Teaching Strengths
Dr Rachael Potter
Research Fellow
School of Psychology
College of Education, Behavioural and Social Sciences
I am a research leader within the Psychosocial Safety Climate Global Observatory (PSC-GO), which is funded by an ARC Laureate Fellowship and strives to build evidence and improve organisational psychosocial health and safety. While still contributing towards PSC-GO’s organisational focus, my work expands the scope to encompass the national work health and safety (WHS) policy and regulatory environment for psychological health and safety. My research informs a systems-level understanding of how legislation, enforcement, and institutional structures influence organisational practices, helping to strengthen the practical impact of policy for more meaningful change. My research has contributed to global discussions on best-practice regulatory design, been referenced in international (e.g., International Labour Organisation [ILO]) policy documents, as well in Australian Senate inquiries. I have developed world-first policy evaluation tools and methods (i.e., National Policy Index for Worker Mental Health) that inform both international and national regulatory bodies. I also provide formal advice through my roles on advisory groups and committees and regularly contribute expert input to public and professional audiences through invited talks to share my research in accessible and applied ways. My work is grounded in a strong commitment to social justice and equity—particularly focusing on improving conditions for women in the workforce. My vision is to strengthen global and national policy implementation efforts to improve organisational psychosocial risk management and worker health outcomes.
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| - | Afsharian, A., Bakker, A., Dollard, M., Lushington, K., Pignata, S., Zadow, A., . . . Loh, M. Y. (n.d.). Australian University Staff Work, E-Stress and Wellbeing Survey Data. DOI |
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Facilitator and Research Partner for Mind Your Head Program SA, SA Unions, 06/05/2025 - 31/12/2026
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Measuring Organisational Psychosocial Safety Climate, CMTEDD ACT Treasury, 01/08/2024 - 01/08/2026
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Building a PSC system for the management of psychosocial risks in WA Mining Sector organisations, Edith Cowan University, 15/11/2024 - 30/05/2026
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International Labour Organisation Global Report on Psychosocial Risks and Mental Health at Work, International Labour Office, 15/06/2025 - 15/12/2025
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Program | Degree Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | External Supervisor | Policy translation for mental health at work: A focus on empowering key stakeholders | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Miss Ash Grace Friebel |
| 2025 | External Supervisor | A study of the workplace factors associated with work addiction and depression in mothers. | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Miss Sara El-Kaissi |
| 2025 | External Supervisor | A study of the workplace factors associated with work addiction and depression in mothers. | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Miss Sara El-Kaissi |
| 2025 | External Supervisor | Policy translation for mental health at work: A focus on empowering key stakeholders | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Miss Ash Grace Friebel |
| 2023 | Co-Supervisor | - | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Mrs Dinethi Jayarathna |
| 2022 | Co-Supervisor | - | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Ms Gemma David |
| 2021 | Co-Supervisor | - | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Miss Arti Jhuremalani |
| 2019 | Co-Supervisor | - | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Miss Amy Kaye Parkin |
Available For Media Comment.