Nina Sutton
Bentleigh East
Summary
Experienced senior leader with strong expertise in child safety, compliance and regulatory governance across early childhood and disability services. Skilled at building systems from the ground up, leading investigations, and translating legal and policy frameworks into clear, practical tools for staff. Known for a calm, strategic approach that improves service quality, strengthens accountability and keeps children’s safety at the centre of every decision.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Improvement Project Manager (Contract)
Abacus Learning Centre
05.2025 - Current
- Leading organisation-wide gap analysis to identify systemic issues and operational risks
- Assessing current compliance against NDIS, Child Safe Standards, National Quality Framework, and other relevant regulatory authorities
- Developing updated policies, procedures, and templates to ensure legislative and best practice alignment
- Supporting implementation of SaaS-based platforms across HR, incident management and quality systems
- Advising on governance frameworks and proposing opportunities for funding diversification and service innovation
- Solving complex compliance, policy and procedural issues across multiple functions, with a focus on sustainable improvement
Risk and Compliance Manager
Brimbank Preschool Association
05.2023 - 05.2025
- Led the strategic development and integration of BPA’s risk mitigation, compliance, and child safety frameworks across 36 early years services
- Designed and managed regular reviews of BPA’s risk management, internal control, OHS, and emergency management systems
- Oversaw compliance with educational, operational, occupational health and safety, child safety and cyber security requirements across the organisation
- Developed and maintained BPA’s full suite of policies, procedures, standard operating tools and checklists to support safe and compliant practice
- Led investigations and response processes for critical incidents, business continuity disruptions and complaints requiring regulatory reporting
- Collaborated with the CFO to evaluate, negotiate and implement organisation-wide ICT platforms, including SaaS tools and cyber risk controls
- Developed training plans and compliance strategies to meet mandatory requirements for staff, contractors and volunteers
- Collected and analysed data to monitor risk, identify trends and provide reports to internal stakeholders and board-level committees
- Contributed to cross-organisational strategic planning, aligning risk and compliance efforts with BPA’s purpose, values and equity commitments
- Participated in board meetings, executive planning sessions and multi-disciplinary working groups to support ongoing service improvement
Executive Director of Operations
Abacus Learning Centre
12.2018 - 05.2023
- Oversaw all aspects of strategic operations and service delivery for a specialist early intervention provider supporting autistic children and their families
- Led the full process of securing NDIS registration, including policy development, quality systems design, evidence preparation and engagement with auditors and regulators
- Directed compliance, workforce capability, and continuous improvement across multidisciplinary clinical and administrative teams
- Developed and implemented robust policy frameworks to meet NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission standards and best practice across the disability sector
- Facilitated successful external audits, accreditation reviews and quality assurance processes, ensuring ongoing regulatory alignment
- Designed and delivered professional learning pathways, including SCORM-compliant LMS modules, workshops and reflective practice programs for clinicians and families
- Drove cross-functional projects across HR, ICT, client management and stakeholder systems to build integrated, scalable infrastructure
- Created new programs to enhance service accessibility, clinical impact and family engagement
- Brought a strong balance of strategy, governance and practical leadership to a rapidly growing organisation navigating complex sector reforms
Executive Manager
Abacus Learning Centre
02.2011 - 12.2018
- Led day-to-day operations for a growing early intervention service supporting autistic children and their families
- Worked closely with children and parents to deliver meaningful, evidence-informed programs tailored to individual needs
- Designed and implemented staff induction, mentoring, and clinical supervision systems that shaped the next generation of therapists and clinicians
- Supported families through their NDIS journeys, helping them navigate services and understand their rights with clarity and compassion
- Strengthened service quality and safety through reflective practice, incident reviews and a culture of continuous learning
- Played a key role in building the internal capability and systems that later enabled successful NDIS registration and large-scale service delivery
Various senior and specialist roles
Vision Australia and RVIB
01.1995 - 01.2010
- Co-authored a nationally recognised Certificate IV training package
- Led regional operations and compliance for vision support programs
- Delivered professional development for allied health and education professionals
- Designed and evaluated person-centred programs for clients with complex needs
- Highlights include:
Education
Bachelor of Education - Education
Flinders University
Adelaide, SAGraduate Diploma in Orientation And Mobility - Health Sciences
La Trobe University
Melbourne, VICSkills
- Child Safety Leadership
- Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management
- Policy and Framework Development
- Incident and Reportable Conduct Management
- Training and Capability Building
- Audit and Quality Improvement
- Governance and Board Reporting
- Strategic Systems Thinking
Timeline
Quality Improvement Project Manager (Contract)
Abacus Learning Centre
05.2025 - Current
Risk and Compliance Manager
Brimbank Preschool Association
05.2023 - 05.2025
Executive Director of Operations
Abacus Learning Centre
12.2018 - 05.2023
Executive Manager
Abacus Learning Centre
02.2011 - 12.2018
Various senior and specialist roles
Vision Australia and RVIB
01.1995 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Education - Education
Flinders University
Graduate Diploma in Orientation And Mobility - Health Sciences
La Trobe University
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