Our Company
The psychology behind better business
About Us
Workplace Research Associates Pty Ltd was established in 1996 as a management consultancy specialising in organisational psychology services. We work within a framework of applied theory and best practice based on an extensive body of organisational research.
Our consultants bring to each assignment extensive experience in the study and evaluation of people’s behaviour in the workplace. Workplace Research has a network of consultants and researchers based in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
We combine our practical experience and our strong focus on research to inform project directions and to enhance final recommendations. A particular strength of the company is its emphasis on the use of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques.
Our Code of
Professional Practice
We offer consultancy services that meet our code of professional practice.
Professional Practice Consultancy Services
Specifically,
- Our consultants are tertiary trained with a high level of expertise in all areas of organisational theory, research and best practice approaches. We specialise in the observation, measurement and assessment of workplace behaviour;
- We access and use an extensive body of research literature on organisational issues;
- We use evidence-based approaches to our work;
- We work within a professional Code of Ethics and the legislative requirements of a Registration Board;
- We are engaged in continuous professional development to ensure we access leading edge knowledge;
- We operate as practitioner/researchers in our field.
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Our Service Standards
A number of our consultants are psychologists registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and/or are members of the Australian Psychological Society. We work within a professional Code of Ethics and the legislative requirements of the Board. The Board has legal responsibility for ensuring that psychologists are competent to practice. It is able to investigate complaints about the practice of individual psychologists. The Code of Ethics of the Australian Psychological Society has informed our business in the following areas.
Client Service
Workplace Research is committed to providing quality client service. In all our work, our highly trained consultants promote and apply ‘best practice’ approaches that are substantiated by research literature. We are responsive to clients’ needs and provide timely and efficient service.
Competence
Our consultants are engaged in continuous professional development to ensure we access ‘leading edge’ knowledge and keep our skills up-to-date. Our continuing professional development is required and monitored by both the Registration Board and the Australian Psychological Society.
Confidentiality
Workplace Research respects the confidentiality of information obtained from all clients in accordance with the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics, the National Privacy Principles and the terms of the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988. Further information on privacy can be found in our privacy policy.
Respect
We are well-trained and highly experienced in dealing with complex, sensitive and stressful situations. We have extensive experience with stakeholder groups that vary according to educational level, ethnic origin, values and interest bases and position in an organisational structure / hierarchy.
Privacy Policy
This policy describes how Workplace Research Associates uses and protects personal information that may be provided to us in the course of providing professional services. Personal information is any information or opinion about an individual whose identity is apparent, or can reasonably be ascertained, from the information or opinion. We provide the following information to ensure that clients have the highest level of confidence in our services.
What Information is Collected
We may collect personal information about individuals for the purposes of providing professional services requested by clients. This information could include contact information, information collected for the purposes of recruitment, selection or development, survey responses or other information collected in the course of providing a professional service. Information collected may be used in technical research. When that research is conducted, the information is de-identified and aggregated so that an individual’s information cannot be recognised or reconstructed. We do not collect or use personal information for any other purpose.
When Information may be Disclosed
All information collected in the provision of professional service is used for the purposes of that professional service and is not provided to third parties or used in situations where you would not reasonably expect information to be legally disclosed.
How Information is Secured
We use generally accepted technical and manual means to protect the integrity of personally identifiable information from unauthorised access, improper use or disclosure, unauthorised modification and unlawful destruction or accidental loss.
All consultants who have access to, and are associated with, the processing of personal data are aware of the need to respect its confidentiality. We do not disclose personal data to authorities except if required by law or other regulations.
Complaints Resolution
Individuals have a right to have their complaints handled efficiently if they are concerned about the handling of their personal information. We are committed to resolving such complaints in a fair and prompt manner.
Clients who wish to lodge a complaint in respect of the handling, use or disclosure of their personal information by us may do so by email at: admin@workplaceresearch.com.au or by post at this address: PO Box 4188, KINGSTON ACT 2604
We investigate and respond to complaints promptly. Clients who are not satisfied with the outcome or who require further information about privacy issues may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner by email at: enquiries@oaic.gov.au or by post at this address: GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001
Our People
Our team of experienced consultants is passionate about helping every workplace improve on individual, team and organisational levels. With passion, expertise and knowledge, our team helps create a more functional and effective organisation.
Dr Julie West, Principal
Profile
Julie West is Principal of Workplace Research. She has more than 30 years’ experience as a senior organisational psychologist with both the Australian Public Service and private recruitment consultancy firms. Julie has considerable applied experience in a number of areas including organisational structural and functional reviews, job analysis and design, role evaluation, senior executive and graduate recruitment, assessment centres, training development and delivery, psychological testing and assessment, program evaluation, survey design and analysis and the design of appraisal and feedback systems.
She has lectured and tutored in psychology in both Australia and the United States and has held academic and research positions. Julie maintains a keen interest in promoting research-led best practice principles in all aspects of her applied work.
Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology), Fordham University, New York USA, 1998
Master of Arts (Psychology), Fordham University, New York USA, 1988
Graduate Diploma in Science (Psychology), Australian National University, 1983
Bachelor of Arts, Australian National University, 1980
Professional Affiliations
Registered Psychologist
No. PSY0001398023
Fellow, College of Organisational Psychology
Member, Australian Psychological Society
Life Member, Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (USA)
Dr Rachael Eggins
Profile
Rachael Eggins is a Registered Psychologist and Senior Consultant with Workplace Research. She has considerable applied experience in a number of areas including organisational structural reviews, job analysis and design, role evaluation, recruitment and selection, assessment centres, training development and delivery, psychological testing and assessment, survey design and analysis.
