Sally Cowling

Sally Cowling Email and Phone Number

A collaborative and creative social policy leader committed to driving transformation of the child protection and care system. @
Sally Cowling's Location
Greater Sydney Area, Australia
Sally Cowling's Contact Details

Sally Cowling personal email

About Sally Cowling

I have held Executive and senior leadership roles in the not-for-profit sector for the last 15-20 years specialising in social policy, research and advocacy; social innovation and service design. This followed professional experience in academia and as a Senior Political Adviser. I have a national and international reputation in social innovation and investment space as joint project leader on the Newpin and Foyer Central Social Benefit Bonds (SBBs). These bonds were developed in partnership with the NSW Government, Social Ventures Australia and SCGH. I am a progressive economist with expertise in social policy research and program design; impact measurement, government relations and advocacy; and developing, testing and implementing new ways of working. I am driven to create systemic change to deliver improved outcomes, opportunities and positive life trajectories for vulnerable people and communities. It is Aboriginal children, young people, families, communities and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations who most desperately need system transformation to reduce the gross over-representation of Aboriginal children in Out-of-Home-Care. This transformation is only possible if government and its agencies cede power and trust community to design and implement local solutions that centre on the healing power of culture and Aboriginal ways of being, doing and knowing.My skills have been applied in work centred on place-based approaches, outcomes-based funding models, early intervention and prevention, family preservation and restoration, OOHC and After Care, social housing and homelessness, and disability.In my decade with Uniting NSW.ACT I secured significant new revenue through leading successful strategic tenders (including the NSW Social and Affordable Housing Fund) and Uniting's social investment strategy. I reconfigured a leading NFP Centre. The Centre for Research, Innovation and Advocacy (CRIA) translated rigorous research into measurable impacts in policy and practice. Research partnerships with universities, government and non-government organisations secured substantial competitive research grants. Research findings underpinned social justice advocacy with all levels of government.I am viewed as a creative and strategic thinker and outstanding communicator. My commitment to social justice and desire to ‘make a difference’ are my raison d’être.I am a person with a disability.You are welcome to reach out via Linked In or 0402 853 885 or sally.cowling@icloud.com if you would like to start a conversation or exchange ideas.

Sally Cowling's Current Company Details
AbSec - NSW Child, Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation

Absec - Nsw Child, Family And Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation

