The APS offered over 400 hours of CPD for members via multimodal formats including webinar, self-paced online e-learning modules and face-to-face supervisor training.
Webinars
In 2020, the APS had a three-fold increase on registered attendees from 2018-2019, with 25,000 individuals registering for webinars.
The APS put the call out to members to submit their ideas for new webinars, resulting in a strong response and the development of new topics and content. Fourteen webinars were also made available free to members, offering welcome support, and presenting a strong member benefit.
When the COVID-19 restrictions came into effect across Australia in March 2020, the APS quickly adapted. A wide range of learning opportunities were made available via webinars in the months that followed, to assist members with meeting their annual CPD requirements during challenging times. All webinars were also offered as recordings, making it convenient for members to continue to access topics of interest throughout the year.
Online e-learning modules
Self-paced e-learning modules were a priority, and the APS worked closely with experts to develop several new courses. A total of 36 e-learning modules were accessed by 8371 individuals.
A highlight of the new courses developed and delivered was a four-part series on autism spectrum disorder, which offers comprehensive ‘how to’ of best practice assessment.
The APS also leveraged key relationships with Government and organisations to secure funding for new e-learning courses aimed at upskilling psychologists in specialist areas. This funding enabled the APS to offer these courses for free to members.
Aged Care Mental Health Workforce online training
This is a series of interactive online training modules, webinars and resources for the mental health workforce to support the provision of clinical mental health services for older people living in residential aged care.
Countering Violent Extremism online training
This training package is designed to help psychologists build the confidence and skills needed to achieve the at-times multiple and competing outcomes associated with working with clients vulnerable to violent extremism.
APS Practice Certificate in Disaster Support
After many months of negotiating with the Australian Government, the APS announced in May that eligible members could undertake the Practice Certificate in Disaster Support at no cost (28 CPD hours, $1500 for non-members). This is possible due to funding provided by the Commonwealth Government, which has made a commitment to supporting communities, frontline workers, and those affected by the 2020 summer bushfires – as well as other natural disasters and the current COVID-19 pandemic.
The funded training is intended to significantly increase the number of psychologists who are appropriately trained in this area, and to increase the capabilities of the Disaster Response Network (DRN).
Other free training made available to APS members included the very well subscribed Self-care for psychologists and Managing the challenges of COVID-19 as a psychologist. Members were also supported through an end of financial year 20% discount on all online modules and practice certificate modules.
Work also began on the Better Return to Work Initiatives aimed at upskilling psychologists in compensable schemes. The APS will deliver a series of webinars and pilot a range education interventions, as well as design evaluation frameworks that would inform future program development.
Supervisor training
The APS continue to lead in the field in providing Psychology Board-approved supervisor training. In the past 12 months a total of 23 workshops were delivered, attracting 445 participants.
In the first few months of 2020 the APS transitioned from delivering face-to-face workshop components via webinar. This transition was seamless in continuing to meet demand.