Introducing the Improvement Collective: A community of expertise and collaboration

Improving healthcare takes more than good ideas. It takes expertise, collaboration and people who are committed to turning knowledge into meaningful change.

The ACHS Improvement Academy (IA) is proud to bring these elements together through the Improvement Collective, our network of thought leaders, subject matter experts and practice leads, collaborating to strengthen healthcare improvement capability across the health system. 

Built on the strength of the Improvement Academy’s longstanding contributors, the Improvement Collective creates greater opportunities for collaboration, co-design and innovation. Members contribute their expertise flexibly, working alongside the Improvement Academy and fellow experts to develop education programs, resources and initiatives that support healthcare improvement.  

The Collective brings together diverse perspectives and experience, with members able to contribute through education and facilitation, curriculum and resource co-design, expert advice and peer review, panels and communities of practice, and thought leadership.  

At its heart is a shared commitment to quality, collaboration and better health outcomes. Its approach recognises the value of expertise while creating space for shared learning and co-creation. Contributions are flexible and activity-based, allowing experts to participate in opportunities aligned with their experience and availability. 

We welcome our newest members Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly, Kirsten Dyer, Kelly Smitham, Awhina (Awhi) Oudes, Adjunct Professor Cathy Balding (pictured above).

Let’s get to know Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly 

We are delighted to welcome Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly as one of the newest Members of the Improvement Collective. 

Alan brings more than 40 years of experience across health, aged care, mental health, disability and community services, spanning clinical practice, executive leadership, clinical governance, consulting and Board roles. 

Currently Principal of Acumenity and an Adjunct Professor at Australian Catholic University, Alan is also Chair and Board Director of Northern Health in Melbourne and a Board Director of Mayflower Group. His consulting work focuses predominantly on leadership development, organisation design, clinical governance, and quality and safety. 

Importantly, Alan also brings a strong connection to ACHS, having previously served as an accreditation assessor with us. 

Alan joins a wonderful group of experts whose knowledge, experience and diverse perspectives will help shape learning, contribute to thought leadership and strengthen improvement capability across healthcare. 

Through the Improvement Collective, the IA Team are creating new opportunities to connect expertise with action, encourage fresh thinking and build capability across the sector. Together, we can learn from one another, challenge established thinking and help create a stronger culture of continuous improvement. 

Check out the full profiles of our Collective here.