A collaborative and creative social policy leader committed to driving transformation of the child protection and care system.
Sally Cowling Work Experience Details
  • Absec - Nsw Child, Family And Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation
    Director, Policy And Advocacy
    Absec - Nsw Child, Family And Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation Jun 2023 - Present
    Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
    More to come!
  • Commissioned And Pro Bono Projects
    Consulting Work
    Commissioned And Pro Bono Projects Jul 2017 - Present
    Sydney, Australia
    I undertake projects that explore and identify the system changes required to tackle the increasingly complex problems confronting vulnerable children and families . These problems cannot be 'solved' by silver bullets, single agencies or traditional and tightly specified policy silos. Projects (commissioned and pro bono) have included creating financial stability in aged care, substance use and mental health disorders; detailing the evidence-based case against mandatory drug… Show more I undertake projects that explore and identify the system changes required to tackle the increasingly complex problems confronting vulnerable children and families . These problems cannot be 'solved' by silver bullets, single agencies or traditional and tightly specified policy silos. Projects (commissioned and pro bono) have included creating financial stability in aged care, substance use and mental health disorders; detailing the evidence-based case against mandatory drug testing of people receiving unemployment benefits; and the nature of policy settings and ways of working that do serve to facilitate behavioural change. I have completed work relating to Aboriginal child health, developing VET options for young people with intellectual disability, and measuring the impact of alternative education models for young people with traumatic histories or poor mental health who are unable to thrive in mainstream schooling. Show less
  • Jesuit Social Services
    General Manager, Centre For Just Places: Nsw
    Jesuit Social Services Aug 2021 - Sep 2022
    Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
    Responsible for Jesuit Social Services programs, social enterprises and school relationships in Western Sydney. Established Centre for Just Places in NSW:• Safeguarding Children Leadership Training• Designed transition pathways and policies for face-to-face service delivery following COVID lockdowns - Targeted Early Intervention, after school programs, therapeutic programs for Aboriginal mothers and children.• Revised program logics and developed outcome measures for service… Show more Responsible for Jesuit Social Services programs, social enterprises and school relationships in Western Sydney. Established Centre for Just Places in NSW:• Safeguarding Children Leadership Training• Designed transition pathways and policies for face-to-face service delivery following COVID lockdowns - Targeted Early Intervention, after school programs, therapeutic programs for Aboriginal mothers and children.• Revised program logics and developed outcome measures for service contracts.• Disseminated Dropping off the Edge 2021 findings to NSW Government, local councils, peak bodies and community groups.• Successful in 3 of 4 grant applications. One major philanthropic proposal under review. Show less
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  • Teeach Strategic Research Centre, Western Sydney University
    Research Contract
    Teeach Strategic Research Centre, Western Sydney University Oct 2020 - May 2021
    Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
    Strategic research contract with TeEACH (Transforming early education and child health) at Western Sydney University (WSU).Work focused on the nature and roles of genuine co-design processes, implementation science and evaluation to scale up innovative evidence-based programs for family restoration and Aboriginal families and children.
  • Life Without Barriers
    Manager, Research And Practice Outcomes
    Life Without Barriers Mar 2018 - Nov 2019
    Sydney
    Member of the National Practice and Quality team and LWB Leadership Group for a large NFP specialising in disability services, home-based aged care, out-of-home care and child protection. Responsible for leading research and evaluation, creating evidence-based assumptions for social investment projects and co-design of LWB’s first social policy and advocacy strategy.
  • Uniting
    Director - Centre For Research, Innovation And Advocacy (Cria)
    Uniting Aug 2014 - Nov 2016
    Sydney, Australia
    Leadership of 14 research, policy and advocacy specialists and member of the UnitingCare Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) Executive and Operations Directors’ Committee. CYPF is now part of Uniting NSW.ACT. Responsible for delivering a strategic work program; leadership of major innovation and collaborative research/design projects; and building relationships with government, non-government and philanthropic partners. Key achievements:• Project leader for successful Social… Show more Leadership of 14 research, policy and advocacy specialists and member of the UnitingCare Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) Executive and Operations Directors’ Committee. CYPF is now part of Uniting NSW.ACT. Responsible for delivering a strategic work program; leadership of major innovation and collaborative research/design projects; and building relationships with government, non-government and philanthropic partners. Key achievements:• Project leader for successful Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF) bid. • Joint project leader: 'Foyer Central' Social Benefit Bond (SBB) in partnership with NSW Government, SVA and SGCH. • Lead negotiator of an outcomes-based contract to support high risk families in the ACT.• Leader of research-based advocacy and editor or co-author of submissions to Parliamentary and Productivity Commission inquiries.• Exceeded annual targets for all strategic initiatives. • Commissioned NATSEM reports on poverty, child poverty, rental stress by LGA; and access to Outside School Hours Care.• Development of research and evaluation program for OOHC• Expansion of research-to-practice program to include trauma informed practice, adolescent mental health, domestic violence and drug law reform.• Selection of needs assessment tools and outcomes measures for programs.• ARC Linkage Grant - new methods of practice and engagement with marginalised young people.• Major conference presentations including AIFS, Australian Social Policy Conference, NSW Government Evaluation Conference. Show less
