Michael Bolton

Professional background

I’m a Registered Psychologist and senior health leader with many years’ experience working across mental health, drug and alcohol services, quality and safety, and clinical governance. I’ve worked in both public and community health settings, including executive roles and clinical work in mental health and drug and alcohol.

In my role as Executive General Manager, Consumer Safeguarding and Quality, I’m responsible for making sure our services are safe, respectful and meet the standards people should expect. I work closely with the executive team, managers and staff across the organisation to strengthen quality systems, support good practice, and maintain a focus on continual improvement.

My work is strongly shaped by my experience working directly with consumers, families and carers, which helps keep my focus on what really matters to people using our services.

Education

I have a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Health Services Management, along with postgraduate training in adolescent mental health. Over time, I’ve continued to build my skills through professional development in areas such as ethics, quality and safety, incident reviews, healthcare design, and health service management.

This mix of clinical and management training supports my work in leading quality, safeguarding and improvement across complex health services.

Philosophy and approach

I believe good services are built on respect, fairness and listening to people’s experiences. My approach is practical and values‑based, with a strong focus on protecting people’s rights and learning from feedback, complaints and incidents.

I place a lot of importance on hearing from people with lived experience and using what we learn to improve how services are delivered. I also believe that staff do their best work when they feel supported, trusted and clear about expectations.

At an organisational level, I work to make sure quality and safeguarding are part of everyday practice, not just policies on paper, and that everyone understands their role in providing safe, person‑centred care.

Personal interests

Outside of work, I value balance and ongoing learning. I have a strong interest in ethical leadership, how systems shape people’s experiences, and ways to support wellbeing for both consumers and staff.

Contact Information:
mbolton@gph.org.au