About

Penny is an evaluator and policy researcher, with over seven years’ experience in the consulting industry. During this time, Penny has worked across a range of policy areas, including health, education and employment, and family services, and has extensive experience engaging with diverse and vulnerable groups.

Capabilities

Penny is known for her structured analytical approach and a concise and considered writing style. While Penny's core focus is evaluation, she also has experience undertaking health service plans, service mapping, literature reviews, and supporting Social Return on Investments and Cost-Benefit Analyses. In every project, Penny strives to present sharp, functional deliverables that are fit-for-purpose.

Approach to work

Penny's approach to consulting is structured and practical - with a focus on delivering work that is clear, concise, and usable. Penny believes in working with clients to build their internal knowledge and capacity so they are better-positioned in the future.

Achievements at Beacon Strategies

Improving Dementia Care (Brisbane South PHN)
Primary Healthcare Workforce Framework (Hunter New England Central Coast PHN)
Evaluation of the Resilient Kids Program (Healthy North Coast)
Strategic plan development for not-for-profit organisations (including StandBy Support After Suicide, Footprints Community, Brook Red and more).

Professional Experience

Prior to joining Beacon Strategies, Penny has held a range of roles in the consulting sector:

Consultant, Beacon Strategies (2024 - present)
Independent Consultant (2023 - present)
Associate, Cube Group (2021 - 2023)
Evaluator, Deloitte Access Economics (2019 - 2021)
Analyst, Deloitte (2018 - 2019)

Academic Qualifications

Master of Public Policy and Management, University of Melbourne (2020)
Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Science, Australian National University (2016)

Career Highlights

Leading the qualitative component of a series of Indigenous Employment Programs (IEPs) with extensive in-person consultation across Australia.
Supporting an economic estimate of the value of Foster Carers in Australia.
Delivering a multi-year evaluation of the implementation of a new teaching practice in schools, across multiple states.

Personal Interests

Outside of work, I fill my time (and plan my holidays around) surfing and skiing. Since moving back to the city, I'm on the search for some hobbies in easier reach. So, I'm slowly getting back into running and I also have a very sweet Groodle, Wellington, who loves accompanying me wherever I go. When I'm home, I'll have headphones on listening to podcasts or trialling new recipes.

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Penny Hook - Senior Consultant