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Chief Executive Officer – CheckUP

A Message from the Board Chair – Merrilyn Strohfeldt

In this application pack

  • About this opportunity

    Windsor Group has been commissioned by CheckUP to manage this important assignment. Windsor Group is a profit-for-purpose organisation providing expert advice, HR services, executive search and recruitment services for executive, permanent and temporary/contract roles across nonprofit, commercial and government sectors.  

  • Overview of CheckUP

    CheckUP is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving health outcomes for people and communities across Queensland, particularly those in rural, remote, and underserved areas. Originally established in 1998 as the Queensland Divisions of General Practice (QDGP), it evolved into General Practice Queensland (GPQ) and rebranded as CheckUP in 2013.  

    CheckUP ’s mission is to create collaborative healthcare and workforce solutions that improve community health and wellbeing, with a strong focus on equitable access to care. Its vision is for healthy, sustainable, inclusive communities. The organisation operates from offices in Brisbane, Cairns, and Townsville, supporting a footprint in over 190 communities across the state.  

    Programs and Services 

    CheckUP leads a consortium of over 150 contracted health providers, delivering outreach services funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. These services include access to GPs, medical specialists, allied health professionals, and nursing staff in urban, regional, rural, and remote locations—including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.  

    Key initiatives include:  

    • Outreach Programs: Designed to reduce health inequities by increasing access to care closer to home. These programs reimburse health professionals for travel and accommodation, making outreach more viable   
    • Micro-credentialing – “Going all OUT for Outreach”: A free online training program to prepare health professionals for rural service delivery, focusing on onboarding, upskilling, and teaching  
    • Workforce Development: CheckUP  supports health workforce planning and sustainability, including partnerships with over 70 schools and education-to-employment pathways   
    • Queensland Mental Health Week: Since 2018, CheckUP  has coordinated this initiative on behalf of the Queensland Mental Health Commission, including managing the Community Events Grant Program  

    Client website

    ACNC Profile

  • Information for Applicants

    Windsor Group and CheckUP are both committed to equal opportunity employment practices. Applications for the position of Chief Executive Officer will be assessed on merit and selected applicants invited to interview. An offer of appointment will be made to the applicants whose written application and interview responses best demonstrate their ability to meet the requirements of the role. 

  • Process and Timeframe

    Although this role does not have a closing date, we recommend you lodge your application as soon as possible. 

  • Current Situation
    • The organisation is well-run, with a high-performing executive team and a cohesive, competent board comprising former CEOs from government and commercial sectors. 
    • The current CEO is retiring at year-end and is open to a short handover period in the new year if required. 
    • The board would love to announce the new CEO at the AGM on 26 November if possible, with appointment confirmed before Christmas at least. 

    CheckUP is led by a highly experienced executive team: 

    • Ann Maree Liddy – Chief Executive Officer (25 years with CheckUP)
      With over 20 years as a CEO in the health sector, Ann Maree brings expertise in governance, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and organisational development. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Associate Fellow of the Australian College of Health Service Executives. 
    • Russell Johnson –  Chief Financial Officer & Executive Director, Corporate Services
      A Chartered Accountant with 30 years of experience across finance, ICT, governance, and risk management in both public and not-for-profit sectors. 
    • Elise – Executive Director, Health Services
      Oversees the design and delivery of CheckUP’s health service initiatives. Holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Public Health and Health Services Management). 
    • David Millichap – General Manager, Engagement and Business Development
      Leads training, membership, events, marketing, and communications. Holds a Master of Health Science. 
    • Vicky Meyer – Workforce Policy and Planning Lead
      Brings over 15 years of experience in workforce development across the health and VET sectors. She leads regional and sector-wide workforce planning initiatives. 

