Expressions of interest: Practitioner vacancies - Closing 7 Oct 2022

The Psychology Council of New South Wales is currently appointing psychologists as members who may:

  • Conduct professional performance assessments for the Council
  • Sit on the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal
  • Sit on the Impaired Registrants Panel
  • Sit on the Performance Review Panel

Practitioner Members do not sit on the Council, rather they are contacted on an ad hoc basis to assist the Council in the above panels, with a particular need for Performance Assessors at this time. 

If you would like to express your interest as a practitioner member, could you please advise by COB Friday 7 October 2022, please indicate your availability and which area you are willing to assist in.  The Council will review applications against the following criteria. 

  1. Integrity, impartiality, open-mindedness, judgement and fairness demonstrated in senior leadership roles within the paramedicine profession or other health settings
  2. Sound knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation, registration standards, codes and guidelines for the profession
  3. Strong understanding of the duties, obligations and objectives of the role

Applicants are required to submit a brief statement addressing each of the selection criteria and an up-to-date curriculum vitae (maximum of 5 pages)

Practitioner members are renumerated for their services in line with NSW Government policy. The NSW Premier and Cabinet, NSW Government Boards and Committees Guidelines, Section 8.3 Payment to Public Sector Employees states: “In line with policy decisions against “double-dipping”, public sector employees appointed to NSW government boards or committees do not receive remuneration.”

Further information

To ensure the health and safety of the public, as well as the equitable treatment of both the complainant and the health practitioner, complaints need to be considered in a timely manner. Undue delay in the management of complaints does not meet the objectives and guiding principles of the Health Practitioner National Law.  As such, you should provide a realistic estimate of your availability. 

You should also indicate in which roles you be willing to assist Council. Note, you may choose any number of roles in the following areas:

A Performance Assessment involves assessors evaluating the practitioner's professional performance. The assessment is usually comprehensive and broad based, looking at a wide range of elements of the practitioner’s performance. It includes:

  • observing real or simulated patient consultations and clinical work
  • reviewing clinical records
  • conducting a clinical interview
  • interviewing staff and colleagues
  • writing a report to the Council

The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) adjudicates the prosecution of serious complaints following investigation by the HCCC. NCAT also adjudicates appeals by a practitioner against certain decisions by the Council and the National Boards. Finally, NCAT is the appropriate review body for orders cancelling a practitioner’s registration and in many cases for orders imposing conditions on registration.

An Impaired Registrants Panel consists of health practitioners who have experience in dealing with health and impairment matters. The Panel makes inquiries into the matter and seeks the practitioner’s voluntary agreement to any proposed suspension or conditions. The recommendations of the Panel and any proposed conditions are detailed in a report to the Council.

A Performance Review Panel is a hearing at which the professional performance of a practitioner is reviewed. The principal consideration of the panel is whether it considers the professional performance of the practitioner to be unsatisfactory. At its conclusion, the Panel must provide a written statement of decision to the Council and practitioner.

For further information, please contact Ms Farina Bains, Executive Officer of the Psychology Council of NSW, by email at HPCA-PsychologyCouncil@health.nsw.gov.au