Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Full Professional Development
Timeline
Generic
Karl Belcher

Karl Belcher

Christchurch,New Zealand

Summary

Primary Mental Health leader with over 10 years of experience delivering mental health outcomes and system change. Expertise in leading clinical teams, interdisciplinary collaboration, and quality assurance. Strong leadership, strategic planning, and complex project management with transparent decision-making. Skilled in data analysis supporting performance improvement. Grounded in Māori principles of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, fostering safety, trust, and compassion. Values-based leadership inspired by "He waka eke noa" - collective responsibility for supportive environments where people can thrive.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Board Member

The Yarnsmen Charitable Trust
06.2024 - Current
  • Directed a portfolio of mental health initiatives aimed at improving services and outcomes.
  • Improved suicide prevention efforts by integrating governance structures with clinical frameworks for working-age males.

Service Manager

Pegasus Mental Health Service
06.2022 - Current
  • Led 7 team leaders across mental health programs, focusing on coaching and mentoring for their development.
  • Developed Pegasus Primary Mental Health Strategic Plan, establishing a framework for cross-PHO primary mental health review.
  • Expanded staff from 20 to 80, managing a financial budget of $8-9 million annually to support service growth.
  • Relationship management to enhance community engagement and service quality.
  • Conducted comprehensive data reporting and analysis for both internal and external stakeholders to drive performance improvements.
  • Implemented new practice and service frameworks, successfully managing multiple change management projects.
  • Recognised as Team of the Year in 2024 at Pegasus for significant contributions to service improvement and awarded personal award for the organisational value of integrity.

Chair

Canterbury Postvention Working Group
10.2021 - Current
  • Led the Canterbury Suicide Postvention Working Group, coordinating with the local governance group to develop and implement a regional suicide prevention plan.
  • Relationship management across sectors, including NZ Police, Oranga Tamariki, Corrections, Health and Education.
  • Facilitated transparent decision-making processes that improved resource allocation and project prioritisation within the mental health and suicide prevention sector.

Clinical Team Leader

Pegasus Mental Health Service
01.2019 - 06.2022
  • Lead and manage complex mental health service initiatives, focusing on performance improvement and effective resource allocation.
  • Clinical leadership for 20 direct reports, ensuring high-quality mental health service delivery while fostering partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Facilitated group sessions and provided supervision to enhance team collaboration and strategic planning efforts.
  • Implemented new practice frameworks to refine service delivery, significantly reducing wait times and increasing accessibility during critical periods, including the COVID-19 lockdown.
  • Conducted detailed data analysis to present insights to stakeholders, driving service refinement and development based on feedback and performance metrics.
  • Managed daily operations of a high-demand service, addressing patient needs and optimising staff performance to meet service demands.

Service Manager

Canterbury Men's Centre
01.2017 - 01.2019
  • Managed a team of 25 staff, including counsellors and social workers, providing both administrative and clinical supervision to enhance service quality.
  • Conducted assessments and referrals for new clients while implementing a feedback process to continuously improve service delivery.
  • Led community development projects, successfully relaunched the Blokes Book, and built relationships with local government and NGOs to enhance community engagement.
  • Increased service capacity and income through the development of targeted programs like Dads Group, responding to identified community needs.
  • Oversaw KPIs, budgeting, and planning activities, including annual contract reviews and comprehensive report writing for funding and health and safety compliance.

Field Work Educator

Various Education Providers
01.2015 - 01.2017
  • Dynamic Service Manager in Primary Mental Health with over 12 years of experience driving impactful mental health initiatives and enhancing service delivery. Proven expertise in leading clinical teams, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and implementing quality assurance measures that elevate patient care.
  • Provided mentorship and guidance to social work and counselling students, enhancing their practical skills and understanding of community mental health needs.

Clinical Social Worker/Case Manager

East Adult Community Mental Health Service (CDHB)
01.2014 - 12.2016
  • Dynamic Service Manager with over 12 years of experience in mental health, skilled in managing complex cases and leading improvement initiatives in service delivery.
  • Managed acute mental health cases, focusing on effective clinical assessments and comprehensive report writing.
  • Led a 6-month rotation in an inpatient ward at Hillmorton Hospital, acting as On-call Crisis Resolution Case Manager involving de-escalation and risk assessment.
  • Recognized with Pounamu from Pukenga Atawhai for exceptional work with Maori communities and tangata whaiora, emphasizing cultural competence and inclusive practices.

Board Member/Treasurer

Canterbury Men's Centre
01.2014 - 01.2016
  • Dynamic Service Manager in Primary Mental Health with 12+ years leading impactful mental health programs and enhancing service delivery across various initiatives.
  • Led the identification, scoping, and prioritization of multiple mental health projects, ensuring effective resource allocation and transparent decision-making.
  • Monitored regional programs to track progress and facilitate improvements in service delivery and performance.
  • Conducted data analysis and presented findings to stakeholders to inform strategic planning and enhance regional performance.
  • Fostered collaboration among clinical teams to drive quality assurance measures that improved patient care outcomes.
  • Guided strategic initiatives to enhance community outreach and engagement programs.

Education

Dare to Lead, Brené Brown (Certified) -

Interpersonal Dynamics - undefined

Post Graduate Certificate in Health Science - Recovery and Health

University of Auckland

Leadership Strategy and Change - undefined

NZIM
01.2024

Bachelor of Social Work (First Class Honours) - undefined

University of Canterbury
12.2013

NCEA Level 3 (Merit) - undefined

St Thomas of Canterbury College
12.2009

Skills

  • Leadership
  • Change Management
  • Data Analysis
  • Strategic Planning
  • Relationship Management
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Financial Management
  • Programme Management

Full Professional Development

Professional Development Plans (PDP) available upon request

Timeline

Board Member

The Yarnsmen Charitable Trust
06.2024 - Current

Service Manager

Pegasus Mental Health Service
06.2022 - Current

Chair

Canterbury Postvention Working Group
10.2021 - Current

Clinical Team Leader

Pegasus Mental Health Service
01.2019 - 06.2022

Service Manager

Canterbury Men's Centre
01.2017 - 01.2019

Field Work Educator

Various Education Providers
01.2015 - 01.2017

Clinical Social Worker/Case Manager

East Adult Community Mental Health Service (CDHB)
01.2014 - 12.2016

Board Member/Treasurer

Canterbury Men's Centre
01.2014 - 01.2016

Interpersonal Dynamics - undefined

Post Graduate Certificate in Health Science - Recovery and Health

University of Auckland

Leadership Strategy and Change - undefined

NZIM

Bachelor of Social Work (First Class Honours) - undefined

University of Canterbury

NCEA Level 3 (Merit) - undefined

St Thomas of Canterbury College

Dare to Lead, Brené Brown (Certified) -

Karl Belcher