The College of Psychologists of Ontario is the governing body for psychological practitioners, 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 government appointed members of the public. The Council’s work is supported by its Committees. The College is seeking applications for appointment to these 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 other Committees are composed of both professional and public members of the College Council as well as College members who are not on Council. Both titles, Psychologist and Psychological Associate, are represented on every Committee.
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 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?
We are looking for members of the College who are willing to dedicate 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 strives to establish Committees that reflects equity, diversity, and inclusion and to benefit from 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. 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?
The College is seeking Committee members who 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 By-law 19: Appointment of Non-Council Members to Committees of the College and Conditions for Disqualification, 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 takes 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 17, 2022 Council Meeting. Successful applicants will be notified the week of June 20. Every appointment to a Committee automatically expires at the first meeting of Council of the following year; June 2023.
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 virtually; however it is hoped that in-person meetings will resume this year. Upon the return to in-person meetings, the College will offer a hybrid model with the option available for members to attend virtually, should they wish to do so.
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 ensure full participation and meaningful contribution to discussions and informed decision-making.
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 required as meeting documents are delivered electronically.
Registration Committee
The Registration Committee is composed of at least three professional and three public members of the College Council, and at least two members of the College who are not on Council. This Committee reviews applications for registration referred by the Registrar, to determine whether the College requirements for registration have been met. It also directs the Registrar respecting the issuance of Certificates of Registration and any terms, conditions, or limitations to be imposed. In addition, the Committee reviews and advises on policies and guidelines related to College Registration.
Each member of the Registration Committee is assigned to one of two panels and may expect to attend meetings every six to eight weeks. Generally, the full Committee meets for a half day plenary session. 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 the College 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. Each member of the Committee is assigned to a panel and may expect to attend four or five full meetings during the year. Additional brief virtual meetings are scheduled as needed. Committee members are expected 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 the College Council, and at least two members of the College who are not on Council. Committee members are appointed to panels, as needed, to conduct Discipline Hearings at which allegations of professional misconduct or incompetence, referred by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, are heard. If appointed to a Discipline hearing 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 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 the College 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 Fitness to Practice 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 the College Council, and at least two members of the College who are not on Council. It is responsible for the continued development and implementation of the Quality Assurance Program including monitoring members’ completion of the Self-Assessment Guide and Professional Development Plan and Continued Professional Development requirements, and the Peer Assisted Review process. It also advises on policies and guidelines related to Quality Assurance. This full Committee meets four or five times per year, in person or virtually. In addition, members appointed to this Committee may expect to attend half-day panel meetings four or five times per year.
Client Relations Committee
The Client Relations Committee is composed of at least two professional and two public members of the College Council, and at least two members of the College who are not on Council. The Committee advises the Council on the College’s Client Relations Program including measures for preventing sexual abuse of clients by practitioners. The Committee also administers the College’s Funding for Therapy or Counselling Program for Patient/Client Victims of Sexual Abuse by a Member. In addition, 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. This Committee meets two to three times per year, in person or virtually, with additional brief meetings to consider applications for the funding program when necessary. Development work is typically done between meetings.
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 Council and Committee Compensation Policy and the Expense Reimbursement Policy. A copy of these policies are available upon request.
HOW DO I APPLY?
If you would like to apply to be considered for appointment as a Committee member for the 2022-2023 term, please complete the Committee Appointment Application Form. In addition to indicating your preferred Committee choices, you are asked 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 12, 2022.
Please note that we receive expressions of interest from more members than we have available Committee openings. As a result unfortunately, 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 2021
- Strategic Direction
If you have any questions about the application process please contact Caitlin O’Kelly at cokelly@cpo.on.ca.