Alan Woodward
Board member
Dr Alan Woodward has worked in mental health and suicide prevention for 25 years as a policy advisor, executive service lead, evaluator and researcher.
He is an expert on crisis helpline services and community-based supports.
Drawing on a background in social policy across housing, ageing and community development, as well as public health, he has a deep appreciation of the social determinants of health and wellbeing, including family, social, and cultural factors in our lives.
Dr Woodward is an experienced non-executive director and strategic advisor to governments, including to the National Suicide Prevention Office, Defence Joint Health Command, and as a National Mental Health Commissioner.
He has skills in relating strategy and policy to actions.
Dr Woodward has a particular interest in how people experience health and social services and the extent to which these create positive outcomes. This is reflected in his research interests and his work as an evaluator.
He grew up and lives in the Illawarra Region and has a personal understanding of the needs and preferences of people living in rural and regional places.