Jeanette Deetlefs

• May 15, 2018
• Speaker: Jeanette Deetlefs
  
• Topic: On Recently Completed RCT Interventions of the BI Unit of the NSW Premier and Cabinet
  

Reducing domestic violence re-offending and improving education results are key priorities in NSW. The Behavioural Insights Unit (BIU) recently completed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to tackle these problems.

Domestic violence (DV) is a leading contributor of ill-health and premature death for 15 to 45yo women. 15% of DV perpetrators reoffend within 12 months. Of this group, almost half do so before their first court appearance is finalised. We tested simplifying the communications to perpetrators, using reminders to prompt court appearance, and setting personal goals as interventions. Our results show a significant increase in court attendance and reduced re-offending.  

It is challenging to find skilled employees in rural/remote NSW, yet teachers are more likely to consider rural/remote NSW schools if they have completed rural/remote placements during their training. Research shows a clear connection between the quality of teachers and educational outcomes. We significantly increased trainee teachers’ applications for rural/remote placements by making the application process easier, the opportunity more salient and more social. These non-financial approaches could ensure that metropolitan universities get 5% to 12.5% of teacher trainees making rural/remote applications.

Jeanette leads projects related to finance, service delivery and service innovation with the Behavioural Insights Unit of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Prior to joining the Behavioural Insights Unit, Dr Deetlefs consulted to industry on consumer research and customer experience. She recently completed her PhD in behavioural economics at UNSW focusing on consumer decision making in superannuation.

Her specialities include behavioural insights and behaviour changing strategies, strategic and operational planning, and global project management.