Anne Leonard

Anne is a community services professional with extensive expertise in service management, development, planning, evaluation and review. She currently provides assessment, consultancy and training services in the health and community services sector, and is skilled in managing difficult negotiations in contested environments.

Anne began her professional life as a psychologist, supporting children with disabilities and their families. Since then she has held many senior management roles, leading service delivery teams, managing amalgamations and re-structures, and designing and leading the development of new service models. Her roles have included Client Planning and Services Manager in the closure of Kew Residential Services, the largest remaining disability institution in Victoria at that time; and Manager of the Victorian Multiple and Complex Needs Initiative, where she led the development of a new state-wide service model and related legislative change.

Anne has extensive experience in working with government as well as with community and not-for-profit organisations. Between 1991 and 2012 Anne held multiple roles with the Victorian Department of Human Services, including Manager of Service Integration and Development between 2006 and 2012.

Anne is currently an independent consultant, and a team leader and assessor with Quality Innovation Performance (QIP). In this role she has reviewed and accredited many different organisations, including family and children’s services, mental health services, housing and homelessness services and disability services. She has also delivered a range of training in the health and community services sector, covering the areas of inclusive practice for LGBTI individuals and communities, recognising and responding to family violence, and leadership and management. She has delivered courses and training through a range of providers including RMIT, Swinburne University, EmployEase and Rainbow Health Victoria.

Anne has engaged over many years with a wide range of stakeholders, including service users, families, staff and staffing groups, advocacy groups, community service organisations, government departments, Ministers and advisers, and statutory bodies. Her interests include the development of flexible service delivery models, service coordination and collaboration, and continuous quality improvement of organisational systems and processes in complex environments.