Launched in May of 2020, the 'Pulse' initiative is an Australian first in measuring the attitudes and operating conditions of the for-purpose sector. This Wave 2 report reveals significant challenges remain for the 'for-purpose' sector, as nearly 80% of service providers report struggling to meet requests for support.

This evidence review, drawing on secondary analysis of existing evidence from academic and grey literature, addresses whether and how employment redresses disadvantage; the current costs and future implications of unemployment and underemployment; and the potential and impacts of employment-focused social enterprises on employment creation and reducing disadvantage.

This report shows that employment-focused social enterprises are playing a critical role in improving the lives of disadvantaged Australians by offering a people-centred approach to employment support services.