Lynette Hutson - National Director Social Services - The Salvation Army

Summary

I am an experienced and competent senior leader of social services with broad experience in strategic planning, service design and development and team leadership in social services settings.

My strengths include building positive relationships and working collaboratively with teams to build responsive and innovative social services and driving a continuous quality improvement environment. Specifically my interest is in integrating a Te Ao Māori approach into social services recognising the richness this brings. I am a strategic thinker with a problem solving, solution focused attitude.

In addition to my social services experience my previous work has included leading the Business Administration Section of The Salvation Army, line managing the Property, Information Systems Group, Communications, Public Relations and Finance departments and line management of the Marlborough Hospice.

Currently I have responsibility for all the social services of The Salvation Army including alcohol and other drug addiction services, prison reintegration, driver mentoring, transitional housing, social housing and the generic social work services provided by The Salvation Army. My work also involves building social services in Fiji Tonga and Samoa.

I value working with external sector groups to build strong social work services for tangata based on social work principles of fairness, equity and self determination.

Overview

3

years of professional experience

Work History

National Director Social Services

The Salvation Army

Wellington, Wellington

01.2021 - Current

Managed and coordinated the work of a team of national directors in various parts of the country.
Developed relationships with key leaders in government agencies to advance organisational goals.
Represented the organisation at relevant meetings and conferences both nationally and internationally. (e.g. United Nations UNGASS forum & Commission on Narcotic Drugs).
Participated on a range of Expert Advisory Groups to develop national frameworks (e.g. development of He Ara Āwhina framework for Te Hiringa Mahara - Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission).
Written and reviewed funding applications for the delivery of services based on experience and best practice knowledge.
Evaluated existing services, identified areas needing improvement and recommended solutions.
Participated in the development of policy to build continuous improvement and develop initiatives related to organisational mission objectives.
Participation in leadership group to design and manage large organisational change and realignment project.

Education

Graduate Diploma In Social Work With Distinction - Social Work

University of Canterbury

Christchurch

12-2000

Skills

Senior leadership of The Salvation Army
Leading teams of experienced national directors
Monitoring and managing contract performance
Supporting bicultural development and development of a Te Ao Māori service focus
Strategic planning and implementation

Team Development and capacity building
Problem-Solving and solution focused
Strong understanding of policy frameworks
Experience in leading a broad variety of services
Maintaining a calm and professional approach in stressful circumstances and respecting and valuing colleagues

Affiliations

Board member of Platform Trust, mental health and addictions peak body for 10years
Board member of NCAT (National Committee for Addictions Treatment) including 5 years as Chair.
Member of Expert Advisory Group developing He Ara Awhina Framework for Te Hiringa Mahara (Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission)
Executive Officer Spiritsong( Salvation Army National Choir)

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

National Director Social Services

The Salvation Army

01.2021 - Current

Graduate Diploma In Social Work With Distinction - Social Work

University of Canterbury