Making decisions can be hard…
…but getting the right assistance can make all the difference.
Supported decision-making is about providing practical assistance with decision making. It offers people a broad range of supports to be able to make their own decisions and stay in control of their lives.
Supported decision-making aims to be an alternative to substituted decision-making including guardianship and financial administration.
Decision Agency helps individuals and organisations become highly skilled at making decisions, providing decision support for others, and exploring real alternatives to substituted decision-making.
Who Are We
Decision Agency was founded by Michelle Browning in 2018, after finishing her PhD in supported decision-making.
Michelle assists individuals and organisations to develop their skill in the practice of supported decision-making, and become champions of cultural change.
Our Services
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Decision Agency provides customised supported decision-making training.
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Decision Agency runs practice groups for organisations to develop confidence and skill within their teams.
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Decision Agency partners with organisations to design, implement and evaluate supported decision-making projects.
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Decision Agency offers strategic advice to government and non-government organisations seeking to embed a supported decision-making approach in their work.
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Decision Agency offers supervision to professionals who want to deepen their knowledge of supported decision-making and confidence to lead others in its practice.
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Decision Agency has developed a range of resources including practice guides, documentation, videos and eLearning modules.
Who Decision Agency works with
People with lived experience and their families
Michelle works with people with disability who want to learn about decision making, develop their confidence to say what they want and ask for the support they need.
Michelle works with family members, friends and allies who want to become better decision supporters. Decision Agency can help supporters learn about decision-making processes and develop strategies to work through tensions and conflicts.
Organisations that need staff trained
Michelle works with organisations whose staff directly assist people with disability to make decisions every day.
Direct support staff want clear guidance about navigating the tension between enabling risk and meeting their duty of care. Decision Agency can train staff in the theory and practice of supported decision-making and develop a practice model and documentation for your organisation.
Government and advocacy organisations
Michelle works with government and advocacy organisations engaged in decision making involving high levels of complexity and risk. These organisations often need assistance to navigate supported decision-making in the context of changing legal and policy requirements.
Decision Agency can offer strategic and policy advice and work with agencies to explore how supported decision-making could be practiced in new and challenging contexts.
What people say about working with Michelle
Alana Goldman, Director Practice Yooralla
“It has been an absolute pleasure to collaborate with Dr Michelle Browning on the introduction and embedding of Supported Decision Making (SDM) at Yooralla. Michelle brings a deeply collaborative approach, seamlessly combining evidence with a strong understanding of organisational context - ensuring initiatives are not only meaningful, but practical and relevant.
Her ability to patiently support staff through complex SDM case scenarios, while also encouraging critical reflection about what’s possible, has been invaluable. Michelle’s flexibility and approachable style have made her a trusted partner across all levels of the organisation - from board members to frontline staff.
I would strongly recommend Michelle to any organisation looking to embed SDM practices. She has a rare ability to meet people where they are, while gently but confidently guiding them forward.”
Organisations we have worked with
