Call for Interest in Participating on College Committees for 2023-2024

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.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Step 1: Complete the Colleges Committee Orientation Module. This module discusses the role and governance of the College and the duties, obligations and expectations of Committee members. Upon completing the orientation, members will be required to submit a declaration attesting to the completion of the module. This module should take approximately 1 hour to complete.

Step 2: Submit a 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 5, 2022.

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 16, 2023 Council Meeting. Successful applicants will be notified the week of June 19.  Every appointment to a Committee automatically expires at the first meeting of Council of the following year; June 2024.

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.

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. 

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 2022
• Strategic Direction

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.

If you have any questions about the application process please contact Caitlin O’Kelly at cokelly@cpo.on.ca.