The Research and Advocacy Team resources the organisation to develop sound evidence based responses to public debates about policy and practice with respect to disadvantaged children, families and young people. The team conducts and supports research activities and the sharing of knowledge across the organisation.

Each year management and staff identify research and service improvement projects that will support the work of the organisation and put MacKillop in a position where it can be confident in the quality of the services it provides. Supporting the implementation of the new Children Youth & Families, Disability and Education Acts is one of the major priorities this year. This includes developing and implementing an organisation wide approach to outcomes identification, monitoring and quality assurance in collaboration with management, staff and the people who use our services.