Background

I am manager of the Social Work Department, having worked as a Senior Social Worker since 2003. I am professional lead for 115 Social Workers across Barwon Health and operational lead for 43 staff. Additionally, we provide professional supervision to grade 4 & 3 social workers.  The role requires up to date knowledge of current practice, theory and an awareness of relevant policies, services and professional issues.

Between Feb 2018 and July 2022 I have been project Manager to the Strengthening Health Service Response to Family Violence (SHRFV) initiative.  Leading the roll out of the SHRFV across Barwon Health and the Barwon region (Colac, Hesse, Lorne and Otway health services), supporting ongoing research initiatives in this area.

Prior to my life at Barwon Health I had the opportunity to develop my research skills (among others) as coordinator of the Living with Cancer Education Program and Cancer Clinicians Communication Skills Program, The Cancer Council of Victoria.

I have worked in clinical service delivery across both acute, sub-acute and community settings, provided clinical supervision at all levels and education to all health disciplines across numerous roles.

Research Focus

I am currently the Primary Investigator (Barwon Health) for the ‘No More Shame: Changing health providers recognition and response to elder abuse to reduce associated stigma’ project. No More Shame is a national, world first research study, funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), to improve health workers recognition, response, and referral of elder abuse. The study is led by the National Aging Research Institute (NARI).

We are also in stage 3 of the System Audit Family Violence Evaluation.

Awards & Achievements

  • Chair Deakin social work, academic advisory committee- 2015- 2024
  • Project Lead 2018 to 2022, Strengthening Health Service Response to Family Violence
  • Established a Health-Legal Partnership with BCLS
  • Project lead developing an organisational-wide response to Guardianship, Administration and VCAT procedures
  • Successful Business case for 7 day a week Social Work, service in Emergency dept, 2022
  • Safety & Quality Unit, Barwon Health’s Consumer Participation Strategy and Register development, 2015
  • Project lead Barwon Southwest regional Cancer Support Group Network, BSWRICS
  • Achieved Australian National Training Authority Accreditation Status for LWCEP, TCCV
  • Recipient, Women in in Community Life Award for Leadership in Women’s Health, May 2024
  • Leadership and Governance in Aboriginal Health Awards, NAIDOC Week, Barwon Health, 2019
  • Honorary Fellow Deakin, School of Health Sciences

About me...

Pets:

 

 2 goldfish at present
Footy team:

 

 Nil!!  Prefer to read or go for a walk.
Signature dish:

 

 Roast with the lot
Coffee order:

 

  Chai tea

Feature Publications

  • Todd K, Kelly P and Alex C, Ensuring the Consumer voice in an organisational response to family violence, 2019, Best of Care Awards.
  • P Dodemaide, D McCormick, H Carr, K Todd, Professor L Joubert, Exploring the Scope of Practice for Oncology Social Work within a dynamic organisational context, May 2017.
  • K Todd, J Bourke, N Linde, A Morris, SWIFT (social work informed trauma) Barwon Project- 2016- 2017- a swift response for early identification and intervention in childhood trauma, Poster, Allied Health Research Symposia, Melb, 2017.
  • Todd, K, Roberts S, and Black C, The Living with Cancer Education Program: 1. Development of an Australian Education and Support program for Cancer patients and their Family and Friends, published Dec 2002, European Journal of Cancer Care, volume 11, issue 4, pages 271-279 (I).
  • Karen Todd, Derek Thompson, Emma Busowsky, Giovanna Pignalosa, Living With Cancer Education Program: Facilitators Manual, The Cancer Council of Victoria, AP324 January 2003.

How you can help

Participate in a Clinical Trial

To find out about Clinical Trials currently underway at Barwon Health, click here. To learn more about the Adrian Costa Clinical Trials Centre, click here.

Donate

Research requires ongoing investment and there are several ways to support our work. You can make a donation today and contribute to an item on our research group’s wish list, consider a bequest in your will, or establish a lasting legacy fund in your name. No matter what size, your philanthropic support will deliver an immediate impact to this important work. To donate now or for more information, please contact the Barwon Health Foundation.

Page last updated: December 3, 2025