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Our people

The Ombudsman is supported by a team of skilled and dedicated staff.

We employ about 115 staff who have a diverse range of qualifications, experience and backgrounds.

Our people have qualifications ranging from law and criminal justice to social science, human rights, media and communications, and business.

The Ombudsman and three Deputy Ombudsmen make up the organisation's Executive.

Deputy Ombudsman, Operations – Dan Nicholson

Dan Nicholson is the Deputy Ombudsman responsible for Operations, including complaints, investigation and legal areas. Prior to joining the Victorian Ombudsman, Dan spent 12 years at Victoria Legal Aid, directing both the criminal and civil justice divisions. In these roles, he led the organisation’s criminal law services through rapid change during COVID-19 lockdowns and led the response to the Robodebt program. Dan previously managed the Human Rights Unit at the Victorian Department of Justice, worked at the Court of Appeal and Fitzroy Legal Service, and worked on a range of human rights issues in Cambodia and Timor-Leste. Dan has been a Commissioner of the Victorian Law Reform Commission since 2018 and was a Director of the Sentencing Advisory Council from 2021 to 2024.


    Deputy Ombudsman, Prevention – Dr Linda Timothy

    Dr Linda Timothy joined the Office of the Victorian Ombudsman in February 2026 as Deputy Ombudsman, Prevention. She currently leads the communications, engagement, policy and intelligence functions. Prior to this, Linda spent four years as the Executive Director, Prevention & Communication at IBAC, and before that, held Executive roles at WorkSafe Victoria. While at IBAC, Linda Chaired the cross-integrity agency committee, the Prevention and Education Advisory Committee and served as co-chair of the Public Interest Disclosure Consultative Group. She is an experienced leader with significant experience across public policy, stakeholder engagement, marketing and communications, as well as delivering organisational and legislative reform.

    Linda holds a Bachelor of Science, a PhD in Life Sciences and has completed the prestigious Williamson Community Leadership Program.


      Deputy Ombudsman, Corporate – Kerryn Ellis

      Kerryn Ellis is the Deputy Ombudsman responsible for Corporate Services, including Finance and Procurement, People and Culture, Knowledge and Technology, and Strategy, Risk and Performance. Kerryn is a passionate public sector leader with over 25 years’ experience working in both local and state government. Prior to joining the Victorian Ombudsman, Kerryn was Chief Executive Officer of South Gippsland Shire Council, leading the transition back to elected local democracy following a tumultuous period. Kerryn has also held positions as Director Corporate Services at the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, and Director Corporate Performance with the City of Greater Bendigo. Kerryn holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Commerce and a Graduate Diploma of Public Policy and Management, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors course. Kerryn was recognised as one of the IPAA Top 50 Public Sector Women in 2021.


        Careers

        Work with an energetic and passionate team. Look for career opportunities with us.

        Careers — Roles with us

        Code of Conduct

        Our Code of Conduct sets the behaviour expected of our employees.

        Code of Conduct — See Code