Records Scanning manager, Kani, is putting a box on a shelf Records Scanning manager, Kani, is putting a box on a shelf

About Ability Works

About Ability Works

Ability Works is an award-winning social enterprise, operating with revenue approaching $5m per annum, in Kew, Melbourne. Operating four business units: Wire & Metal manufacturing, Records Management, Packing & Rework and Inclusive Design services, Ability Works has a track record of delivering contract values up to $1m per annum.

Ability Works produces goods and services for government, business and non-profits. Operations are accredited to ISO 9001:2015 and NSDS quality standards and Social Traders certification. Ability Works is an accredited NDIS service provider.

Our business partnering and engineering capabilities combined with an adept use of technology, assists in finding unique solutions to customer problems. We manufacture in Melbourne providing local jobs and distribute nationally.

Social Mission

Social Mission

We are a social enterprise that creates individually tailored employment opportunities for people living with all types of disability and those experiencing barriers to employment, to discover their potential and enhance their lives. We provide training and support for both supported employment and mainstream employment opportunities so that individuals can feel purpose, pride and belonging through employment.

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Our Values

Adaptive

We value adaptability, demonstrating it through proactive problem solving, encouragement of experimentation, and a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

Empowering employee choice

We are committed to fostering employee empowerment by promoting autonomy, encouraging ownership of work decisions aligned with health and safety guidelines, and providing robust support through managerial guidance, access to educational resources, and individual employee plans.

Inclusive

Our commitment to inclusiveness is reflected in our proactive learning from diverse sources, inclusive decision-making processes, equal opportunities for growth, adaptation to inclusivity through accommodations, and a company culture focused on nurturing a sense of belonging and acceptance among all employees.

Outcomes focused

We prioritise outcomes by ensuring role clarity, proactive alignment with organisational goals, measurable decision-making, ongoing progress tracking, and fostering accountability among staff for the impact and results of their work.

Uplifting and respectful interactions

We prioritise respectful interactions through thoughtful communication, adherence to a language guide promoting inclusivity, constructive decision-making processes, measures to prevent discrimination and harassment, and leadership that serves as a role model for respectful behaviour throughout the organisation.

Our vision

Our vision

Meaningful employment for members of the community living with a disability and those with significant barriers to employment.

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Ability Works Resources and Reporting

Inclusive Language Guide

Words matter. The words we speak and write impact. We have developed a guide to ensure that we communicate in a way which is respectful and courteous and contributes positively to the social and emotional well-being of our community.

Download the Inclusive Language Guide

Capability Statement

At Ability Works we believe employment is the best way for people living with a disability or experiencing social disadvantage…

Download the Capability Statement

Employee Statement

At Ability Works Australia, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to secure a job. A job with us is more than just income…

Download the Employee Statement

Ability Works Reporting

You can find all relevant public reports from Ability Works Australia on this page. If you’re looking for anything specific that you can’t find here please get in touch.

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History

Ability Works, originally called ROYTAL, started as a small woodworking rehabilitation workshop in 1964…

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Donate

Are you interested in donating to Ability Works?

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Ability Works Awards

Social Traders Award 2024

Sue Boyce and Ability Works were awarded the Social Traders’ Business for Good Gamechanger Vic/Tas award for achievements in employment expansion, innovation and technology, and advocacy and support.

Read more about the Award

 

Partnership of the Year 2020

Ability Works and Transurban win ‘Partnership of the Year” Social Traders 2020 award.

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Ability Works Accreditations

Quality Assurance

ISO 9001:2015 & NSDS QUALITY STANDARDS

Quality assurance is one of our highest priorities!

Social Trader Certified

We are a certified ‘Social Trader’.

NDIS

We are a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider.

Volunteering and Education Programs

Corporate Volunteering

Our Corporate Partner Volunteering Program provides structured ‘work-with’ days for groups of up to ten partner staff giving the opportunity to engage with and assist our team complete their work.

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Individual Voluneering

Interested in volunteering at Ability Works?

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Work Experience

Interested in getting work experience at Ability Works?

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Further Education

Through a strong partnership with Box Hill Institute, Ability Works offers a selection of onsite vocational courses to help build work related skills and confidence.

Staff are able to nominate for a variety of courses which are facilitated at Ability Works by qualified Box Hill Institute educators typically over a 10 week semester.

We are constantly assessing course suitability and strive to ensure our training and further education opportunities are relevant and helpful towards staff who may be transitioning to mainstream employment.

School Program

Ability Works partners with schools to facilitate onsite work experience opportunities and educate families about employment pathways for people living with a disability post completion of high school.

Students attend onsite in groups supervised by a school educator and are trained in workplace health and safety and standard protocols to get them used to work environments.

Students are trained then supervised to complete tasks on customer jobs in our packing and assembly business units. They get an opportunity to practise their teamwork, communication, patience, and direction taking skills in a friendly and support environment. They are taught how to use equipment and complete quality jobs.

Ability Works also attends school expos to showcase the variety and flexibility of work options we provide across our business.

If you are a student, carer or family member requiring more information or would like to arrange a tour our operations.

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Social Procurement

What is Social Procurement?

What is Social Procurement?

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Social procurement is when organisations use their buying power to generate social value above and beyond the value of the goods, services or construction being procured. Social value refers to the benefits for all Victorians when the social and sustainable outcomes are achieved, through procurement activities.

The Victorian Governments Social Procurement Framework is a policy that harnesses the government’s buying power to increase the value of goods, services, and construction by delivering social and sustainable outcomes that benefit all Victorians.

The Social Procurement Framework is a dual responsibility of the Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions (DJPR) and the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF), and through this policy the Victorian Government is committed to supporting industry and suppliers to increase their awareness and understanding of the Social Procurement Framework.

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Does your business need a competitive edge to win big government contracts?

Does your business need a competitive edge to win big government contracts?

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Ability Works can help give you that edge by providing compelling evidence of the social procurement value that your business generates by working with a certified social enterprise. This includes creating competitive advantages on government tenders, more staff engagement, building brand equity, transforming lives and reducing social inequity.

Do you need to leverage commercial advantage through social procurement?

Do you need to leverage commercial advantage through social procurement?

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The Victorian Government’s Social Procurement Framework offers benefits for businesses that implement their own social procurement strategies. Partnering with Ability Works is a great way to realise these benefits. As social procurement experts, we can also help ensure your social procurement strategies operate smoothly.

Are you motivated to contribute to a greater social mission at the same time as achieving strong commercial outcomes?

Are you motivated to contribute to a greater social mission at the same time as achieving strong commercial outcomes?

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At Ability Works, meeting our social mission of “purpose through employment” is as important as delivering great commercial value and results. We know our costs and quality are equal to and often better than the rest of the market. You’ll be surprised at how competitive we can be!

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Have any questions? Get in touch with our team below!

    Our impact

    Our impact

    Providing a safe and supportive workplace for people who have barriers to employment
    A smiling employee working in packing and assembly

    Our impact

    180+ staff working in meaningful employment across the organisation
    Pack & Rework

    Our impact

    90% of our staff are "Highly satisfied" with their job.
    Tina, Employee