A Providence team member led a team of University of Canberra academics and psychologists to delivered an independent evaluation of the Defence Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2018-2023 and its Continuous Improvement Framework during a period of significant public and organisational scrutiny. Their role was to provide objective, evidence‑based insight into how programs were operating, what was effective, and where change was required. The evaluation examined program processes, participant experience, learning outcomes and data quality across the Strategy, while maintaining independence from program delivery. Findings were provided to senior Defence leadership to support decision‑making and meet external reporting obligations, including reporting to the Royal Commission. The work identified practical improvements to program delivery, monitoring and data systems, leading to increased relevance and utility. The outcome was a credible and defensible evaluation that supported renewal of the Strategy for 2025 to 2030.
A Providence team member supported the Department of Health to engage widely across government and the mental health sector to conduct independent review and evaluation to inform a parliamentary inquiry into access to mental health services in regional Australia. Working in a highly compressed timeframe, they led extensive consultation across mental health and suicide prevention divisions, Primary Health Networks and program areas, securing input from stakeholders with competing priorities. The role focused on drawing out practical insights, lived experience and examples of what was working on the ground, and translating this into clear, accessible case studies and evidence. This engagement approach ensured stakeholder perspectives were accurately reflected and aligned with policy and funding realities. The outcome was a well‑coordinated, credible submission that clearly represented the views of diverse stakeholders, strengthened the Department’s public narrative, and supported constructive engagement with the parliamentary inquiry process. The work was delivered on time and within budget under significant time pressure.
A Providence team member led a team of University of Canberra and ANU academics in an independent, national evaluation of Nurse Practitioner models of community‑based aged care on behalf of the Department of Health. The role involved objectively assessing effectiveness, cost‑effectiveness, innovation and sustainability across thirty sites, including data analysis, site visits, financial reviews and case studies. This bespoke evaluation used qualitative, quantitative, statistical, economic, case study and narrative data sets to provide a holistic assessment of all aspects of the various models. Operating independently from service delivery, the evaluation examined outcomes from policy, program, practitioner and consumer perspectives. Particular attention was given to services supporting older people with mental health and dementia needs. Findings were synthesised into clear, evidence‑based recommendations to support government decision‑making. The outcome was a defensible evaluation that met all milestones, informed funding and policy settings, and provided practical guidance on minimum viability criteria and long‑term sustainability.
Adash is Providence’s CEO and is responsible to the Providence Board and Providence’s clients for ensuring the timely delivery of outcomes through advice, guidance and mentoring to Providence’s staff.
