Data-Driven Social Work - Turning Insights into Impact - June 2026

Capability level: Emerging, Evolving, Established, Expert

Event description:

Social workers often tell us that data collection and entry feels like it gets in the way of practice. Yet, everything we do is data, from case notes to client stories, to program outcomes. When we learn to see data differently, it can become one of the strongest tools we have to demonstrate individual or program impact and drive system change.

Building confidence in ways to use data can strengthen funding applications, influence policy, highlight potential gaps in service delivery, and show the tangible difference services make in people’s lives. For frontline practitioners and program managers alike, this shift means moving beyond seeing data as solely a compliance activity, toward using it tangibly as a tool for advocacy that tells the story of the communities they work alongside.

This workshop will:

• Explore the key forms of data commonly collected in social work roles in community service organisations.
• Introduce the framing of “show me” and “tell me” approaches to building and using evidence
• Provide practical opportunities to apply these principles through interactive case studies
• Support participants to identify ways to strengthen their own data collection and use.

Who should attend?

This workshop is designed for social workers in any community services setting who are responsible for entering, interpreting or reporting on client and program data in their day-to-day roles. It is particularly suitable for:

• Frontline practitioners who want to reframe how they view and use the data they already collect, or have an idea of how they’d like to improve a service but aren’t sure where to start.
• Program coordinators and managers seeking to strengthen the way their teams use data for advocacy and service improvement.
• Social workers with a foundation in practice who are looking to build deeper skills in evidence-informed advocacy.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Identify the different forms of data commonly collected in social work and community services settings
• Understand the value of combining “show me” (quantitative) and “tell me” (qualitative) approaches to create robust evidence.
• Analyse case studies to recognise strengths and gaps in current data collection and use.
• Apply practical strategies to reframe data from compliance activity into advocacy tools.
• Evaluate opportunities in their own workplace to strengthen data collection and storytelling for system change.

Event structure:

Introduction

Learning Session 1: What is Data in Community Services? (50 minutes)

Learning Activity 1: Mapping Current Service

Learning Session 2: Building on the “Show Me” Approach (50 minutes)

Learning Activity 2: Case Study

Learning Session 3: Exploring The “Tell Me” Approach (50 minutes)

Learning Activity 3: Case Study

Q&A and Conclusion

This Workshop is not recorded, however, you will have access to materials and resources on AASW Online Learning for 4 weeks after the completion of the workshop.

AASW Credentials: Clinical SW