An introduction to the big ideas behind social innovation and the conditions to support social innovation at scale.

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.

Foundations in Social Innovation (FINSI)

This course is part of the 20-week Foundations in Social Innovation (FINSI) certificate course, and it can also be taken independently as a stand-alone course.

The four courses in FINSI are:

  1. Social Innovation for a More Just Future 
  2. Seeing, Thinking and Stewarding Systems 
  3. Innovation, Imagination and Scale 
  4. Participation, Power and Allyship


You can learn more about this learning series below including dates and discounts below.

Based on the principles that guide TACSI's work

  • Allyship with First Nations Peoples, 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

  • 5 x 1hr live zoom sessions - With a group of your fellow learners, live sessions recap on the main learning points, provide a space for personal reflection and feature interactive learning experiences to deepen your understanding.

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

  • The 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.

Seven things you'll learn

  • How to define and recognise good social innovation

  • Five models of wellbeing to support social outcomes including First Nations perspectives

  • Strategies for supporting your wellbeing in this work

  • Case studies of First Nations social innovations and innovators

  • Case studies in social innovation work

  • What this means for you, your organisation and the system that you work in

  • How to define Social R&D and build the conditions for social innovation in systems

Timing and pricing

Duration & Timing:
Live weekly sessions are held 12:30pm - 1.30pm AEDT/AEST for 5 weeks: Friday 7 March - 4 April 2025

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

Technology:
Hosted online via Zoom
Learning materials accessible via web browser including 5 hours of podcasts

Price: 

To support learners with limited access to professional development funding, we offer two prices for enrolments.

For organisation-funded learners:

This price is for learners with access to organisational funding such as professional development budgets.

AUD $960 per participant inclusive taxes
(AUD $872.70 ex GST in Australia)

For self-funded learners:

This price is to support learners without access to funding from an organisation. 

AUD $672 per participant inclusive taxes
(AUD $610.90 ex GST in Australia)

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

Group booking and paying by invoice:

To make a group booking or pay by invoice, email [email protected] with your details.

This workshop can also be delivered to your organisation, tailored to your needs, at a time that works for your team. Contact [email protected] to find out more.

Scholarships and subsidies:
Limited 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 good social innovation?

  4. Week 2: Being a Social Innovator

  5. Week 3: Wellbeing economy

  6. Week 4: Systems for Social R&D

About this course

  • $960.00
  • Starts 7 March 2025
  • 5 Modules
  • Online delivery

Secure your spot

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

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What learners said

“Learning about social innovation from people who practice it every day is the best way to get a comprehensive and applied view on the subject. The programme is curated in such a way that it is very easy to start applying concepts, models, theories to any project focused on social change. I highly recommend it.”

Andrea Corrales, Social Innovation Consultant and Academic

“I like the general presentation of information, sometimes dense topics are covered through audio, visuals and engaging conversations. Makes learning the material easier. I love!! weekly catch up with other students from diverse professions. I have learnt just as much from their experiences. [my ah-ha moment was] that thinking in systems comes naturally to us. We just need to vision a world where the "normal" structures are different or don't exist at all.”

Participant, 2024

“[What I liked most was] the diversity of the content. The podcast overview with the opportunity to dive deeper with links to other resources. Opportunity to learn with my team and others and the conversation in the weekly webinar. The deep expertise of the facilitator. ”

Participant, 2024

“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

“Foundations in Social Innovation 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

“Seeing, Thinking and Acting in Systems is a short, intensive look at the theories behind our way of working. If you want to understand different perspectives of system thinkers from across the globe and how you might be able to use elements in your own practice, this is a great course to take. ”

National Manager of Service Design and Innovation, Mission Australia, 2024

“This course provides a great overview of the key concepts of systems thinking - using a variety of different learning methods and drawing on expert thinkers and speakers to give different perspectives”

Service Design and Innovation Lead, Mission Australia, 2024

“This course has been a space and time where participants built their powers to take first steps in systems thinking. It also provided with an insight into methods and practical application examples of systems mapping and acting within systems. One can be as logical or intuitive in this process as they want to. [as a result of this course I will] Advocate and support the team to map relevant systems, communicate them and nurture awareness raising of systems thinking. How can we talk about systems as part of natural and without being seen as lab nerds or becoming annoying?”

Service Design and Innovation Business Partner, Mission Australia, 2024

“Cost effective and high value for money introduction that isn't a large time commitment and allows for further self guided exploration. ”

Manager, NDIS Services, Youth Options, 2024

Foundations in Social Innovation learning series

More detail on the individual courses and learning series

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. We also offer reduced fees for learners who don't have access to organisational funding, please see purchase page for option to select that price.

  • 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.