine just what a passion and dedication Bryan had toward his role and toward caring for residents with dementia. Bryan has thrived and grown so much doing the ITP, and his enthusiasm has never wavered. In fact, I think he has become more focused and determined. And his enthusiasm is starting to rub off onto other staff who are just as excited to see his plans for improving care for our residents.
- Lea, Director of Nursing and ITP Sponsor
As someone who has supported and driven innovation across a range of sectors, I found the ITP to be a very useful and practical program that supports the driving of change within the aged care sector. The strength of the ITP is it leverages participants’ passion for the sector whilst formulating an evidence-based solution which can be practically implemented, not just theoretical.
- Paxton, Director of Innovation and Improvement and ITP Innovator
Working through the weekly modules of the ITP gave me the opportunity to refine the problem I was trying to solve and produce an evidence-based solution that I could confidently implement within my workplace. I was very well supported throughout the 10 weeks by my facilitator who was always available to answer any questions I had. I would definitely recommend the ITP for healthcare workers who want to make a difference.
- Emily, Aged Care Nurse Practitioner and ITP Innovator
The ITP was well-designed with knowledgeable facilitators who led us through the program step-by-step. The online resources were comprehensive and enabled independent progress through the modules at a time convenient to me. Spending so much time interrogating the problem was so useful as it turned out that the actual root of the problem was something quite different. It was also great to be able to connect with people from other organisations. I would highly recommend the ITP to anyone working in aged care as you come away with a tangible project plan and clearer understanding of what you're trying to solve.
- Tamara, Customer Engagement and Research Coordinator and ITP Innovator
As an ITP Sponsor, I valued the opportunity to build a relationship with my Innovator and get unique insights into her role in frontline service delivery. I was able to suggest and organise introductions between her and key organisational personnel. The regular meetings with the ITP facilitator were most helpful and kept me up-to-date on the progress.
- Teresa, Projects Coordinator, Research and Innovation and ITP Sponsor