The Australian not-for-profit (NFP) sector is extensive and operates across most aspects of our lives and communities, it provides services and support that are diverse and complicated, and in fields where business and public organisations are not able or willing to engage. Meanwhile, NFP leaders are pessimistic their organisations will be able to deliver on what is expected of them.

Particularly the NFP workforce is under severe strain to meet the many obligations and goals for making a sustained social impact. It is not about making them work harder, but smarter. However, realising professional development for the NFP workforce has been identified as a particular challenge and this public lecture will summarise what we know today and what research and practice could consider to facilitate social change in Australia.