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  • Unitingcare Children, Young People And Families
    Manager - Research And Program Development
    Unitingcare Children, Young People And Families Feb 2010 - Jul 2014
    Sydney, Australia
    Leadership of a a multi-disciplinary team of 6 researchers. Responsible for developing a research-to-practice program and evaluation framework; collaborative research with university partners; and working with our practice community to develop evidence-based responses to unmet needs of vulnerable children and families. Appointed to the Executive from May 2013 to lead strategic work.Key achievements: • Joint project leader - Newpin Social Benefit Bond (SBB) in partnership with the… Show more Leadership of a a multi-disciplinary team of 6 researchers. Responsible for developing a research-to-practice program and evaluation framework; collaborative research with university partners; and working with our practice community to develop evidence-based responses to unmet needs of vulnerable children and families. Appointed to the Executive from May 2013 to lead strategic work.Key achievements: • Joint project leader - Newpin Social Benefit Bond (SBB) in partnership with the NSW Government and SVA. This was the first SBB in Australia and the first in the world in out-of-home-care (OOHC) space.• National policy and advocacy work on welfare reform, access to early learning, and housing/homelessness in partnership with UnitingCare Australia.• Expansion of research program to cover Disability and Children’s Services. • Commissioned major guide - conducting ethical research with Aboriginal families and communities.• Joint research program with the Jaanimili Aboriginal Services and Development Unit. • Work with NSW Government on performance measures and process evaluation.• Awarded significant external research grants.• Presentations to major national policy and research conferences including ANZSOG and the Australasian Evaluation Society Conference Show less
  • Unitingcare Children, Young People And Families
    Manager - Strategic Projects
    Unitingcare Children, Young People And Families May 2007 - Jan 2010
    Sydney, Australia
    Development of strategic partnerships with universities, government and NGOs to align with UnitingCare strategic priorities and inform the design and implementation of state or national projects. Key achievements: • Successful tender and partnerships with local Aboriginal service providers to run the first Aboriginal Integrated Child and Family Centre in Mt Druitt. • Awarded competitive research grants to support the design of integrated child and family centres and new ways of… Show more Development of strategic partnerships with universities, government and NGOs to align with UnitingCare strategic priorities and inform the design and implementation of state or national projects. Key achievements: • Successful tender and partnerships with local Aboriginal service providers to run the first Aboriginal Integrated Child and Family Centre in Mt Druitt. • Awarded competitive research grants to support the design of integrated child and family centres and new ways of working with parents with intellectual disability• Strategic project work on redress schemes for children and young people who experienced abuse or neglect in state care. Show less
  • Unitingcare Queensland
    Senior Consultant - Centre For Social Justice
    Unitingcare Queensland Mar 2006 - Apr 2007
    Brisbane, Australia
    Key achievements:• Major publication on geographical patterns of socio-economic disadvantage in Queensland. • Creation of a research and advocacy agenda around rehabilitation programs and post-release support for prisoners. • Anti-Poverty Week Coordinator → Queensland Governor's International Women's Day Award.
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  • University Of Newcastle
    Research Fellow - Centre Of Full Employment And Equity (Coffee)
    University Of Newcastle Sep 2002 - Feb 2006
    Newcastle, Australia
    Fellowship was supported by an ARC Linkage Grant to create a Job Guarantee for long-term and young unemployed people. I negotiated research design with industry partners, co-authored peer reviewed publications and appeared as an expert witness at the Senate Inquiry on Poverty and Financial Hardship. While at CofFEE, I completed independent comparative research on the impact of welfare reform on single parent families in Australia and the US and published papers on creating employment… Show more Fellowship was supported by an ARC Linkage Grant to create a Job Guarantee for long-term and young unemployed people. I negotiated research design with industry partners, co-authored peer reviewed publications and appeared as an expert witness at the Senate Inquiry on Poverty and Financial Hardship. While at CofFEE, I completed independent comparative research on the impact of welfare reform on single parent families in Australia and the US and published papers on creating employment opportunities for people with psychiatric disability or mental illness. Show less