    Strategic Priorities and Leadership 

    CheckUP ’s Strategic Directions 2025–2027 outline its commitment to:  

    • Improving equitable access to health services  
    • Strengthening partnerships and stakeholder engagement  
    • Promoting digital health solutions  
    • Enhancing service provider capability  
    • Supporting reconciliation and diversity 

    Key Funding Sources:  

    • Australian Government Department of Health: 
      CheckUP  is the jurisdictional fundholder for several Outreach Programs in Queensland, including:  
    • Medical Outreach Indigenous Chronic Disease Program (MOICDP)  
    • Rural Health Outreach Fund (RHOF)  
    • Healthy Ears – Better Hearing, Better Listening  
    • Visiting Optometry Scheme (VOS)  
    • Eye and Ear Surgical Support (EESS)  

    These programs cover costs such as travel and administration for health professionals delivering services in urban, regional, rural, and remote communities  

    • Queensland Government: 
      CheckUP  also receives funding from the Queensland Mental Health Commission, particularly for coordinating Queensland Mental Health Week and administering the Community Events Grant Program  
    • Corporate and Community Support: 
      While government funding covers the majority of services, it does not fund all initiatives. CheckUP  actively engages with the corporate sector and community sponsors to support events, training programs. 

    Financial Position: 

    • Financially sound and solvent. 
    • A reported loss in FY ending June 2025 was due to strategic investment in external grant tendering, which has already yielded a $270,000 grant. 
    • Federal funding is secured in 3-year contracts; state funding is annual and supports workforce initiatives. 

    Organisational Chart

    Annual Report

    Strategic Plan

  • About the role

    CEO Candidate Profile: 

    • Background in health, community services, disability, or social services. 
    • Strong state and federal government networks. 
    • A proactive leader with gravitas, strategic thinking, and the ability to diversify funding sources. 
    • Experience in digital transformation, data utilisation, and commercialisation of internal systems (e.g., their proprietary outcome management software). 
    • Understanding and capacity to build or work with existing relationships within the Health sector. 
    • Incoming CEO must be prepared to travel from 1-10 days a month around regional remote Queensland and interstate 

    Future Direction: 

    • The organisation seeks a CEO who will drive growth, not maintain status quo. 
    • Advocacy is an area for expansion, given their role fundamentally as a peak body for community services. 
    • Strengthening relationships with PHNs and leveraging existing outreach models is a priority. 
    • Diversifying funding sources to improve financial stability and grow organisational growth. 

    Position Description

  • FAQs

    What is the application process? 

    All applications will be assessed and those most qualified against the recruitment criteria for this appointment will be contacted by phone. Short-listed candidates will have video and/or face-to-face interviews, reference and background checks, and then successful candidates will be appointed to the relevant position. 

    How will applications be assessed? 

    Applications will be assessed according to the information and responses provided. 

    When will I hear if I have been successful? 

    We will contact you via email throughout the process with updates of how we are progressing. If you are not successful, we will let you know as soon as possible. 

    Do you use computer software to review applications? 

    No, all applications are reviewed by a recruiter. 

    What format would you like my application to be in? 

    Word format. 

    Will my application be confidential? 

    Yes. 

    Will you keep my details after this process is finalised? 

    We will ask your permission to keep your details on file.  If you don’t wish us to do so, let us know and we will remove them from our system. 

    How will I know you have received my application? 

    All applications will be acknowledged by return email within one business day. 

    What should I do if I don’t receive an acknowledgement of my application? 

    First, check your junk mail or spam folder. If you haven’t received an acknowledgement within one business day, contact us via email on apply@windsor-group.com.au or call 07 3211 0001. 

    When do you contact referees? 

    We will seek your permission before contacting any referees. 

    Will I get feedback if I’m not successful? 

    Yes, you will. You can also contact Windsor Group for feedback, our details are found at the bottom of this page. 

    I’ve reviewed all the information available here but still have questions about the process/roles. Can I speak to someone? 

    You can submit questions below, email admin@windsor-group.com.au to arrange for a consultant to contact you or call 07 3211 0001.  

  • Submission of Applications

    When submitting your application, ensure your application includes: 

    • An up-to-date resume (in Word format) 
    • A covering letter (in Word format) outlining your interest and expertise relevant to the role 

    Submit your application quoting reference number KCCEHO to apply@windsor-group.com.au. For more information, please contact Kym Cheatham on 07 3211 0001. Your application will be acknowledged by email within one business day. 

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Need help?

Should you require assistance with the application process or would like any more information, please contact us on the details below: 
 
Phone: (07) 3211 0001 
Email:admin@windsor-group.com.au