Daniel Brake
Parramatta,NSW
Summary
Dynamic senior leader with 20+ years’ experience in NSW Government, specialising in executive and ministerial support, governance, data and information management, and strategic performance reporting. Recognised for the ability to distil complex information into clear, impactful advice for Ministers, executives, and diverse stakeholders. Strong track record in driving service delivery improvements, embedding data governance, and supporting strategic decision-making.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager Privacy Records and Data Governance
SafeWork NSW
02.2025 - Current
- Ensured compliance with NSW State Records Act 1998 and Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998.
- Led a team providing policy advice to enhance corporate data governance and records management.
- Oversaw privacy assessments, data breach responses, and compliance with relevant legislation.
- Implemented comprehensive data governance strategy and ensured adherence to privacy standards.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of laws to uphold data integrity and security practices.
Manager Planning and Performance
NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust
08.2022 - 02.2025
- Spearheaded enhancements in information management to support BCT's service delivery and evidence-based decision-making.
- Directed effective record management to ensure compliance with State Records Act 1998 (NSW) and Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998.
- Created and implemented BCT’s Business Plan, operational planning, and performance reporting processes.
- Cultivated partnerships with managers and teams to drive business improvement projects aligned with NSW Government policies.
- Provided timely, expert advice to CEO, BCT Executive, and BCT Board for strategic planning and accountability.
- Developed and maintained a Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Improvement Framework adhering to best practices and NSW Government standards.
Manager Strategy and Governance and Chief Audit Executive
NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust
07.2021 - 08.2022
- Established frameworks and policies to enhance governance in risk management and legal compliance.
- Provided timely support and expert advice to CEO and BCT Board for effective strategic planning.
Manager Data Governance and Reporting
Dept Planning, Industry and the Environment
09.2017 - 07.2021
- Managed data governance principles to ensure effective data asset lifecycle management.
- Delivered high-quality reports on key planning indicators across organization.
- Oversaw business relationships with data providers to optimize collaboration.
- Developed and maintained team systems, policies, and processes for operational efficiency.
A/Statistical Engagement Team Leader
DPIE
11.2016 - 04.2017
- Company Overview: Economics, Population and Land-use Analytics
- Drive delivery of high-quality reporting on key planning indicators across the organisation.
- Manage the business relationship between the organisation and data providers.
- Ensure the development and maintenance of team systems, policies and business processes to improve operation efficiency and effectiveness.
- Economics, Population and Land-use Analytics
Senior Policy Officer
NSW Department of Education
05.2016 - 11.2016
- Manage reporting projects in line with organisational and operational imperatives and NSW Government priorities.
- Sophisticated research and analysis, scope policy proposals and develop options to optimise outcomes for NSW Education.
- Prepare quality, evidence-based and timely submissions for internal and external audiences to ensure the position of the Department is well represented.
Senior Policy Officer (Governance)
NSW Department of Finance, Services and Innovation
01.2014 - 05.2016
- High quality secretariat support to the NSW Government’s ICT governance bodies and working groups.
- Contribute to proactive communications across government and with industry, including through coordinating events, and guiding development of the ICT Strategy website.
- Contribute to the ICT Skills Development project through progress reports of workforce management pilots and implementation of high-level workforce management planning across government.
- Ensure the provision of policy analysis and advice complies with best practice guidelines, integrates relevant input from sources internal and external to the Department, and considers the broader policy and operating environment.
Manager, Ministerial and Executive Services
Aboriginal Affairs NSW
12.2012 - 01.2014
- Coordinated collection and analysis of business performance data for informed decision-making.
- Ensured timely and high-quality responses to Ministerial and departmental requirements.
- Researched and prepared information on issues affecting the agency's operations.
- Drafted reports, briefing notes, and submissions to comply with internal and external standards.
- Managed projects and research on complex corporate matters to keep GM fully informed.
Executive and Ministerial Support Officer
Aboriginal Affairs NSW
07.2012 - 12.2012
- Delivered timely and accurate briefings to Minister, General Manager, and CEO.
- Provided secretariat support for agency’s Executive operations.
- Coordinated meetings and documentation for various Ministerial and Departmental Committees.
- Tracked briefs and issues for Minister and CEO to ensure effective communication.
Service Support and Development Officer
NSW Department of Family and Community Services
05.2012 - 07.2012
- Delivered short-term project for fund acquittal of regional service providers before EOFY.
- Analyzed annual acquittal reports and financial statements from funded service providers.
- Ensured equitable application of Agency Acquittal Guidelines throughout the process.
- Designed and implemented consolidated reporting system for Regional Executive and Central Office.
Stay-at-home Parent
09.2010 - 05.2012
- Administered domestic finances and managed administrative duties.
- Performed child-care activities alongside household chores effectively.
- Delivered mobile coffee service, maintaining high standards of customer care.
Systems Support Coordinator
Ageing, Disability and Home Care
07.2009 - 09.2010
- Executed consultation, planning, and implementation of major organizational change program.
