Leading Organisational Transformation and Growth at ActionAid Australia

Archie Law was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Austcare to guide the organisation through its merger with ActionAid International, resulting in the formation of ActionAid Australia. This required significant organisational transformation that shifted strategy, culture, and positioning to establish a strong, values-driven organisation focused on women’s rights, while also strengthening income and supporter engagement
Leading Organisational Transformation and Growth at ActionAid Australia

Objectives.

  • Lead the organisation through a complex merger and transition to ActionAid Australia
  • Establish a clear strategy and organisational direction aligned with a women’s rights focus
  • Deliver a major change management process across Board and staff
  • Grow income, supporter base, and organisational sustainability
  • Strengthen the organisation’s external influence and advocacy impact

What was delivered.

Leadership of merger and organisational transition
Led the organisation through its merger with ActionAid International, establishing the foundations for ActionAid Australia.

Development of strategy and organisational direction
Led the first strategic planning process as ActionAid Australia, aligning Board and staff around a new vision and direction.

Organisation-wide change management process
Delivered a transformation process that repositioned the organisation as a leading women’s rights organisation.

Growth in supporters and revenue
Led initiatives that significantly expanded the organisation’s supporter base and financial sustainability.

Establishment of global advocacy leadership
Led the creation of the Australian Cluster Munitions Coalition and contributed to global advocacy efforts, including appointment to the Global Steering Committee.

Outcomes.

  • Successful transition to ActionAid Australia with a clear and aligned strategic direction
  • Transformation into a recognised women’s rights organisation
  • Growth in supporter base from 12,000 to 40,000
  • Increase in revenue from $8 million to $13 million
  • Strengthened national and global advocacy influence, including leadership of a movement nominated for the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize