Foundations in Social Innovation (FINSI) is a 20 week foundation course based on everything we’ve learnt at TACSI about doing social innovation well.

After 4 years of development with the TACSI team we’re now opening it up to other participants. 

Over 6 months, hosted by TACSI’s Chief Innovation Officer Chris Vanstone, you’ll explore the fundamentals of social innovation – through TACSI’s work, key theory, thinkers, practitioners, and case studies from around the world.

The course is relevant to practitioners, leaders and funders who aim to do, support, or create the conditions for social innovation. Whilst the course is relevant for beginners, practitioners with decades of experience have also found it valuable.

Based on the principles that guide TACSI's work

  • Allyship with First Nations People, Knowledges and Country

  • Thinking and acting systemically

  • Rigour in imagination and experimentation

  • Decision making through diversity

  • Learn and grow together

Your facilitator

Chris Vanstone

Chief Innovation Officer, TACSI

Chris started his career designing biscuits and razors before transitioning into social innovation over 20 years ago. As TACSI’s CIO, he’s responsible for keeping TACSI at the cutting edge of social innovation, playing a big role in the development of our practice, major initiatives and strategy. Chris’ goal is to democratise social innovation. He’s always striving to get important concepts into the world in ways that are clear.

What you'll experience

  • 19 x 1hr live zoom sessions - With up to 15 of your fellow learners, including TACSI staff. Live sessions recap on the main learning points, provide a space for personal reflection and feature interactive learning experiences to deepen your understanding.

  • The FINSI podcast – Hosted by Chris featuring thinkers, writers and practitioners from around the world talking about their work. Each episode introduces a module.

  • The FINSI coursedeck – Somewhere between a course book and a slide deck the course deck summarises the main learning points, frameworks, and visual references, complementing the podcast and live sessions.

  • Read or listen list – A list of books, articles and audiobooks to extend your social innovation learning. With recommendations for each 18 modules.

What you'll learn

At the end of FINSI you’ll be able to answer these questions.

  • What is good social innovation, who is doing it well?

  • Who can I learn from about doing it better?

  • What can I change about myself, my organisation and the systems I’m part of to further social innovation?

Timing and pricing

Feb 2024 Intake

Duration:
20 weeks, starting 23 Feb 2024

Commitment:
One hour a week podcast listening, and one hour a week live zoom session.

Timing:
Live sessions are held 12:30pm AEDT on Fridays

Technology:
Hosted online via Zoom
Learning materials accessible via web browser including 20hrs of podcasts

Price: 
AUD $3,500 per participant inclusive taxes.
(AUD $3,150 ex GST in Australia)

Receipt:
On purchase you will receive a receipt  by email that will show GST for customers in Australia.

Scholarships and subsidies:
Free places available for First Nations people, people with lived experience, and low-income earners. If you are seeking one of these places, email [email protected] for more information.

Course curriculum

  1. Welcome!

  2. Essential Links

  3. Week 1: What is FINSI?

  4. Week 2: What is good social innovation?

  5. Week 3: Being a Social Innovator

  6. Week 4: Better Social Outcomes

About this course

  • $3,500.00
  • Next intake 23 Feburary 2024
  • 19 Modules

Secure your spot

Any questions? Get in touch with TACSI’s Learning Coordinator ([email protected])

Enrol $2,145
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What learners said

“Chris casts the net of this course broad enough that both Social Innovators and people from adjacent fields will find new value and stretch within the diverse content but also deep enough that it will likely provoke revelations for all. The group dialogues accompanying each module allow the time to explore topics deeply and draw parallels with your own practice. I also don't know of another course that more comprehensively weaves First Nations storytelling throughout.”

Participant, 2022

“FINSI creates a much needed space for those practicing and interested in social innovation to explore in depth the current practices and methods in Australia and the world. The course foregrounds First Nations wisdom and masterfully weaves stories and practice with what these concepts mean for your context. Highly recommended for those looking for a well rounded, carefully crafted experience that prioritises learning, reflection and connection.”

Participant, 2021

FAQs

  • Are there any scholarships or subsidies?

    Yes, we reserve two free places per network cohort for First Nations applicants, folks with lived expertise, and low-income earners. Contact our Learning Coordinator, via email ([email protected]) to request your place.

  • Can I pay in instalments?

    Yes you can. Contact our learning co-ordinator on [email protected] to arrange.

  • Can I register a group?

    Absolutely. Creating the conditions for social innovation is a collective endeavour. Enrolling as an organisation (or group of organisations) will help you build a shared understanding and shared language, while giving you the opportunity to work through challenges specific to your context. Contact our Learning Coordinator, via email ([email protected]) to talk about your options.

  • How long will I have access?

    You will have lifelong access to the course materials.

  • Will I get a certificate?

    Yes, you will be presented with a certificate on completing the course.

  • What if I can’t make all the sessions?

    You will still have access to all the materials from that session. We do not record sessions, but we will endeavour to catch you up in the next session.

  • What if I realise I can’t attend the course after purchasing it?

    Courses are non-refundable. If you are not able to make a course, and let us know more than 14 days before the start date, we will issue you a credit note (valid for 12 months) for use in a later network or course. At any point before the start date of the network you can transfer your place to a colleague at no additional cost. Contact our Learning Coordinator, via email ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

  • Can I get a tax invoice?

    When you purchase via our secure online platform a tax invoice will be sent to your email address.

  • Who can I talk to about any other questions?

    You can speak with our Learning Coordinator, via email ([email protected]) or the contact form below.