The College of Psychologists of Ontario is the governing body for Psychologists and Psychological Associates in Ontario. The College’s mandate is to protect the public interest by monitoring and regulating the practice of psychology. Through the participation of the public and the profession, the College ensures the delivery of safe, competent, and ethical professional psychological services from qualified providers.
The College is governed by a Council made up of both elected professional members and members of the public. The Council’s work is supported by its Committees.
The Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, requires the College to have seven Statutory Committees: Executive; Registration; Inquiries, Complaints and Reports; Discipline; Fitness to Practice; Quality Assurance; and, Client Relations. The Executive Committee is elected from the members of the College Council. The remaining Committees are comprised of elected and public members of the Council as well as College members who are not on Council. Both titles, Psychologist and Psychological Associate, are represented on every Committee. The College is seeking applications for appointment to these Committees
If you are interested in serving on a Committee for the coming year, we are interested in hearing from you.
WHY GET INVOLVED?
Involvement on College Committees provides members of the College with an opportunity to take an active role in self-regulation of the profession. Members provide useful insight to Committee discussions by drawing upon their wealth of knowledge, expertise in psychology and individual diversity. Committee members have a direct voice in determining policies, programs and services that ensure safe and effective delivery of psychological services. During their one-year term, members will enhance their understanding of the inner workings of College governance and its processes, have an impact on how the profession is regulated, and help shape the future of the profession. Becoming a Committee member is not only an opportunity to take part in important decision-making but to learn new skills and become a leader in the profession.
Committee participation may be counted toward one’s Continuing Professional Development requirement. (Section A – Professional Activities; specifically, A6a Serving on College Council or Committee or Psychological Association Board or Committee – 5 credits per membership on Council, Board or Committee to a maximum of 15.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Members of the College who are willing to commit time to participate on a Committee and who wish to assist in making decisions that reflect the College’s mandate to protect public interest.
The College appreciates Committees that reflects equity, diversity, and inclusion and benefits from these broad and varied points of view. Ontario is home to one of the most diverse populations in the world – most Ontarians can trace their roots outside of Canada. Ontarians represent diversity of race, colour, being Indigenous, places of origin, religions, immigrant and newcomer status, ethnic origins, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expression, socioeconomic status, and age. Toronto has been called the most multicultural city in the world where more than 100 languages and dialects are spoken. Recognizing this, the College knows that the needs of the public and the profession are best served through the involvement of those who recognize, respect, and promote the value inherent in such diversity.
Through its Council and Committees, the College endeavours to reflect the diversity of the Ontario public served by Psychologists and Psychological Associates.
WHAT SHOULD MEMBERS BRING TO THE COMMITTEE?
Committee members should have some or all of the following knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes in order to carry out their responsibilities effectively:
- Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion;
- Familiarity with the College’s governing legislation and an understanding of the professional context within which the College operates;
- Ability to listen and communicate clearly and effectively;
- Impartiality and sound judgement to fairly decide matters involving conflicting verbal/written evidence and the assessment of credibility;
- Commitment to ongoing professional development to enhance expertise and remain current in regulatory matters;
- Commitment to fair and transparent processes within the limitations set by legislation; and
- Computer literacy.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO BE APPOINTED TO A COMMITTEE?
In accordance with the College’s By-laws, a member is eligible for appointment to a Committee if, on the date of the appointment:
- the member practices psychology in Ontario or resides in Ontario;
- the member is not in default of payment of any prescribed fees;
- the member’s certificate of registration has not been revoked or suspended in the six years preceding the date of the appointment;
- the member’s certificate of registration has not been subject to a term, condition, or limitation as a result of a disciplinary action in the two years preceding the date of the appointment; and
- the member does not, as at the deadline for receipt of expressions of interest in serving on College committees, hold any position of employment with the College.
In addition, the Executive Committee may take the following into consideration when making appointments to Committees:
- Equity, diversity and inclusion
- Location of practice
- Nature of practice
- Populations served
- Experience – a mix of returning and new members
- Professional competencies
HOW LONG DO COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS LAST?
The term for Committee appointments is one year. Appointments will be made by the Executive Committee following the June 18, 2021 Council Meeting. Successful applicants will be notified the week of June 21. Every appointment to a Committee automatically expires at the first meeting of Council of the following year; June 2022.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
Committees meet on weekdays during regular business hours. All meetings are scheduled in advance with consultation with members on availability. Currently, all meetings are being held by videoconference. Normally, full day meetings are held in person in Toronto. When the College can safely return to in person meetings, arrangements can be made for members who do not wish to travel to continue attending by videoconference.
