About Allies for Children | Founding Member Lin Hatfield Dodds, The Benevolent Society
Lin Hatfield Dodds
Chief Executive Officer,
The Benevolent Society
Lin is a leading advocate of social justice in Australia. She has extensive experience in social policy, systems leadership, and cross sector social innovation, as well as a wealth of operational expertise.
Lin’s career has spanned diverse roles and sectors, initially working as a counselling psychologist then moving to work in public policy in government and then in social services within non government organisations. She has served on a range of boards, including The Australia Institute, ACOSS, UnitingWorld, Anglicare NSW South, NSW West & ACT and Better Evaluation.
She was the National Director of UnitingCare Australia for 15 years, the national body for Australia’s largest NGO network of social, health and aged care services. After her roles as Deputy Secretary, Social Policy in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Associate Dean at The Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG), she was appointed as CEO of The Benevolent Society in July 2021.
About The Benevolent Society
Your life. Your way.
For over two centuries, The Benevolent Society’s mission has been to create a more just society where all Australians can live their best lives. Established in 1813, their enduring commitment is to help individuals live life on their own terms, and leave a positive impact on the lives of their clients and carers.
With National services encompassing family & parenting support, foster care, aged care, disability and mental health care programs, The Benevolent Society has more than 1,000 people first practitioners working to help people live their life, their way.
The Benevolent Society's relentless optimism fuels their determination to address even the most complex challenges, working tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients and communities. With a storied history and a clear vision, The Benevolent Society remains a force for positive change in Australian society.