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  • Australian Labor Party
    Senior Policy Advisor - Deputy Opposition Leader
    Australian Labor Party Dec 2001 - Aug 2002
    Parliament House, Canberra
    Served the Hon Jenny Macklin MP. I had carriage of a full review of ALP policies taken to the 2001 election and responsibility for policy development and stakeholder engagement in the employment and education portfolios.
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  • Australian Labor Party
    Opposition Leader'S Policy Unit
    Australian Labor Party Jul 2001 - Nov 2001
    Parliament House, Canberra
    In the lead up to the 2001 Federal Election Campaign I was seconded to a ten-person policy unit reporting to the Hon Kim Beazley MP. The unit finalised the content and costing of campaign policy. During the campaign I was responsible for the preparation and release of all social policies including speeches and media releases.
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  • Australian Labor Party
    Policy Advisor - Shadow Minister For Family Services And The Aged
    Australian Labor Party Feb 2000 - Jul 2001
    Parliament House, Canberra
    Served Senator the Hon Chris Evans to develop policies for a portfolio spanning aged care, the early years and child care, disability and carers, the early years and child care. Responsibilities included policy design, consultation with peak bodies, service providers and researchers; legislative negotiations ; preparation of parliamentary and Estimates questions; media and speech writing.
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  • University Of Melbourne
    Senior Research Associate - Centre For Public Policy
    University Of Melbourne Jan 1999 - Dec 1999
    Melbourne, Australia
    Principal researcher and author on ‘The Women’s Audit’ project → (i) analysing trends in social services expenditure by the Victorian Government and impacts by gender and socio-economic status; (ii) qualitative research with peak bodies and community organisations supporting marginalised women. Research stimulated further work by the Victorian Auditor General.
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  • University Of Melbourne
    Ronald Henderson Research Fellow - Melbourne Institute
    University Of Melbourne Jan 1997 - Nov 1998
    Melbourne, Australia
    Prestigious Fellowship attached to the ARC funded project ‘Tax Reform: Equity and Efficiency’ awarded to the Melbourne Institute, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and CEDA. The project was conducted in a ‘politically charged’ context after the Howard Government announced they would consider the merits of a GST shortly after the research commenced. I had exclusive responsibility for qualitative research with people receiving income support and low income families to examine behavioural responses… Show more Prestigious Fellowship attached to the ARC funded project ‘Tax Reform: Equity and Efficiency’ awarded to the Melbourne Institute, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and CEDA. The project was conducted in a ‘politically charged’ context after the Howard Government announced they would consider the merits of a GST shortly after the research commenced. I had exclusive responsibility for qualitative research with people receiving income support and low income families to examine behavioural responses to tax and transfer changes. I was one of a team of researchers exploring the merits of alternative compensation packages. Research output was published as a series of monographs; in peer-reviewed journals; and was one of two major research studies influencing recommendations on compensation schemes in the Report of the Senate Inquiry on the GST (1999). Show less
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  • University Of Newcastle
    Research Officer And Tutor - Department Of Economics
    University Of Newcastle Mar 1993 - Nov 1996
    Newcastle, Australia
    Employed by Professor Bill Mitchell to undertake research on disadvantaged labour markets, long-term unemployment, and reform options for employment services and welfare systems. Research output included co-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.Lectured and tutored in the Bachelor of Economics program → rated in the Faculty’s top performance tier.
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Sally Cowling Skills

Social Innovation Social Investment Public Policy Collaborative Leadership Strategy And Strategic Planning Research And Evaluation Outcomes Measurement Non Profit Leadership Non Profit Leadership And Capacity Building Economic And Financial Analysis Communication Presentations Grant Writing Adaptability And Creativity Cultural Awareness Cultural Sensitivity

Sally Cowling Education Details

Frequently Asked Questions about Sally Cowling

What company does Sally Cowling work for?

Sally Cowling works for Absec - Nsw Child, Family And Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation

What is Sally Cowling's role at the current company?

Sally Cowling's current role is A collaborative and creative social policy leader committed to driving transformation of the child protection and care system..

What is Sally Cowling's email address?

Sally Cowling's email address is sa****@****oud.com

What schools did Sally Cowling attend?

Sally Cowling attended University Of Melbourne, University Of Newcastle.

What skills is Sally Cowling known for?

Sally Cowling has skills like Social Innovation, Social Investment, Public Policy, Collaborative Leadership, Strategy And Strategic Planning, Research And Evaluation, Outcomes Measurement, Non Profit Leadership, Non Profit Leadership And Capacity Building, Economic And Financial Analysis, Communication, Presentations.

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