One Social LambGet in touch

Independent Consultancy · Est. 2013

Strategy, research and insight that turns into action.

An independent consultancy helping public, not-for-profit and private sector organisations solve complex problems and strengthen services.

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Melbourne, Australia25+ years across government, culture and community
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Approach

Insight that leads to better decisions.

Every strong strategy, service review or project starts with understanding what matters.

One Social Lamb brings together research, data, stakeholder and community insight, and practical organisational experience to identify what's working, what needs to change and where the opportunities lie.

From strategy and service improvement to engagement, content and project delivery, the focus is on turning evidence into clear direction and practical action.

Services

Services snapshot

01.

Strategic & Business Planning

Research-led plans that set clear direction, measurable priorities and practical actions.

02.

Service Reviews & Improvement

Independent reviews of services, programs and operating models to lift performance and sustainability.

03.

Research, Engagement & Insight

Research, consultation and engagement that turn complex information into clear insight.

04.

Content & Reporting

Strategies, reports, publications and resources that make complex information accessible.

05.

Project Management & Funding

End-to-end project delivery, plus grant submissions, evaluation, reporting and acquittals.

06.

Creative Industries, Culture & Visitor Economy

Specialist strategy across creative industries, cultural tourism, venues and events.

Selected Projects

Strategy grounded in evidence. Designed for implementation.

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Local Government2024

Financial Vision, Service Catalogue & Service Map

Led the development of a community engagement campaign supporting Council's ten-year Financial Vision.

The project included development of a comprehensive Service Catalogue and Service Map, helping Council articulate the breadth of services it delivers and supporting informed conversations with the community about service priorities and long-term financial sustainability.

Service PlanningCommunity EngagementResearchStrategic Communications
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Greater South East Melbourne2022

Creative Industries & Cultural Tourism Regional Strategy

Led the development of a regional Creative Industries and Cultural Tourism Strategy spanning eight local government areas.

The strategy examined how the region's creative industries, cultural assets, places and experiences could contribute to a stronger visitor economy and regional identity.

Research, analysis and stakeholder engagement were brought together to identify shared opportunities, strengthen collaboration and establish strategic priorities across municipal boundaries.

Regional StrategyCreative IndustriesCultural TourismVisitor EconomyStakeholder Engagement
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Peninsula Hot Springs2018

Arts, Culture & Events Strategic Plan

Engaged to develop an Arts, Culture, Entertainment and Events Strategic Plan and a new model for creative activation and delivery at Peninsula Hot Springs.

The strategy considered how arts, culture and events could become an integrated part of the visitor experience and support the organisation's expanding cultural and wellness offer.

Following adoption by the Board, the strategy was translated into public programming, including performances, workshops, exhibitions and cultural experiences.

Business StrategyCultural TourismVisitor ExperienceCreative Programming
Dr Karina Lamb portrait

Dr Karina Lamb

Director & Principal Consultant, One Social Lamb

PhD · Master of Cultural Heritage · AICD Graduate · Oxford AI Programme · 25+ years

About

About a Lamb

I established One Social Lamb in 2013 with a simple purpose: to turn good research and strategic thinking into practical action.

For more than 25 years, I have worked across government, not-for-profit, cultural and creative sectors, as both a consultant and senior executive. I bring together research, commercial thinking, creativity and real-world leadership to help organisations navigate complexity, challenge assumptions and make better decisions.

My work is grounded in integrity, curiosity and respect, with a strong focus on bringing people together and creating solutions that can actually be delivered.

I also advise on AI and digital change, helping organisations explore new opportunities while keeping people, purpose and good governance at the centre.

My experience includes extensive collaboration with First Nations communities in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and Canada. I hold a PhD, Master of Cultural Heritage and Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts), am an AICD graduate and have completed the Oxford University AI Programme.

Why One Social Lamb?

Independent thinking. Practical outcomes.

Evidence before assumptions

Research establishes what is actually happening before recommendations are made.

Strategy that can be delivered

Recommendations that account for governance, resources and real organisational capacity.

Senior-level experience

Every engagement draws on executive leadership, governance and project delivery experience.

Creative thinking

Complex problems rarely have one obvious answer — creative thinking uncovers the options others miss.

Clear communication

Findings translated into clear recommendations Boards, staff and communities can act on.

Let's work together

Need a clearer way forward?

A new strategy, an independent review, research or content — let's turn complexity into a practical way forward.

LocationMelbourne, Australia
Typical response within 24 hours