Speak Out August 2016

Professional Development

From left Professional Education and Certification Senior Advisor Sharon Crane, SA CPD Coordinator Jessica Baggallay, Professional Education Administration National Office Anita Rodricks, WA CPD Coordinator Erin Masson and, QLD CPD Coordinator Tricia Chardon. While NSW CPD Coordinator Shirani Gomes was unable to travel, she joined in meeting via Facetime. See the image of Shirani on the next page.

The Branch CPD coordinators recently met at national office in Melbourne to share information, discuss CPD matters, and plan for 2017. Branch CPD Coordinators Meet

incredibly valuable and productive. We unanimously appreciate the opportunity to share information and to input the opinions and suggestions that come from working closely with the wonderful CPD volunteers in each state and territory - Shirani with NSW CPD, Tricia in QLD CPD, Jessica with SA CPD, Erin with WA CPD, and Sharon and Anita with Vic, ACT, NT and Tas. Within our meeting, the respect that we have for each other allows us to undertake robust discussion when we need to and to thrash out CPD policies, practices and issues. We make the most of the time; from when we start the meeting early on Thursday morning we work through the agenda all day and then head out for dinner together, and then we start again Friday, meeting over breakfast and then back at National Office for the full day Friday meeting. Through these (now) annual meetings, there has been much benefit for PD at both a Branch and National PD level. Jess: The CPD Coordinators’ meeting was an invaluable two days spent at National Office. We used the time to discuss, collaborate and plan our state and national CPD calendars for next year, based on information gathered from members. Furthermore, we were involved with the planning of our national SPA 2017 CPD Live calendar. It is an exciting time to be involved in the Speech Pathology Australia Continuing Professional Development program!

Branch CPD committees are supported in the running of their events by paid staff based at National Office and CPD Coordinators in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia (who are all SPA members): But how does this meeting benefit members? Through: • Sharing of information and coordinated planning of the 2017 PD program • Coordinating Branch CPD input re: the National Tour speaker for 2017. Watch this space! We will be excited to bring you further news • Improving systems and quality through review and updating of CPD policy and practice to improve processes and procedures • Reviewing and strengthening communication channels with members re: CPD Let’s hear from those involved: Sharon: For all but these two days per year when the CPD coordinators meet, we are spread across Australia and the communication between us is via lots of emails and scheduled group conference calls, plus individual calls. To be able to meet in person and work our way through a packed agenda is

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August 2016 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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