Peter Whitcombe Email & Phone Number

Australia

Wellington, Wellington Region, New Zealand

South Island / Wellington / Hawkes Bay / Tairawhiti

Oranga Tamariki was established on April 1, 2017. We are a Ministry dedicated to supporting any child in New Zealand whose wellbeing is at significant risk of harm now, or in the future. We also work with young people who may have offended, or are likely to offend.Our belief is that in the right environment, with the right people surrounding and nurturing them, any child can, and should flourish.The role of the Regional Manager is to both operationally and strategically lead high quality services and support, effective in supporting young people and whanau to thrive. This is delivered through teams, and externally developed and commissioned services.

Wellington

National Care TaskforceLead the development and delivery of the Care Taskforce, responsible for reducing the number of children and young people in state care placed inappropriately throughout New Zealand. (ie in motels, unapproved placements, or held in police cells).- resulted in a successful business case of an extra $20M (over 3 years) of investment into high needs care options across New Zealand.- established the Care Options Visibility Tool, an online tool providing real-time understanding of placement availability nationally, and analytics and insight into areas pressured for care options, helping future decision making for care services development. - the taskforce was disestablished in July 2018, and has seen a significant reduction of children and young people placed inappropriately, at a time when care numbers nationally increased by over 10%.Care Standards (Senior Responsible Owner)Responsible for the leadership and oversight of the National Care Standards Team, set up to design and establish Care Standards into legislation.The National Care Standards set out the standard of care every child and young person needs to do well and be well, and the support all caregivers can expect to receive when they open their hearts and homes to tamariki. They came into effect on 1 July 2019. The Care Standards include a child-friendly Statement of Rights to ensure every child and young person in care understands what they’re entitled to and knows how to speak up or make a complaint.https://www.orangatamariki.govt.nz/being-in-care/national-care-standards/

Canterbury Region, New Zealand

The Children’s Team Director leads working together, ensuring the child’s needs are at the centre of decision making, driving changes in behaviour which result in highly functioning Children’s Teams. This is then reflected in the wider community with agencies, NGO’s, Iwi and other organisations engaging in increased opportunities to work together sharing resources and expertise and finding innovative joint sustainable solutions to local challenges for vulnerable children.The role engages with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure delivery to government expectations. This is a senior and influential position within the community, and a high standard of personal and professional leadership is required.Key Achievements* Lead the set up and establishment of the Canterbury Children’s Team, through wide consultation with Government Agencies, NGOs, Community and Iwi.* Developed and inducted a workforce of more than 130 Professionals from across Police, Health, NGO Social Services, Iwi, MSD and Education. In addition, have set up four Expert Cross-Agency Panels, made up of senior level practitioners and managers with oversight for specific communities in Canterbury. * Currently the largest Children’s Team nationally, actively working with wrap-around plans for around 400 children, achieved with no additional resourcing.* One of two locations nationally chosen in 2016 by Government to expand to full DHB boundaries.* Have seen a demonstrable reduction of service barriers for vulnerable children in Canterbury.

Christchurch, New Zealand

This role requires resilient and stable leadership. On a day to day level, coaching and support of staff, responsiveness around information requests, budget management and sign off, HR management and recruitment, risk management, and monitoring of Key Performance Indicators. Leading through ongoing change as well environmental disruption has been pivotal in the site’s success. Key AchievementsSuccessfully led the change in site location on 3 occasions, culminating in a new site co-located with a multi-agency health provider. During this period the site maintained provision of core services.Lead a culture of high performance, with the Christchurch City Site being the highest performing site in Canterbury for 2011/2012, based on the monthly Regional report.Represented Canterbury CYF management across a range of interagency groups (High and Complex Needs Governance Group, Intensive Case Management Reference Group, Gateway Governance Group, Children’s Team Reference Group, and Strengthening Families). Nominated as Chair of HCN and Strengthening Families Governance Groups. Received an MSD Study Award to complete a Masters of Business Administration (MBA). Completing this program alongside full-time work has broadened my skill base around responsible management, business acumen and strategic thinking.A strong understanding of Human Resource processes and performance management.

Christchurch, New Zealand

This role required the ability to respond to many competing demands at regional and national level, while also being present and available as the first port of call for Managers and Practice Leaders in need of guidance around high-risk situations and complaints processes. The role oversees all communications to a variety of Governmental bodies, including the Children’s Commissioner, the Ombudsman, the Chief Executive’s Advisory Panel, the Minister of Social Development’s office, and in particular Child Youth and Families own National Office Management Team. It requires close attention to detail and risk identification around any vulnerabilities, ensuring that safe practice and sound decision making has occurred. Additionally, the role also acts as an advisor for the Regional Director, informing around any trends and operational issues, and works with the Regional Director and Operations areas to find solutions and lead change.Key AchievementsDoubled Serious Event reporting rates, meaning that we were able to proactively manage any upcoming risks. This was achieved through delivery of training throughout South Island in organisational and political risk, and reporting processes. Provision of leadership and coordination across the Canterbury management group and Government / NGO sector in the post-earthquake response.Built positive relationships with the National Office Team, and across the Operations area with Site and Operations Managers, while communicating and raising practice standards around information.

Master Of Business Administration (M.B.A.) (With Distinction), University Of Canterbury Executive Development Program - College Of Business

This Masters level degree develops: • Responsible leaders who can consider a range of ethical, legal and strategic issues •.

Bachelor'S Degree, Bachelor Of Social Work

Includes study of Psychology, Sociology, Social Work History, Theory, Research, Principles and Practice. Placements: • Stepping Stones.