June 30th, 2010
It was announced today in Sydney Australia that Imelda Dodds has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Trustee and Guardian (NSWTG) commencing 1 July 2010. Imelda has been acting in the role for the past year and has demonstrated strong leadership and dedication.
The NSW Trustee and Guardian bring together two former significant departments. The Office of the Protective Commissioner and Public Guardian which exist to promote the rights and interests of people with disabilities through the practice of guardianship, substituted financial management, advocacy and education. The Guardianship Tribunal appoints the NSW Trustee and Guardian as financial manager and or guardian of last resort and then acts as a substitute decision-maker for people under Tribunal orders. The former Public Trustee exists to provide accessible Wills, estate administration, Executorships, Power of Attorney and Trustee services. The NSWTG is part of the NSW Department of Justice and Attorney General.
Imelda’s career in the disability sector spans 33 years including 27 in senior executive roles. In appointing Imelda to the position of CEO Maureen Tangney Acting Director General, said:
“I would like to recognize her significant achievements as an advocate for adult protective legislation and the reforms she has achieved in restructuring the service delivery model for the former Office of the Protective Commissioner (OPC) in recent years. Imelda’s commitment to those members of our community who are least able to access personal and financial management support has been demonstrated throughout her career. Imelda was previously the Public Guardian in Western Australia and a member of the NSW Guardianship Tribunal
In recent years Imelda has achieved much for the former OPC including the implementation of a major restructure and over 200 recommended audit changes to the operations of OPC to provide improved client focused service delivery. She introduced strategies to improve understanding and awareness of the work of OPC in the community and with the profession. “
One of Dodds goals in NSWTG is to increase public awareness and uptake of pre planning mechanisms such as Enduring Power of Attorney, Enduring Guardianship and making a valid Will.
Tangney added that “as Acting CEO of NSW Trustee and Guardian Imelda worked closely with staff of the former Public Trustee to appreciate their unique history and work and led her team and staff through a period of significant change while still maintaining quality service delivery to clients. ”
Imelda has held a number of national and international presidency roles, including that of President of the International Federation of Social Workers and most recently was the coordinator for the Hong Kong 2010 Joint Conference. Ms. Dodds thanked her colleagues “for the understanding and support that everyone has given both she and her partner Hilary over this period… and now on to the work ahead”
IFSW joins in congratulating Imelda Dodds’ on her appointment and thanks her for her continued example of dedication, public service and commitment to social work practice and values.
Gary Bailey, MSW, ACSW
President, IFSW
June 30th, 2010
For further information contact the International Federation of Social Workers +41-22-548-3625
NOTE FOR EDITORS
IFSW is the global federation of national social work organisations in more than 80 countries representing over 500,000 social workers. IFSW has special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and is also accredited to the International Labour Organization, UNICEF and the Council of Europe. IFSW is a UN Habitat partner organisation.