- Designed and implemented quality assurance systems to achieve excellent audit results.
- Developed and maintained efficient support systems for Accommodation and Respite staff reporting.
- Led systems support team to enhance operational performance.
Senior Policy Officer
Ageing, Disability and Home Care
02.2009 - 07.2009
- Supported Executive in conceptualizing and developing innovative, cost-effective approaches to respite care.
- Facilitated engagement with Government, NGOs, peak organizations, clients, and key stakeholders for respite reform.
Department Liaison Officer
NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care
03.2007 - 02.2009
- Facilitated briefings and correspondence for Minister, ensuring accurate information for Parliament presentations.
- Handled enquiries and complaints directed to Minister’s Office, providing timely resolutions.
- Supported Minister during meetings, visits, and community cabinet consultations to enhance engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) - Applied Social Sciences
University of Lancaster
UK01.1993
A Levels - Politics and Government, Modern History
Crosskeys Tertiary College
UK01.1990
Skills
- Executive & Ministerial Support
- Briefing & High-Level Correspondence
- Relationship building and management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Verbal and written communication
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Organizational leadership principles
- Problem solving and critical thinking
- Strategic planning and execution
- Information governance and records management
- MS365, SharePoint, Teams, CM10
Accomplishments
- Delivery of Privacy Impact Assessment to govern the use of Body Worn Cameras by SafeWork NSW Inspectors, 01/01/25
- Design of review program to assess and report on the maturity of SafeWork’s management of information and records, 01/01/25
- Development of Instrument of Privacy Delegations for SafeWork NSW, 01/01/25
- Strategic lead for the development of the first Data Strategy for the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT), 01/01/24
- Developed the first dedicated Privacy Management Plan for the BCT, 01/01/22
- Led a review of the privacy implications relating to the BCT’s Public Register of private land conservation agreements, 01/01/23
- Developed an Information Governance Policy and established an Information Governance Steering Committee to drive improvements in records, information and data management across the BCT, 01/01/21
Training
- Elevate Leadership, Bendelta, 01/01/25
- Administrative Law, NSW Ombudsman, 01/01/25
- Privacy Professionals, Helios-Salinger, 01/01/25
- Getting to the Point, Plain English Foundation, 01/01/17
- Project Management, PM-Partners, 01/01/15
- Policy Development: Advanced, Institute of Public Administration Australia, 01/01/15
- Supervision and Management of People, Odyssey Training, 01/01/13
- Writing for Ministers, Institute of Public Administration Australia, 01/01/13
- Leadership & Management Program, Ageing, Disability and Home Care, 01/01/10
Affiliations
- Reading
- Creative writing
- Health and fitness
- Father of four
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Manager Privacy Records and Data Governance
SafeWork NSW
02.2025 - Current
Manager Planning and Performance
NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust
08.2022 - 02.2025
Manager Strategy and Governance and Chief Audit Executive
NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust
07.2021 - 08.2022
Manager Data Governance and Reporting
Dept Planning, Industry and the Environment
09.2017 - 07.2021
A/Statistical Engagement Team Leader
DPIE
11.2016 - 04.2017
Senior Policy Officer
NSW Department of Education
05.2016 - 11.2016
Senior Policy Officer (Governance)
NSW Department of Finance, Services and Innovation
01.2014 - 05.2016
Manager, Ministerial and Executive Services
Aboriginal Affairs NSW
12.2012 - 01.2014
Executive and Ministerial Support Officer
Aboriginal Affairs NSW
07.2012 - 12.2012
Service Support and Development Officer
NSW Department of Family and Community Services
05.2012 - 07.2012
Stay-at-home Parent
09.2010 - 05.2012
Systems Support Coordinator
Ageing, Disability and Home Care
07.2009 - 09.2010
Senior Policy Officer
Ageing, Disability and Home Care
02.2009 - 07.2009
Department Liaison Officer
NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care
03.2007 - 02.2009
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) - Applied Social Sciences
University of Lancaster
A Levels - Politics and Government, Modern History
Crosskeys Tertiary College
Similar Profiles
Nicole WedderburnNicole Wedderburn
Regulatory Services Officer at SafeWork NSWRegulatory Services Officer at SafeWork NSW
NISHIKANTA KUMARNISHIKANTA KUMAR
Work Health and Safety Intern at SafeWork (Centre for Work Health and Safety)Work Health and Safety Intern at SafeWork (Centre for Work Health and Safety)
RAJANIKHIL MALARAMUTHANRAJANIKHIL MALARAMUTHAN
Intern at Unions NSW - Health Services Union (NSW/ACT/QLD)Intern at Unions NSW - Health Services Union (NSW/ACT/QLD)
Ariana BartramAriana Bartram
Assistant at Cerebral Palsy AllianceAssistant at Cerebral Palsy Alliance
Sana AliSana Ali
Client Advisor at Cartier Sydney International AirportClient Advisor at Cartier Sydney International Airport