Poppy Wise is a specialist in public policy research and evaluation and leads Urbis’ family and community services practice. She has deep expertise in the design and implementation of large and complex policy design and evaluation projects, including development of national and statewide strategies, strategic, program and policy evaluation and stakeholder research. Poppy has designed and managed several of Urbis’ largest and most sensitive longitudinal evaluations for the NSW, VIC and Commonwealth Governments. 

Poppy has worked across a range of policy areas within family and community services, including domestic and family violence, child protection, mental health, youth services and youth unemployment, countering violent extremism and carers. Given this experience, Poppy has particular expertise in designing and undertaking engagement with highly vulnerable audiences.  

Among career highlights, Poppy lists evaluating several Social Impact Bonds in NSW and VIC across child protection and mental health, evaluating the Australian Family Partnership Program – a key investment under the Closing the Gap Strategy, and her work for NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet in building community inclusion and resilience. 

Project highlights: 

  • Evaluation of the Living Learning Program – VIC DTF (2021-2026) 
  • Evaluation of the Australian Family Partnership Program – Cth Department of Health (2021-2023) 
  • Evaluation of Front of Mind – icare (2021-2025) 
  • Evaluation of the COMPACT Program – NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet / Multicultural NSW (2018-2021) 
  • Evaluation of the Newpin Program – NSW Treasury (2013-2020) 
  • Evaluation of the Resolve Program – NSW Ministry of Health (2018-2025) 
  • Development of the Fifth National Mental Health Plan – Commonwealth Department of Health (2016-2017) 
  • Advice to the Referendum Council on Constitutional Recognition – Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (2017) 
  • Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme Evaluation – Women NSW (2015-2018) 

It excites me to help find policy solutions to complex social problems. I’m grateful my work lets me do something to help foster healthier and happier communities.