Delivering an Interim Executive Solution to Stabilise Workforce Leadership for a National For Purpose Organisation strengthening governance, rebuilding trust and supporting operations during a critical leadership transition.
Brief
Future Leadership was engaged to appoint an Interim Chief People Officer for a large national for-purpose organisation operating across disability, aged care, employment and community services.
Following the departure of the CPO, the organisation required an experienced interim leader to provide stability, rebuild trust and strengthen People and Culture capability in a complex, unionised and highly regulated environment. The role was critical in supporting Operations and maintaining continuity while a permanent appointment process was underway.
Process
We partnered closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and senior leaders to understand the organisational climate, workforce challenges and operational priorities.
A targeted search was conducted for experienced People and Culture executives with deep exposure to human services, particularly within disability, aged care and NDIS environments.
The successful appointee brought strong industrial relations experience, commercial acumen and the ability to operate with clarity and pragmatism, enabling immediate impact across both People and Culture and Operations.
Top Capabilities
Culture & Engagement
Prioritised building a positive workplace culture and addressed employee wellbeing head-on, resulting in improved morale and trust; demonstrated empathy and action to ensure staff felt heard and supported.
Stakeholder Relations
Expertly navigated and resolved complex industrial relations issues, employing negotiation and relationship skills to turn adversarial union relationships into constructive partnerships, thereby reducing conflict and enhancing workforce stability.
Governance & Compliance
Transformed the HR function by implementing forward-looking strategies (talent frameworks, leadership development) and upgrading systems and policies; aligned HR initiatives with organisational strategy to support long-term growth and capability building.
Adaptability & Resilience
Balanced urgent fixes with foundational changes, flexibly adapting actions as new issues arose (e.g. pivoting from dispute resolution to wellbeing initiatives), all while maintaining momentum on the broader HR transformation.
Outcome
The appointment delivered stability and renewed confidence across the organisation during a critical transition.
The Interim CPO strengthened governance, improved operating rhythms and rebuilt cohesion within the People and Culture team. Capability across key functions was uplifted, while industrial relations and union engagement were managed with greater confidence and structure.
Beyond stabilisation, the role aligned workforce strategy to organisational priorities and strengthened support to Operations. It also set a solid foundation for the permanent CPO appointment.
