Dr Daniel Healy
Professional Background
Dan has worked on a range of evaluation and social research projects, particularly in the areas of public health, social justice, and the environment. Dan has worked with a range of clients - with a particular focus on state and local governments, and non-government organisations. His background encompasses emergency management, agriculture, natural resource management, financial literacy, and environmental health.
Career Journey
Dan has worked in social research and evaluation for nearly 20 years, and in that time has worked on projects across a variety of content areas. His particular interest is understanding the role of mixed methods in addressing complex evaluation questions. Adept at advanced statistical analyses, Dan works with often complex and incomplete datasets to tell a cohesive and useful story.
Systems-Based Approaches
Beyond traditional evaluation methods, Dan enjoys working with clients on the application of quantitatively-led systems-based techniques, with Social Network Analysis (SNA) being a key specialty. Dan was instrumental in one of Victoria's first post-disaster SNA-based evaluations in the Latrobe Valley to understand what government could do to improve communication pathways and strengthen trust.
Regional Focus and Collaborative Approach
Dan is based in the City of Greater Geelong, and works closely with many regional councils in the Western part of Victoria. He has led teams in all stages of evaluation including: planning, design, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, reporting and presentation of findings. This work has included collaboration with local, state and commonwealth government, industry and research bodies, and non-government organisations.
Educational and Research Foundation
Prior to founding First Person Consulting, Dan was a Senior Consultant at Roberts Evaluation and worked on communication in health settings at the University of Queensland School of Medicine and investigated teamwork and leadership at the UQ Business School. He has also been a tutor for psychology subjects, including research methods, social cognition and communication, and coordinated an award-winning Landcare education program in Queensland primary schools.
Areas of Expertise
Dan's expertise spans quantitative research methodologies, systems thinking, and evaluation design, with particular focus on developing fit-for-purpose approaches that efficiently and effectively meet client needs and constraints.
Quantitative and Statistical Methodologies
- Advanced Statistical Analysis: Expertise in complex statistical analyses and working with incomplete datasets to generate meaningful insights
- Social Network Analysis: Specialist in applying SNA to understand communication pathways, organizational networks, and community connections
- Survey Design and Implementation: Advanced skills in questionnaire design, survey distribution, and quantitative data analysis
- Data Visualization: Ability to translate complex data into accessible visual formats for diverse stakeholder audiences
Systems Thinking and Evaluation Design
- Systems Mapping: Experience in mapping complex systems and understanding interconnections between different stakeholders and processes
- Mixed Methods Integration: Expertise in combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to address complex evaluation questions
- Fit-for-Purpose Design: Specialist in developing evaluation approaches that balance methodological rigor with practical constraints
- Change Measurement: Skills in measuring and evaluating behaviour change and systems-level transformations
Specialized Domain Knowledge
- Emergency Management: Extensive experience evaluating disaster response, recovery programs, and community resilience initiatives
- Rural and Agricultural Research: Understanding of rural contexts, agricultural practices, and natural resource management challenges
- Public Health Systems: Knowledge of health promotion, community health initiatives, and population health approaches
- Environmental Programs: Experience with environmental health, natural resource management, and sustainability program evaluation
Innovation and Methodology Development
- Innovative Methods: Development and application of novel analytical approaches to address unique evaluation challenges
- Complexity Navigation: Ability to make sense of complex systems and translate findings into actionable recommendations
- Capacity Building: Experience in mentoring and training others in research methods and evaluation approaches
- Communication Networks: Expertise in understanding and improving communication pathways within organizations and communities
Selected Projects
Dan has led and contributed to evaluations across diverse sectors including emergency management, public health, agriculture, and environmental programs. His work demonstrates expertise in quantitative analysis, systems thinking, and translating complex findings into practical recommendations.
Healthy Loddon Campaspe Initiative Evaluation
Leading evaluation of regional partnership improving community health through place-based activations. Developed comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan incorporating systems thinking theory, focusing on network identification and collaborative change measurement.
Bushfire Mental Health Program Midterm Review
Co-led midterm review of program deploying 30 new Bushfire Recovery Mental Health Clinicians across fire-affected NSW areas. Captured program achievements and identified lessons for remainder of program supporting community transition to resilience and preparedness.
Queensland Climate Resilient Councils Program Evaluation
Evaluated capacity building program designed to increase local government capability in climate risk planning and response. Assessed effectiveness of governance assessments, training programs, and pilot grants in building climate resilience across Queensland councils.
Hazelwood Recovery Project - Social Network Analysis
Undertook Social Network Analysis of Morwell and Latrobe Valley community networks following mine fire. Surveyed over 100 community groups to inform EPA Victoria's understanding of effective communication pathways for future environmental health challenges.
Education & Qualifications
Dan's educational background in psychology and social psychology provides a strong foundation for his work in evaluation, statistical analysis, and understanding human behaviour in complex systems.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Social Psychology)
University of Melbourne, 2009
Doctoral research focused on motivations and barriers to adoption of rural land use practices, including weed management and water efficiency. Specialized in the role of communication between groups in attitude and behaviour change. -
Bachelor of Arts (Welfare | Psychology) (Honours)
University of Melbourne, 1999
Comprehensive foundation in psychology and welfare studies, providing understanding of human behaviour, research methods, and social systems that underpin evaluation practice.
Professional Development
- Advanced Statistical Methods: Expertise in complex statistical analyses and working with incomplete datasets
- Social Network Analysis: Specialist training in SNA methodologies and their application to organizational and community research
- Evaluation Planning: Advanced skills in evaluation design and implementation across diverse contexts
- Systems Thinking: Training in systems approaches to understanding and measuring complex social and environmental challenges
Previous Experience
- Senior Consultant - Roberts Evaluation
- Research Fellow - University of Queensland
- Climate Adaptation Researcher - Victorian Council of Social Services
- Tutor - University of Melbourne (Psychology subjects including research methods, social cognition, and communication)
- Program Coordinator - Award-winning Landcare education program in Queensland primary schools
Research and Academic Contributions
- Communication in health settings research at University of Queensland School of Medicine
- Investigation of teamwork and leadership at UQ Business School
- Pioneering work in post-disaster Social Network Analysis applications
- Development of innovative quantitative approaches to community network mapping