Fern Derham
Christchurch
Summary
I bring an extensive background of 30+ years across industry sectors in project management, leadership, change management and collaboration.
I aptly add analytical and agile administrative savvy to any roles I undertake.
A life spent in voluntary community work equip me with a passion for governance, excellent listening skills, sensitivity, and awareness of NZ’s complex inequities and diversity.
I am pursuing new professional challenges in senior positions that leverage my skills and expertise, whilst empowering organisations and teams to be at their best.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Te Whatu Ora (HNZ)
Project Manager, Transformation Directorate
08.2023 - 07.2024
- Successfully managed (seven) multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency and alignment with organizational goals and Co-Sponsor expectations.
- Supported the Transformation Directorate and collaborated across cross-functional teams to resolve project issues, mitigate risks through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in my team's ability to deliver results.
- Conducted iterative stakeholder engagement initiatives, developed project briefs, implementation plans, terms of reference documentation, maintained risk registers, collaborated in literature reviews (where applicable) to ensure successful execution of projects.
- Monitored project performance by conducting thorough evaluation and incorporating regular lessons learned debriefs.
Waitaha Hauora COVID Coordination Hub (TWO/HNZ)
Delivery Lead (Secondment)
01.2022 - 08.2023
- Our function was to continuously collaborate with local equity leaders (Māori, Pasifika, CALD, Disability), NGOs, GP Practices and Hospitalisation Services throughout the COVID pandemic to identify and connect high risk, vulnerable people with Health, Housing, Education, MSD and community-based care services.
- Proficiently managed systems across our shared IT infrastructure, integrating existing health systems, external information systems with innovative, pragmatic solutions whilst ensuring the privacy and security of patient health information.
- Led as a conduit/intermediary between Public Health, and the Hub Leadership Team to complement the model and function of the Hub teams.
- Contributed best data & digital practice (as Data and Digital Led), risk management and quality control to the Hub Operations and Senior Management Team, whilst providing feedback and guidance to national data and digital policy and systems.
- Collated and analysed data for reporting and decision making to the Director General of Health, Minister of Health and Governance bodies within Manatu Hauora (Ministry of Health)..
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives and incorporated lessons learned to optimize effectiveness of cross-functional teams.
- Assisted with developing and implementing Emergency Preparedness plans during the COVID pandemic, with emphasis on our Disability sector and high-risk communities.
Te Whatu Ora/HNZ)
Communicable Disease & Public Health Lead
11.2020 - 01.2022
- Provided project management competencies for the Medical Officers of Health, Communicable Diseases Team, and wider Health Protection/Promotion/Environmental Teams, including technical and legislative contribution to Public Health practices and the NPHS Business Continuity Plan (BCP) throughout the COVID pandemic.
- Managed the South Island Drinking Water Assessment Unit (SIDWAU) until Taumata Arowai became the national regulator.
- Collated, managed and reported accurate and comprehensive technical data for the South Island to Taumata Arowai as drinking water transitioned out of Public Health.
- Facilitated stakeholder engagement initiatives between South Island Public Health Units, City Councils, ESR and Cawthron Laboratories to maintain water and food safety on behalf of the Communicable Diseases.
- Contributed guidance and coordination expertise to Aviation and Maritime Border Health Teams throughout the COVID pandemic including managing flight and maritime schedules and health staffing at Christchurch International Airport and Lyttelton Port.
South Island Alliance (SIAPO)
Project Delivery Lead/Technical Business Analyst
05.2018 - 11.2020
- Led Christchurch and Burwood Hospital Campus Managers and Executives as a change catalyst for the implementation of the new Patient Management System, which aligned with Ministry of Health reporting requirements.
- Our team managed stakeholder expectations by providing clear updates on project progress, risks, and mitigations; provided one-on-one training and support for staff to empower end-user confidence.
- Streamlined business processes by identifying inefficiencies and implementing targeted improvements.
- Conducted gap analyses between current state systems/processes and future state goals aimed at bridging identified discrepancies, demonstrating accurate technical contribution.
- Enhanced system functionality for increased efficiency with comprehensive technical analysis.
- Resolved complex technical issues through in-depth investigation and innovative problem-solving and trouble-shooting techniques.
Burwood Hospital (CDHB)
Burwood Operating Theatre Admin Coordinator
09.2016 - 05.2018
- Supported Consultants, Surgeons and Nursing Managers by coordinating Operating Theatre Rosters, Theatre bookings, patient management and post-surgical care.
