Sandy McCristal

Sandy McCristal is a social worker, trainer, and investigator with more than two decades of
experience across government, higher education, health, and community sectors. She leads
national workforce development initiatives focused on psychosocial safety, trauma-informed
leadership, and workplace culture transformation.

Sandy specialises in supporting organisations to interpret and apply psychosocial obligations
under state and federal Work Health and Safety legislation, the Respect@Work reforms, and
associated Codes of Practice. Her work helps leaders and HR teams identify, assess, and
control psychosocial risks; design safer systems of work; and foster cultures grounded in
respect, accountability, and psychological safety. She is widely regarded for her ability to
bridge the gap between legislative compliance and practical leadership capability, helping
organisations shift from reactive wellbeing programs to proactive, risk-aware practice.
Drawing on evidence-based frameworks from Blue Knot Foundation, Phoenix Australia, and
SAMHSA, Sandy integrates trauma-informed principles into leadership, investigations, and
performance management. Her programs promote trust, transparency, collaboration, and
empowerment across all levels of the organisation.

Her professional background spans universities, hospitals, public sector agencies, and large
community organisations. She has designed and facilitated flagship programs in
psychosocial risk management, trauma-informed investigations, and respectful workplace
communication, all aligned with contemporary legislative and regulatory standards.

Sandy’s approach combines behavioural insight, systems thinking, and practical application
to create environments where people feel safe, supported, and able to perform at their best.