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Executive Search

Appointing a Commissioner for a National Disability Regulatory Agency

Date Posted:19 November 2025

Delivering an Executive Search to Appoint a Strategic Leader for a National Regulatory Agency in the Disability Sector

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner - Dep of Social Services

The Brief

Future Leadership™ was engaged by a Commonwealth Department to appoint a Commissioner responsible for safeguarding quality and safety standards in disability services nationwide. This leadership role was pivotal in implementing reforms recommended by recent national reviews and inquiries, aimed at improving service quality, strengthening compliance, and rebuilding trust with participants and providers.
The agency operates nationally, overseeing provider registration, compliance, and safeguarding frameworks for millions of Australians with disability. The strategic environment required a leader with exceptional governance capability, deep sector knowledge, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships while driving systemic reform.
9.19.1

Candidate net Promote Score

Future Leadership combines truly personalised relationships with innovative technology solutions to ensure an approachable and efficient process for all our Net Promoter Score across clients, successful candidates and unsuccessful candidates is well above industry standard.

10,000+10,000+

Candidates supported every year

We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.

50.5%50.5%

We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.

Over half of the executive search assignments undertaken by our team have resulted in the appointment of outstanding female or LGBTQI+ leaders to high profile roles.

98%98%

Candidate Retention Rate for 12 months since 2002

Our thorough briefing process and ability to engage passive candidates mean that we go to great lengths to find the right person for the role – long term!

The Process

Future Leadership™ delivered a structured executive search process that began with stakeholder consultations to define priorities and role requirements. A tailored search strategy combined targeted outreach and national advertising to attract high-calibre candidates. Initial interviews and capability assessments were followed by shortlisting, psychometric testing, and referee checks. Formal panel interviews were coordinated with senior government leaders, and the process concluded with a comprehensive selection report for Ministerial review and Cabinet approval.

Top 5 Capabilities

01.

Governance and Compliance

Ensuring robust regulatory frameworks and adherence to statutory obligations.

02.

Stakeholder Relations

Building trust and collaboration across government, providers, and the disability community.

03.

Strategy and Purpose

Driving systemic reform aligned with the agency’s mission and national priorities

04.

Adaptability and Resilience

Leading through complexity and change in a dynamic policy environment

05.

Communication and Influence

Engaging diverse audiences with clarity and authority to achieve strategic outcomes

The Outcome

The process resulted in the appointment of a seasoned public sector leader with extensive experience in justice, social services, and disability reform. The successful candidate had previously served in senior leadership roles within national disability programs and was recognised for values-based leadership and a strong commitment to safeguarding the rights of people with disability. Their appointment positions the agency to implement critical reforms, strengthen compliance, and foster trusted relationships with the disability community and government stakeholders.

Consultant

Mark Lelliott

Advisor View Profile

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