Ronald Woods has more than 30 years Australian and international experience in social policy and the human services, including work as a social work practitioner, educator and research consultant. After completing his undergraduate degree in 1982, Ronald practised as a social worker and academic in Australia, South Africa and Hungary. His practice, research and teaching has included substantial research consultancy experience. He has an interest in public policy and social service provision, research and program evaluation, and the training of community service practitioners and public administrators.

Ronald has been involved in the development and delivery of the Master of Local Government and Graduate Diploma of Local Government Management courses at the Centre, including subject coordinator for Local Government Principles and Practice; Organising and Managing in Local Government; Research in a Local Government Context; and Enhancing Local Government Service Delivery. He has contributed to the research and publications output of the Centre, focusing on issues such as decentralisation and federalism; local government capacity; innovation and creativity in local government organisations; and Neighbourhood Renewal.