In addition to attendance at meetings, Committee members are required to prepare for each meeting by reviewing a meeting package and any other related materials provided in advance of the meeting. Adequate preparation is critical to allow members to participate and contribute fully to discussions and to develop informed opinions in rendering decisions.
The number of Committee meetings and panels held per year varies depending on the Committee. Below is a brief description of each Committee’s role and composition and an estimate of the time commitment required. The availability of a computer/laptop is suggested so that meeting documents can be delivered and viewed electronically.
Registration Committee
The Registration Committee is composed of at least three professional and three public members of Council, and at least two members of the College who are not on Council. This Committee reviews applications referred by the Registrar, to determine whether requirements for registration have been met, and to direct the Registrar respecting the issuance of Certificates of Registration and any terms, conditions, or limitations to be imposed. The Committee also reviews and advises on policies and guidelines related to College Registration.
Each member of the Registration Committee is appointed to one of two panels and may expect to attend a two-day meeting once every six to eight weeks. Generally, the full Committee meets for a half day plenary on the first day. This is followed by a half day meeting of one panel with the other panel meeting for a half day on the following day. Committee members are expected to allocate time for reviewing registration files prior to panel meetings; some of which may be very large.
Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee
The Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee is composed of at least two professional and three public members of Council, and two members of the College who are not on Council. This Committee investigates complaints and reports regarding the conduct, capacity, or competence of members. The Committee also reviews and advises on policies and guidelines related to investigations and resolutions. Members appointed to Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee panels may expect to attend meetings four to five times a year with additional teleconferences scheduled as needed. Committee members will need to allocate time for reviewing files which may be very extensive.
Discipline Committee
The Discipline Committee is composed of at least six professional members and four public members of Council, and at least two members of the College who are not on Council. The panels of this Committee meet, as needed, to conduct Discipline Hearings at which allegations of professional misconduct or incompetence against members, referred by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, are heard. If appointed to a panel, Committee members are required to serve as needed for the duration of the hearing. These typically last for one day but could, in complex cases, last much longer. Members are consulted as to their availability before being appointed to a Discipline panel.
Fitness to Practice Committee
The Fitness to Practice Committee is composed of at least two professional members and one public member of Council, and at least two members of the College who are not on Council. This Committee hears matters related to a member’s fitness to practice that are referred by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee. If appointed to a hearing panel, Committee members are required to serve as needed for the duration of the hearing. Members are consulted as to their availability before being appointed to the hearing panel.
Quality Assurance Committee
The Quality Assurance Committee is composed of at least two professional members and one public member of Council, and at least two members of the College who are not on Council. This Committee meets five to six times per year, in person or by teleconference. It is responsible for the continued development and implementation of the Quality Assurance Program including the monitoring and auditing of the Self-Assessment Guide and Professional Development Plan, Continued Professional Development and the Peer Assisted Review process. It also advises on policies and guidelines related to Quality Assurance.
Client Relations Committee
The Client Relations Committee is composed of at least two professional and two public members of Council, and at least two members of the College who are not on Council. This Committee meets two to three times per year, in person or by teleconference. Development work is typically done between meetings. The Client Relations Committee advises the Council on the College’s client relations program including measures for preventing sexual abuse of clients by practitioners. The Committee administers the College’s Funding for Therapy or Counselling Program for Patient/Client Victims of Sexual Abuse by a Member. It also develops educational materials for members, guidelines for the conduct of members with their clients, training for College staff and the provision of information to the public.
ARE COMMITTEE MEMBERS COMPENSATED?
Committee members are volunteers although there is a per-diem for meeting attendance and some meeting preparation. Members also are reimbursed for expenses such as travel, meals and accommodation, should this be necessary, in accordance with the College’s Per Diem and Expense Claim policies. A copy of the policy is available upon request.
HOW DO I APPLY?
If you would like to apply to be considered for appointment as a Committee member for the 2021-2022 term, please complete the application form. In addition to your preferred choices, the application form asks you to provide a brief statement outlining your background, experience, and interest as well as relevant qualifications for the Committees selected.
Forms must be submitted by May 7, 2021.
Unfortunately, we often receive expressions of interest from more members than we have Committee openings. As a result, we may not be able to find an opportunity for everyone, but we greatly appreciate knowing of your interest.
OTHER INFORMATION
To further your understanding of the role of a Committee member and the work of the College, please review the following documents:
- Code of Conduct for Council and Committee Members
- College By-laws
- College Performance Management Framework Report 2020
- Strategic Direction
If you have any questions about the application process please contact Caitlin O’Kelly at cokelly@cpo.on.ca.