collaborative
policy studio
Co-creating public policies to build
your connected community
You understand the serious impacts of loneliness, but knowing how to respond effectively to improve the social health and wellbeing of your citizens is the next challenge.
We collaborate with governments at all levels to design, develop and implement public policies that address loneliness, social disconnection and promote social health.
Combining deep expertise in public service with authentic lived experience, we work collaboratively with communities, experts and decision-makers to create solutions tailored to the unique needs of the people you serve.
Our approach is hands-on, inclusive and evidence based, ensuring policies don’t just look good on paper but truly build belonging and connection in your communities.
WHAT
WE DO
We support governments at all levels - in Australia and globally - to develop policy responses that address loneliness, social disconnection and strengthen social health in their jurisdictions.
Our work spans the full policy lifecycle - from early-stage ideations, legislative inquiries, policy proposals, policy development, implementation and review, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building.
Every service is tailored to your context and guided by evidence, experience and collaboration.
our services
We work with you to frame a service that suits your community's specific needs.
You can find more information in our brochure, or get in touch via the Work With Us section — we’re happy to answer any questions.
Policy ideation and design
We work with you to identify the specific needs of your community and co-create policy solutions that respond to social disconnection.
Ideal as a starting point, this service helps you move from awareness to action.
Government inquiries
We help you prepare for and contribute to formal legislative inquiries into loneliness and social connection.
From writing submissions to shaping hearing strategies, we ensure your voice informs early policy decisions.
Tap here to see examples of our work.
New policy proposals
We support you to develop formal policy proposals for Cabinet (or other decision-making body) or budget consideration.
Our approach ensures they’re grounded in evidence, aligned with priorities and measurable in impact.
Policy: development, implementation and review
We support you across the full policy cycle: from drafting and stakeholder engagement to rollout and post-implementation review.
The policies are designed to fit your community, not just follow a template.
Stakeholder engagement
We bring government, lived experience contributors and experts together to ensure policy is inclusive and practical.
We facilitate trusted, collaborative engagement that builds buy-in and lasting impact for your community.
Capacity building
There’s nothing worse than consultants who design roles only they can fill.
We train and mentor your team to build the confidence, knowledge and capability needed to respond to loneliness and social health challenges.
You’ll gain the tools, frameworks and insight to do the work independently long after we’re gone.
WHY WORK WITH US
We understand government and we understand loneliness and social connection.
That combination matters.
Collaborative Policy Studio is built on over two decades of public service experience, paired with lived experience and global thought leadership of social connection. We know how to navigate policy systems, stakeholder dynamics and the political realities of government decision-making.
We know that policies work best when they’re shaped with communities, not just for them from a template. That’s why we co-design with people who know the issues firsthand - bringing together public servants, experts and those with lived experience to create policies that are practical, inclusive and lasting.
We don’t deliver reports that gather dust. We help you create connection that lasts.
who we
work with
Here are some examples of the communities that we support.
You can find more information in our brochure, or get in touch via the Work With Us section — we’re happy to answer any questions.
Communities in transition
We know loneliness often arises during times of transition: for individuals and communities alike.
Population ageing, migration, gentrification, urbanisation, deindustrialisation, housing shortages and economic shifts can disrupt communities and increase social disconnection.
We help governments design policies that address these challenges, building resilience and fostering stronger, more connected communities.
Transient communities
Transient communities - such as those hosting universities, military bases, or FIFO/DIDO workers - often experience high rates of loneliness and social isolation.
Building a sense of belonging for both permanent residents and those who live in the community temporarily is essential.
We support governments to develop policies and programs that foster inclusion and connection across these diverse populations. By engaging with stakeholders and tailoring solutions to local needs, we help create communities where everyone feels valued and connected.
Communities with elevated rates of loneliness and social isolation
As more data becomes available, governments are increasingly recognising elevated levels of loneliness and social isolation in their communities.
But once the problem is clear, the next step can be uncertain.
Communities experiencing these challenges need targeted, thoughtful policy responses. We work with governments to address root causes, engage local stakeholders and co-design strategies that foster connection, belonging and social wellbeing.
Upstream responses to antisocial behaviours and extremism
Antisocial and extremist behaviours often emerge where social disconnection, exclusion and a lack of belonging take hold. While enforcement and disruption have their place, long-term solutions must address the root causes.
We work with governments to design upstream policy responses that strengthen community connection, promote inclusion, and reduce the social conditions in which harmful behaviours can thrive.
Photo: Michael White Photography
about us
HUMANS:CONNECTING's Collaborative Policy Studio was created by Phil McAuliffe, a former public servant with 20+ years’ experience in diplomacy, strategy and public policy across social, economic and security portfolios.
Phil understands the competing pressures that governments face, and the value of having trusted, expert guidance to shape effective responses and build internal capability.
He brings together deep public sector expertise with lived experience of loneliness and global thought leadership in the field. That unique combination shapes our work, helping bridge the gap between policy and people.
We partner with governments around the world to design practical, inclusive policies that strengthen social connection and support community wellbeing.
More detailed information about our expertise and background can be found in our brochure. Download it here.
WORK
WITH US
Turn loneliness awareness into connection action
Whether you're just beginning to explore a policy response to loneliness, or need support refining, implementing, or evaluating existing work, we're here to help.
We work with governments at all levels globally to design public policy that builds connection and strengthens communities.
Drawing on 20+ years of senior government and international policy experience, our consultancy services have indicative fees starting at A$300 per hour*, with day rates and project-based options available. Specific fees are discussed during an initial consultation to align with your objectives, budget and scope of your project.
Let’s start a conversation that can transform the community you serve.
* (approx. US$200 | GB£150 | €170 | C$275 - as at October 2025). Subject to change.
Note: We are based in Australia and the descriptions of our services are based on concepts and terminology within the Australian parliamentary system. We change and adapt the strategy and terminologies used in different countries and different systems, including yours.
white papers
These white papers support goverments in developing public policy responses to contemporary social, economic and political challenges by keeping humans - and our need for connection - at the centre.
previous submissions
to government inquiries
our work in the media
