Senior Advisory · Sydney, Australia
Senior advisory for organisations navigating complex reform, regulatory compliance, governance uplift, and equity-centred transformation across Australia's social sector.
“Real reform requires both systems expertise and the courage to name what isn't working.”
— Sharon GuduI bring 19 years of senior government experience — leading regulatory agencies, driving national legislative reform, and designing equity-centred programs — now available directly to the organisations that need that rigour most.
Services
Each pillar draws on a distinct thread of my career — not generalist consulting, but deep experience from inside the systems I now advise on.
Designing and leading complex change
Supporting organisations to design, lead, and communicate complex reform — from sector-wide transformation to internal change. Grounded in evidence, built for implementation, and informed by 19 years of navigating the machinery of government from the inside.
Board advisory & governance architecture
Qualified through the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and drawing on CEO-level board leadership, I advise boards and executives on governance architecture, risk frameworks, and the structures that enable organisations to be both accountable and agile.
Navigate regulation. Lift quality. Stay ahead.
Having led the NSW Early Childhood Regulatory Authority, I understand exactly what regulators look for — and what distinguishes organisations that merely comply from those that genuinely lead on quality. I bring that perspective directly to providers in regulated sectors facing audit, compliance concerns, or quality uplift goals.
Programs that genuinely serve people
Bringing professional expertise and personal conviction to programs that must meaningfully serve diverse and marginalised communities. My background in Aboriginal early childhood strategy, homelessness sector reform, and carer services gives me both the knowledge and the standing to lead this work with integrity.
“Nineteen years inside government gave me something most consultants don't have — I know how these systems actually work, where they fail, and what it takes to change them.”
About
I spent nearly two decades in senior NSW and Federal government roles — leading regulatory agencies, driving national legislative change, and designing equity-centred programs across early childhood, homelessness, and Aboriginal communities.
That depth of insider experience is now available directly to the organisations that need it most: peaks, NFPs, service providers, government agencies, and boards navigating complex reform without always having the internal capacity to match the ambition of the work.
My approach combines strategic rigour with a genuine commitment to equity — values shaped by my own background and two decades of watching what happens when policy fails to account for the people it's meant to serve.
How I Work
I work as a genuine thought partner — available for the messy middle of reform, not just the launch and the report.
Every engagement begins with understanding the real problem — which is rarely the presenting one. I invest time upfront so the work is precisely calibrated to what's actually needed.
Drawing on government experience, I map the landscape — stakeholders, regulatory context, political constraints, organisational capacity — before recommending anything.
Strategy, frameworks, and advisory outputs built to a publication standard — evidence-grounded, implementation-ready, and written for the people who need to act on them.
Engagement models are flexible — from a single advisory session to a multi-month retainer. I remain available as the work unfolds, not just at the bookends.
Who I Work With
My work is best suited to organisations operating in complex regulatory, policy, or community environments — where surface-level consulting isn't enough.
Start a ConversationSector peaks navigating policy advocacy, service reform, governance uplift, or organisational strategy — particularly in community, health, or social services.
Early childhood, aged care, and disability providers seeking regulatory readiness, quality improvement, or support responding to compliance concerns.
State and federal departments needing senior independent advice on regulatory design, reform implementation, or equity-centred program development.
Community and NFP boards needing an independent governance review, risk framework development, or skilled facilitation for strategic planning.
Enquire
Engagements range from a single strategy session to multi-month advisory retainers. The first conversation is always exploratory — no obligation, no pitch.
Based in Sydney · Working across NSW & nationally