Household of Derham
Mother and CEO
03.2008 - 09.2016
- Grew, managed, raised x3 fantastic children from infancy to an increasing state of independence.
University of Canterbury (UC)
Student and Academic Data Manager
01.2004 - 03.2008
- Project Secondment with Jade Corporation (now Jade World) and UC IT Systems Infrastructure Projects to implement a new Student Management System.
- Responsible for UC's quarterly submissions to the Ministry of Education ensuring compliance audit obligations to secure funding.
- Managed UC’s programme and course data across multiple databases, ensuring accuracy for UC publications.
- Analysed UC’s internal fee setting and administrative processes and presented recommendations to improve efficiency.
- Prepared student statistical information for use in UC executive meetings and strategic reporting.
University of Canterbury (UC)
Postgraduate Engineering And MBA Student Advisor
11.2000 - 01.2004
- Developed strong relationships with faculty Academics, fostering an environment of collaboration in support of student success.
- Worked with embassies, agents and education centres around the world in assisting students to study at the University of Canterbury.
- Facilitated the “enrolment working party” group.
- Successfully proposed changes to enrolment processes; improving efficiency and reducing waste.
- Implemented new processes for distance learning enrolments, resulting in more a timely and efficient enrolment completion for these specialised students.
- Improved communication between Student Administrative Services and faculties. A major outcome of this was a noticeable improvement in the student experience for distance learning students.
- Reviewed method of enrolment for our reciprocal exchange students with the International Office.
- Promoted a positive campus culture by serving as an accessible and approachable resource for students navigating their educational journey.
ANZ Banking Group
Trade Finance Analyst
01.1994 - 11.2000
- Managed a diverse portfolio of clients, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
- Managed critical documentation related to import/export activities, safeguarding against potential legal issues or delays.
- Improved client satisfaction by providing timely and accurate information on trade finance products and services.
- Developed strong relationships with financial institutions, fostering collaboration in support of global trade initiatives.
- Identified areas for process improvement within the department, enhancing operational efficiency .
- Served as a key liaison between clients and back-office teams, ensuring seamless execution of various trade finance instruments.
Education
Project Management
Leadership
Communication
Technical
UC Undergraduate Studies
Skills
- Project Management
- Leadership
- Change Management
- Collaboration
- Adaptability
- Communication and Conflict Resolution
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to detail
- Critical Thinking
Community Governance and Leadership
Team Leader, Refugee Resettlement Pilot Programme
- Leads a team bonded to a 2-year legal commitment to support our community-sponsored refugees and their settlement in Aotearoa, NZ.
Senior Board of Trustees Member, Chisnallwood Intermediate School and Kāhui Ako Partner for East Christchurch
- Ministry of Education Zoning and Role Review Subcommittee
- Health & Safety Subcommittee
- Personnel, Wellbeing, Discipline Subcommittee
Senior Governance Member
- Works for and with the congregation and staff of Ilam Baptist Church, providing oversight and governance.
- Works and collaborates with the NZ Baptist Association and Regional Leaders, contributing oversight and governance.
Leader, Community Mentor Group
- Co-lead, facilitate and host regular events for both community teens and pre-teens, creating safe spaces for identity, positive relationships, and connection; to encourage critical thinking about life’s big questions and their ‘Turangawaewae’.
Advocate, Delta Community Support Trust
- Advocate for compassionate and resilient communities; making connections with those facing significant disadvantages in our community.
Timeline
Te Whatu Ora (HNZ)
Project Manager, Transformation Directorate
08.2023 - 07.2024
Waitaha Hauora COVID Coordination Hub (TWO/HNZ)
Delivery Lead (Secondment)
01.2022 - 08.2023
Te Whatu Ora/HNZ)
Communicable Disease & Public Health Lead
11.2020 - 01.2022
South Island Alliance (SIAPO)
Project Delivery Lead/Technical Business Analyst
05.2018 - 11.2020
Burwood Hospital (CDHB)
Burwood Operating Theatre Admin Coordinator
09.2016 - 05.2018
Household of Derham
Mother and CEO
03.2008 - 09.2016
University of Canterbury (UC)
Student and Academic Data Manager
01.2004 - 03.2008
University of Canterbury (UC)
Postgraduate Engineering And MBA Student Advisor
11.2000 - 01.2004
ANZ Banking Group
Trade Finance Analyst
01.1994 - 11.2000
Project Management
Leadership
Communication
Technical
UC Undergraduate Studies
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