Sandy Forbes

Sandy is knowledgeable, and committed to positive outcomes, in the human services and education sectors both within government and with not for profit organisations.

Project experience

Strategy development and facilitation

• facilitated numerous strategic planning days for government and not-for-profit community organisations
• advised in strategy planning in the education sector • developed strategic plans for business units, advisory councils and not-for-profit community organisations
• currently works with a partnership of health providers to develop a shared platform of priorities and directions for a regional health strategic direction.

Public policy development

• reviewed the policies and practices for regulation of home schooling
• advised government on the barriers to effective services for vulnerable youth • currently works across government for the development of a common funding agreement approach for departmental funding to not for profit organisations.

Evaluation and policy implementation

• evaluation of a major community grants program
• worked on a project to build the capacity of not-for-profit organisations as they adapt to changing policy environments in the disability sector.

Education / accreditation / board membership

• Master of Business Administration, Melbourne Business School (PA Consulting Prize for Organisational Management)
• Master of Social Work, University of Melbourne
• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Politics), University of Melbourne

Sandy is a Board member of Peninsula Health. Her previous board memberships include a child care co-operative and multiple sporting clubs for young people.

Past employment

Sandy’s previous experience includes leading roles in a number of major public policy reforms and national leadership roles in the areas of vocational education in the community sector. Within the health and human services sector, Sandy was director of policy and strategic projects in the Department of Human Services, where she lead the development of the first partnership agreement between the department and the community sector, the Forward Plan for Women’s Health, the Aboriginal Services Plan and the establishment of the Diversity Unit to drive improved services to women and multicultural communities.

Interests

Sandy is enthusiastic about health and fitness and is a keen cyclist and walker. She enjoys all the activities of extended family and catering for family gatherings. Her favourite place to be is the South West Victorian coastline and protecting the native flora and fauna.