Psychosocial factors are widely recognised as central to recovery and return to work, yet what to actually do about them remains unclear to many of the people working with injured workers day to day.

The series starts closer to home. Most of us know what it is to worry whether we'll be believed, to wait too long for a decision that matters, or to have something handled in a way that felt unfair. Noticing those things in our own working lives is what makes them easy to recognise in someone recovering from an injury.

This webinar introduces Psychosocial. Psycho-whaat?, a new fortnightly Return to Work Matters series on putting psychosocial support into everyday practice. Dr Mary Wyatt introduces the series and the thinking behind it, then talks with Rachael Ford about two recoveries — one that went well and one that didn't — and what separated them.

• What "psychosocial" actually means in a recovery, in plain terms
• The everyday worries we all recognise, and how they turn up after an injury
• How large the group at risk of a long difficult recovery really is
• What early support looks like from different roles, including the workplace
• Two recoveries compared: where they separated, and what made the difference

The webinar will also explore practical implications for case managers, return to work coordinators, rehabilitation providers, employers and treating practitioners.

Dr Mary Wyatt

Mary Wyatt is an occupational physician, Publisher and Chair of www.rtwmatters.org , and Policy and Advocacy Lead at It Pays to Care. She has worked in return to work research and practice for several decades, with a focus on the factors that support recovery and the system settings that get in the way. Her current work includes analysis of the National Return to Work Survey and national advocacy on improving work injury schemes.

Rachael Ford

Advocacy Lead, It Pays to Care

Rachael brings more than 30 years of experience in personal injury, HR, and customer focused service delivery to her role at It Pays To Care. A committed advocate for fair, sustainable, and future-ready personal injury systems, she works across the sector to drive collaborative reform and stronger recovery outcomes.

Rachael excels at creating inclusive environments where diverse perspectives thrive. Guided by optimism and a commitment to meaningful change, she brings decades of hands-on experience and strategic insight to systemic reform, backed by qualifications in HR, WHS, and Return to Work, and a Bachelor of Laws currently underway at UTS.

We welcome guests to join us. 

Register here to attend the live event

Can't attend? Register here to receive the webinar recording.

RTWMatters Ltd is a non-profit charity committed to improving practices and outcomes for workers and employers in work injury management.  If you are able, please consider supporting RTWMatters by subscribing.

Your support can make a difference. By subscribing to this leading resource for return to work professionals, you’ll be investing in, and promoting, positive change in the industry. Thank you for your support!

Full access to RTWMatters resources for you and your team to stay up to date with fortnightly newsletters, webinars, research updates and a comprehensive online library - from $155 per person in a group subscription or $230 for an individual.

Professional Development: We'll ask you if you want a certificate of attendance when registering.  Please check with your certifying organisation if you are eligible for CPD points for the webinar.