Matt Healey
Professional Background
Matt co-founded First Person Consulting in April 2015 and has since undertaken nearly 200 different projects over 10 years. His practice sits at the intersection of evaluation, systems thinking, and design, focusing on collaborative approaches that help clients figure out 'what works' for them and those they serve.
Matt is a sector leader in the practical application of systems thinking and systems methodologies to complex challenges. He co-hosts The Systems Sandbox Podcast and The It Depends Podcast.
As a recognised facilitator and presenter both virtually and in-person, Matt thrives in fostering collaborative working relationships with clients. He has designed and led capability building programs for State Government departments, delivered public training on co-design and evaluation, and recently co-led part of the Executive Course 'Service Design for Systemic Change' for POLI.design in Italy.
His expertise is frequently sought for complex strategic initiatives, he was a member of the Evaluation and Implementation Advisory Group (EIAG) for the Early Years Partnership in Western Australia, where he contributed knowledge of systems science, developmental evaluation, and innovation. He is also working with the Victorian Legal Services Board on a program of work to address systems conditions that drive poor wellbeing outcomes in the legal sector.
Matt's approach is characterised by humour and humility in addressing complex problems. He believes in creating fit-for-purpose designs that are feasible and sustainable, ensuring organisations can 'own' the approaches they develop together. His work spans from individual capability building through to whole-of-sector transformation initiatives.
Areas of Expertise
Matt's expertise spans evaluation, systems thinking, and design, with a particular focus on complex contexts requiring innovative approaches. He specialises in creating meaningful evaluations for complex environments and developing systems-based solutions to challenging problems.
Matt's speciality is the application of novel approaches for working together in complexity:
- Systems methodologies: Matt is an emerging sector leader in applying different systems methodologies to strategy, design and evaluation
- Complex program evaluation design: Development of models suitable for complex contexts, including multi-site, multi-year, and multi-stakeholder programming
- Embedded capability building: Recognising every interaction is an opportunity to learn and evolve practice, Matt embodies an 'open book' approach to learning and problem solving
- Designing solutions: Matt's practice spans evaluation and design, and is not limited to working on evaluations, but also designing solutions. Most recently he developed Catalyst: The Systems Thinking Strategy Game
Selected Projects
Matt has collaborated with clients on evaluations across numerous sites and countries, ranging from broad evaluations to detailed investigations of transformation within specific communities. His work demonstrates expertise in systems methodologies, complex evaluation design, and strategic planning processes.
Systems Theory of Change for Lawyer Wellbeing
Co-designing a comprehensive systems Theory of Change with stakeholders across the legal ecosystem, using System Effects methodology to identify systemic barriers to lawyer wellbeing and developing interventions for sector-wide change.
Social Innovators Challenge Evaluation
Leading multi-year, multi-country evaluation of innovation program supporting male social connectedness. Overseeing evaluation across Australia, Canada, and UK, demonstrating impact on mental health and suicide prevention through innovative approaches.
VicHealth Systems Transformation
Supporting VicHealth's organisational transformation to become a systems-led agency through capability building, strategic planning, and development of systems-based approaches to health promotion.
Primary Prevention Theory of Change
Facilitating development of state-wide Theory of Change for primary prevention of violence against women, bringing together diverse stakeholders to create shared understanding and strategic direction.
Mental Health Reform Evaluation
Leading developmental evaluation of mental health reform initiatives using mixed-methods approach to assess system-level changes and community outcomes across regional NSW.
Grit and Resilience Program
Undertaking four-year developmental evaluation of community-driven suicide prevention initiative, using iterative approach to provide real-time feedback and support program improvement.
Education & Qualifications
Matt's educational background combines environmental studies with anthropological understanding, providing him with a unique perspective on complex systems and human behaviour that underpins his approach to evaluation and systems work.
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Research Fellowship
Centre for Complexity Evaluation Across the Nexus (CECAN) University of Surrey, 2025 - present
Part-time fellowship exploring the role and application of systems methodologies to the design and evaluation of place-based approaches. -
Master of Environment
University of Melbourne, 2013
Tailored study in environmental systems, including food systems, urban planning, environmental law, resilience, and political ecology. Minor thesis in a place-based approach to urban regeneration via a case study in Pretoria, South Africa. -
Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology)
La Trobe University, 2009
Undergraduate study of human society and culture. Comprehensive study of human societies, cultures, and behaviour. Developed skills in qualitative research methods, ethnographic approaches, and understanding complex social systems. Undergraduate ethnographic research project examining culture shock among exchange students.
Professional Affiliations
- Board Member, Australian Evaluation Society
- Co-host, The Systems Sandbox Podcast
- Co-host, The It Depends Podcast
- Member, Evaluation and Implementation Advisory Group (EIAG), Early Years Partnership Western Australia
Previous Experience
- Evaluation Consultant - Roberts Evaluation
- Study Abroad and Exchange Advisor - Melbourne Law School