About

Photo of Francis Lynch who discusses purpose, meaning, organisational culture, and social issues.

I’m interested in people and the meaning and purpose that they find in their lives, and I have been exploring this in my own life. You’ll find here some of the conversations that I’ve had with people about these issues, and the writing and musings that I have written and recorded.

You can see more of my professional history on LinkedIn.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

Master of Social Work, Monash University

Master of Business Administration, Central Queensland University

Graduate Diploma of Business (HRM), Edith Cowan University

Bachelor of Social Work, Curtin University

Training & Development

Certificate in Governance Practice, Governance Institute of Australia

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Certificate

Certified Meaning & Purpose Practitioner, School of Positive Transformation

Certified Meditation & Mindfulness Practitioner, School of Positive Transformation

Certificate IV Training and Assessment (TAA4014), Mercy Training

Psychological First Aid, Mental Health Academy

Family Law Counsellor Course, Mental Health Academy

Certificate in Mindfulness Coaching, Mindfulness Coaching

Ontological Coaching in Action, Newfield Institute

Professional Memberships

Member, Australian Association of Social Workers

Fellow, Governance Institute of Australia

Fellow, Australian Institute of Management (WA)

Professional Career

Director (CEO), 2023 – now, Youth Legal Service

Chief Executive Officer, 2020 – now, Solaris Cancer Care

Regional Director, 2017 – 2020, Anglicare Victoria

Director, 2015-17, Francis Lynch Counselling & Consulting

Chief Executive Officer, 2007-15, Ruah Community Services

General Manager, Family & Community Services, 2001-07, MercyCare

Family Services Manager, 1997-2001, MercyCare

Senior Social Worker, 1995-1997, Djooraminda

Community Resources Manager, 1993-1995, Anglicare WA

Teenshare Coordinator, 1990-1993, Anglicare WA

Non-Executive appointments (selected)

Chairperson, 2021 – now, Cancer Wellness Centre

Non-Executive Director, 2020-22, Association for Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors (ASeTTS)

President, 2014, Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS)

President, 2011–13, WA Council of Social Services (WACOSS)

Non-Executive Director, 2014-15, Australian Alliance to End Homelessness

Non-Executive Director, 2010-12, Edmund Rice Institute for Social Justice

Non-Executive Director, 2007–15, Community Employers WA (CEWA)

Treasurer, 2001-05, Child and Family Welfare Association of Australia (CAFWAA)

Chairperson, 2005-07, Alliance for Children at Risk

Board Member, 2004-15, UWA Social Work Board of Studies

Chairperson, 1998-2000, and 2004, Children’s Youth and Family Agencies Association (CYFAA)

Government Advisory Board appointments

Member, 2011-13, WA Partnership Forum

Member, 2010-11, CHOGM “People’s Forum” Organising Committee

Member, 2004-08, Ministerial Advisory Council on Child Protection

Member, 2001-02, Dept for Community Development Legislation Reference Group

Delegate, 2001, WA Community Drug Summit

Member, 1999-01, Care for Children Advisory Committee – Dept of Family & Children’s Services