Areas of expertise include:
Governance
Policy
Strategic planning
Leadership development
Partnership development
Workforce planning capability, capacity and redesign
Project management
Community Development
Facilitator/Convenor
More than 20 years of experience as an executive leader with active research and education portfolios equipped Mary Hoodless director of Karoo Consultancy, with an array of skills as an organisational development consultant. Mary enjoys working with not-for-profit, private, community and public sector organisations to facilitate positive change and increase capability both within the organisation and the broader community.
“I have spent 20 years honing my skills in an executive management position in the field of health and community services. My role included research and education portfolios. During this time, I managed the organisation’s registered training organisation and held a (.5FTE) research position with the University of Melbourne.
In 2011, I launched my business as a specialist organisational development consultant with a goal to assist clients to align the vision, mission and values of their organisation with their desired outcomes and hence to reinvigorate the organisation”.
Recent projects for high profile clients include:
Governance
The establishment of contemporary governance structures and processes: governance capability framework/skills matrix, policy development across key areas of governance, delegation instruments, integrated risk management framework, reporting and training.
Facilitate board self-assessments in reference to the ACNC Standards for Governance, AICD recommendations for good governance and board check up.com.
Strategy
The development of strategic plans informed by an analysis of the internal and external environment including a community engagement strategy. Facilitation of vision, mission, values and key strategic objectives, performance indicators and development of operational plans.
Organisational Capability Review
Implementing full organisational capability reviews resulting in a sustainable restructure implementing a new corporate and operational system.
Alliances and Amalgamations
The facilitation of formal interagency relationships including Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and formal amalgamations of not for profit organisations.
The development of multi-sector alliances.
Business Development
Completed business development projects analysing the external market, options and opportunities and internal capacity and capability.
Community Services
Comprehensive service reviews and tactical response plans (CHSP, HCPs, programs and NDIS)
Strategic planning with aged care providers: analysing the external (PESTLIE), internal environment and community expectations.
NDIS readiness self-assessments
Market analysis
Internal reviews in reference to Standards
Setting up and evaluating Consumer Directed Care Packages
Developed client/carer/volunteer and staff manuals
Developed policies and procedures
Delivered staff/board & volunteer training
Developed transition out and continuity/contingency plans
Facilitated transition of Consumer Care Packages to other providers
Facilitated successful applications to become an Approved Aged Care Providers
Ongoing support and assistance with the various changes to CHSP and Consumer Directed Care Packages
Project managed transitioning out of the sector
Community Health and Wellbeing Planning
The development of health and community wellbeing profile (combined socio-demographic, epidemiological, community engagement, policy & evidence informed needs assessment).
Development of service (delivery) plans.
Consumer/Community Engagement
Facilitated various community engagement and consultation activities for a variety of sectors.
Operational Plans
The development of operational plans using a variety of software programs in consultation with stakeholders.
Policy & Procedures
Development of policies and procedures for compliance, operations, quality and human resources.
Project Management
Managed a range of projects: organisational redesign, transitioning out of services, recruitment, CHSP quality review.
Workforce Capability Plan
Developed and implemented workforce capability plans aligned to the organisation’s strategic plans
Board/Staff/Volunteer Training Resources and delivery
Developed and range of training e-learning and other training resources.
Delivered training, face to face and on line (MOODLE)
Sessional lecturer – Bachelor of Applied Management
Delivered leadership and mentoring programs
Human Resource Management
Delivered merit-based recruitment training
Participated on various interview panels
Prepared merit-based recruitment policies, procedures and performance-based position descriptions
Prepared orientation and probationary programs and manuals
Research & Higher Education
Sessional Lecturer Bachelor of Applied Management
Undertaken and published research in the aged care sector
Accredited invigilator
Qualifications / Awards / Achievements
Qualifications
Bachelor of Nursing, (BN, RN)
Diploma of Management, Dip Bus
Diploma of Project Management
Diploma of Population Health
Certificate IV Training and Assessment
Graduate Certificate of Education (Tertiary)
Master of Applied Science (Research). (MCNA MAICD)
Memberships
Australian Institute of Company Directors
Albury Business Connect
Alumni – La Trobe University and Federation University
Awards
2022 National Emergency Medal
2020 NSW Premiers Community Service Award
2019 Australia Day Community Award
2014 Golden Key International Honour Society Academic Award (https://www.goldenkey.org/)
2009- 2013: University of Melbourne: Honorary Appointment within the faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences as a Fellow
1999: La Trobe University Honorary Associate in the School of Nursing Faculty of Health Sciences in recognition of significant contribution to the Faculty
Board and Volunteer Positions
Chair: Regional Development Australia – Murray
Former President: Jingellic & District Pastoral Agricultural and Horticultural Society
Former Community Safety Assistant/Training Officer: Jingellic Rural Fire Service
Former Committee Member: Friends of Walwa Community Emergency Response Team
Former Committee Member: Albury Northside Chamber of Commerce Regional Consultant Group
Publications & Conferences
I have published articles in national and international peer reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.