Case Study Accelerator

Aged Care Innovation through an Accelerator Program

Overview

A Konverge Expert led the implementation of the Workforce Innovation Network (WIN) as part of the Australian Government’s ‘Living Longer, Living Better’ reform package. The initiative aimed to equip aged care providers with the necessary tools and workforce strategies to navigate regulatory changes, ensuring sustainability and improved service quality.

Key Challenges

• Sector-Wide Reform: Helping providers adapt to the Living Longer, Living Better reforms within a two-year deadline.
• Limited Resources & Expertise: Many small and medium-sized providers lacked the capabilities to implement required changes.
• Workforce Development: Ensuring a skilled workforce to meet the evolving needs of aged care.
• Business Model Transformation: Supporting providers in redesigning their operations to align with reform objectives.

Execution and Implementation

The Expert played a pivotal role in delivering the WIN initiative, ensuring aged care providers had access to advisory services, workforce planning tools, and financial support to drive transformation.

Key Actions Taken:

• Reform Ready Review (RRR): Implemented a diagnostic tool to assess provider readiness and generate tailored business reports.
• Grant Distribution: Managed applications for $20,000 AUD grants to fund workforce development and transformation projects.
• Regional Business Partners: Appointed state and territory representatives to conduct RRRs and guide providers.
• Industry Collaboration: Established reference groups to oversee regional initiatives and foster knowledge sharing.
• Centralized Funding Portal: Streamlined grant applications, compliance, and governance processes.
• National Roadshows: Organized events for providers to exchange best practices and insights.

Key Achievements & Impact

• 140 RRRs Completed: Enabled providers to assess and enhance their reform readiness.
• $2.8M AUD in Grants Allocated: Directly supported providers in implementing necessary changes.
• $720K AUD for Regional Projects: Funded nine initiatives promoting industry-wide collaboration.
• 23% Average Readiness Improvement: Significant progress in providers' ability to meet reform requirements.
• Knowledge Sharing Nationwide: Intellectual property generated through WIN was disseminated across the aged care and disability sectors.

Key Lessons & Insights

• Proactive Workforce Planning: Readiness assessments and structured support were critical for adaptation.
• Targeted Financial Support: Grants played a vital role in enabling transformation at the provider level.
• Industry Collaboration: Local reference groups and national networking events facilitated best practice sharing.
• Regulatory Compliance & Governance: A structured funding portal ensured transparency and efficiency.
• Scalability & Cross-Sector Impact: The WIN model’s success led to its adoption in the disability sector.

Conclusion

The Expert’s leadership in implementing WIN proved instrumental in preparing aged care providers for long-term success under the Living Longer, Living Better reforms. By equipping providers with workforce strategies, financial support, and collaborative networks, WIN enhanced service quality, improved workforce retention, and ensured compliance with new regulatory standards. The initiative’s legacy continues to influence the broader healthcare sector, reinforcing the power of innovation in aged care.