In a previous academic role in the School of Psychology at the ANU, Rachael co-ordinated and taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Organisational Psychology, Psychological Testing and Assessment, and Social Psychology. She has published work in the areas of participatory planning, group decision-making, negotiation and procedural fairness processes in organisational and social settings.
Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology), Australian National University, 1999
Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours), Macquarie University, 1993
Professional Affiliations
Registered Psychologist
No. PSY0001409332
Member, Australian Psychological Society
Dr Janet Tweedie
Profile
Janet Tweedie is a Senior Consultant with Workplace Research. She has considerable applied experience in a number of areas including organisational structural and functional reviews, job analysis and design, role evaluation, recruitment and selection, assessment centres, psychological testing and assessment, staff survey design and analysis, training development and delivery, and the design of appraisal and feedback systems.
Janet has previously worked in an academic role as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the Australian National University School of Psychology and has lectured and tutored in psychology at the ANU and the University of Canberra, specialising in the areas of social and organisational psychology, and learning and motivation.
Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology), Australian National University, 2004
Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours), Australian National University, 1996
Dr Claire Petelczyc
Profile
Claire Petelczyc is a Senior Consultant with Workplace Research. She has applied experience in a number of areas including job analysis and design, role evaluation, organisational structural reviews, recruitment and selection, assessment centres, psychological testing, staff survey design and data analysis, training development and delivery and role evaluation.
Whilst completing her PhD at the Research School of Management, ANU, Claire taught courses in organisational behaviour and management. She has published work in the Journal of Management, and has presented at a number of national and international psychology and management conferences.
Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy (Business and Economics), Australian National University, 2020
Master of Philosophy (Social and Developmental Psychology), University of Cambridge, UK, 2015
Bachelor of Psychology (First Class Honours), Australian National University, 2012
Dr Angus Hughes
Profile
Angus Hughes is a Research Officer with Workplace Research. He has experience in systematic evidence reviews, survey design, statistics and data analysis, organisational structural reviews, assessment and selection and job analysis.
Whilst completing his PhD at the School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Angus taught classes on psychological measurement and cognitive psychology. He has also published work in the Journal of Personnel Psychology and the European Journal of Psychological Assessment, as well as presented research at the 2019 APS Industrial-Organisational Psychology Conference.
Qualifications
Masters/PhD in Organisational Psychology, University of Western Australia, 2023
Bachelor of Psychological Science (First Class Honours), University of Adelaide, 2017
Bachelor of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, 2015
Ms Debbie Phillips
Profile
Debbie Phillips is a Senior Consultant with Workplace Research. She has considerable applied experience in a number of areas including job analysis and design, role evaluation, organisational and executive structural reviews, senior executive and graduate recruitment, public sector reform, legislation and policy development and ethics and integrity frameworks.
Debbie has over 30 years’ experience working across a number of Australian Public Service central and line agencies. In her last few years at the Australian Public Service Commission, she was responsible for the development and implementation of the methodology for evaluating SES roles, including APS-wide SES Work Level Standards.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Applied Science, Curtin University 1986
Ms Jessica Pearson
Profile
Jessica is a Registered Psychologist, Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS) and Senior Consultant with Workplace Research. She has worked in both public and private settings as a psychologist, providing a range of evidence-based services and psychoeducational lectures and workshops. During her postgraduate studies, she received the Australian Psychological Society Prize and College of Clinical Psychologists Student Prize for academic achievement and clinical skills.
Jessica has also spent several years working and contracting for a regionally based Human Resources (HR) organisation. She joined the Workplace Research team as a full time Consultant in 2022 and has been engaged in the company’s full range of services, including role evaluation, organisational structural and functional reviews, best practice recruitment and selection, psychological assessment, and training development and delivery.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology & Sociology), 2016
Graduate Diploma of Psychology – First Class, 2017
Master of Psychology (Clinical), 2019
Professional Affiliations
Registered Psychologist
No. PSY0002126060
Member, Australian Psychological Society
Ms Kerrie Newham
Profile
Kerrie Newham has worked with Workplace Research as the Office Manager since 2000. Kerrie is responsible for managing accounts and overseeing all facets of office administration and management.
Awards
2019 Telstra Business Awards
The Telstra Business Awards are nationally recognised and acclaimed and have been shining the spotlight on successful businesses for over 25 years.
In 2019, Workplace Research was nominated to enter the awards and was honoured to be judged as Finalists in our category ‘Small and Succeeding’. In 2019, some 21,000 organisations entered the awards and being Finalists placed us in the top 0.8% of this prestigious group of Australian businesses. A very proud achievement for all our team!
2019 Elton Mayo Award
The Elton Mayo Awards recognise original, significant and enduring (over 10 years) contributions to knowledge in the field of Industrial or Organisational Psychology, application of Industrial or Organisational psychology techniques and contributions to the advancement of Organisational Psychology as a profession. They are only awarded every two years and are peer-nominated and reviewed and are regarded as the most prestigious award offered by the College of Organisational Psychologist / Australian Psychological Society.
In 2019, Dr Julie West, Principal of Workplace Research Associates, was the proud recipient of this award.
2016 Workplace Excellence Awards
This highly competitive award acknowledges outstanding initiatives designed and implemented to improve organisational functioning and effectiveness. The Workplace Excellence Awards are open to any Australian business, organisation, or individual in the public or private sector and continue to attract entries from a diverse range of Australian businesses.
In 2016, Workplace Research was judged by a panel of highly qualified peers as Winner in the Recruitment and Selection category for its work in designing an innovative approach to recruitment called the ‘Multi Mini Interview’. We worked in partnership with the Commonwealth Department of Health to design the approach, train interviewers to run it and to evaluate its effectiveness in terms of cost, fairness, acceptance by applicants and interviewers and calibre of recruit. The technique is well suited to large scale selection processes and showed significant and measurable improvement over traditional panel interview approaches.