Speak Out August 2016 Low Res

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24 Speak Out August 2016
Professional Development
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
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!
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