Wendy Gillespie

Phone 0064 (0)21 417 010

Email:

LinkedIn;

Career to date

Self employed consulting– Current

Providing training and consulting services inVision, strategy, change, growth, performance improvement, business improvement systems and processes, organizational improvement, strategic policy, results based measurement, competition analysis, coaching.

Director Strategic Investment – September 2014 – July 2016, Community Investment, MSD (left due to restructuring)

Led the development of the Community Investment Strategy programme of work. The Strategyis a significant transformation programme of work intended to improve the return on Social Investment for Government and improve effectiveness of investment.

CEO – Dec 2013 – July 2014. GM Franklin Family Support Services. Leadership of staff and volunteers. Responsible for; IT strategy, Funding Strategy, EAP, SHR, establishment of new Financial and payroll systems - and client data base system, facilitated Vision and Strategic planning sessions. Developed and implemented staff action and professional development plans, and development/review of all organisational policies to bring up to date with current legislation, developed and implemented funding strategy.

Working on short term contracts and private portfolio (property).June 2013-Dec 2013

Change Management Consultant (in NZ) 18 Feb 2013 - 28 June 2013. Short term contract.

Worked on HirePool HireEquipacquisition and merger. Conducted change readiness interviews, facilitated workshops with senior managers on change programmes, behavioural responses, and how to manage these. Short term contract.

Regional Director Pacific - Austraining International July 2011 – Feb 2013 (role disestablished)

Developed and managed strategy and oversaw operations in Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu (including staff, volunteers and consultants).My responsibilities included;

  • Identifying business development opportunities
  • Monitoring and reporting on competitor activities
  • Setting annual strategy and planning, budget setting
  • Workforce planning and strategy
  • Monitoring and acting on strategic risks
  • Company representative within NZ official and overseas forum
  • Monthly, quarterly reporting on budgets, activity and risk - managing costs against budget
  • Performance management and coaching of staff, contractors and volunteers
  • Media and external communications preparation
  • Ongoing relationship management with clients and funders

Review of Professional Development Programme for Principals and Teachers – Abu Dhabi Education Council. September 2010 – Aug 2011 Education Reform.

  • Conducted review of Professional Development programme across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi with local Leaders.
  • Reviewed outsourced programmes for effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Designed and planned the new programme, including the development of programme definition document and programme plan for the implementation phase with stakeholders.

Strategy and planning review and development - Ministry Fisheries NZ April – May 30 2010. Short term contract.

Public Sector Reform – World Bank April 2010 - Review and advice on Public Sector Reform programme in Uruguay. Short term contract.

HR Recruitment end to end policy, systems and processes review and development- New Zealand Defence Force January - March 2010 Reported to Commander of HR. Contract.

Project Manager and State Sector Performance Specialist– Performance Improvement Framework (PIF) State Services Commission New Zealand (August 2008- December 2009). Reported to Deputy State Services Commissioner. Gained high security clearance.

  • Monitored Agency Performance
  • Reviewed Chief Executive Performance
  • Co-led projects between Treasury, SSC and DPMC
  • Represented SSC on a variety of Steering and Working Committees
  • Technical expert developing Performance Improvement Framework

Strategy and Planning Manager - Waikato Institute of Technology (March 07-August 08) Contract while completing PhD.

Group Business Manager and Acting Unit Manager Hamilton City Council (2 roles) (August 05-February 07)Led the development of Strategic planning across Community Services Group and then mentored the development of operational plans. Then took over managing staff and volunteers across five business units including asset management, services, policy and programmes.

Housing New Zealand Corporation(2 roles) (Auckland and Wellington NZ) July 2004–August 2005 (Fixed Term Contract 14 months).

Business Planning & Strategy Manager(reported to GM Strategic Services) Led the development of first Auckland Strategy for HNZC including a programme to develop improved performance monitoring and reporting including the development of better KPIs. Conducted internal review of three functions for CEO to identify gaps and duplication of services.

Programme Manager- New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade April 04-July 04, Short-term contract. NZAID (Short-term contract). Gained High Security Clearance.

  • Desk top review of NZ Aid programme to Kiribati.

Audit Manager- Monitoring and Assurance Team, State Sector Performance.Ministry Maori Development Te Puni Kokiri April 03-April 04 (left due to restructuring). My Team and I:

  • Provided briefings to 3 Ministers, negotiated audit scope and findings
  • Managed an audit and review programme of government agencies’ policy, programme and services
  • Completed stakeholder negotiation and liaison with government officials, iwi and central agencies
  • Prepared Official Information Act requests & Ministerial communication management
  • Assessment of & strategic development of central government policy
  • Management and delivery of team’s work programme

Ministry of Social Development (MSD) (5 years 1998-2003) resulted in many career development opportunities.

Strategic Planner Regional then National, Programme Manager and Senior Advisor. The first year was based in and around the Waikato, the last four years I was based in Wellington but worked on projects across the country. (left to pursue team management positions).

MSD roles included shoulder tapped secondments;

1999-2002 Senior Policy Analyst/Project Manager - Wellington

1999- 2000 Strategic Planner Waikato Region (MSD)

1998 – 1999 Employment Advisor – Work Broker Work & Income NZ (MSD)

Human Resource Manager - Raukawa Development Trust. 1995-1997 (103 staff), made redundant.

Previous to this I was Primary teaching based in the Waikato region teaching at both country and urban schools. Earlier in my career I worked in professional business services, retail, hospitality, horticulture and agriculture.

International Experience 1977-2013

  • Pacific Region; Kiribati, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu (Capability development programmes)
  • Abu Dhabi (Education reform)
  • Uruguay (Performance Improvement, Public Management Systems – World Bank)
  • Australian States (Northern Territory, Victoria, PIF)
  • United Kingdom (PIF Public sector– advise their own Capability development model)
  • Kiribati (Micronesia, Project Management MFAT)
  • Sydney Australia – Urban design and sustainable growth – HNZC.

Qualifications

2011 PhD in Strategic Management Waikato University New Zealand

2002 Masters of Strategic Management

2001 Sustainable Economic Development

International Business Environment

2000Advanced Strategic Management

Advanced Change Management

1999Masters of Public Policy

Micro and macro economics

Policy analysis

Internal and external trade policy

Local business growth and development

1994Bachelor of Education

Primary Teaching Diploma

Transcripts available upon request

Volunteer work

2016 Wellington Chamber of Commerce (Small Business Mentor)

2014-2016 Mentor to small business entrepreneurs

1996 Te Kainga Te Aroha (Kihikihi Community House)

1995 – 1997 Hamilton Christian Men’s Night Shelter (Mentor then Board Member)

1993 – 1995 Te Awamutu Women’s Centre (Volunteer and Counsellor)

1985 – 1997 Various primary schools (reading, writing and maths tuition)