Speak Out December 2018

in practice

SPA’s Survey Professional Practice: Update One

Earlier this year , SPA members were sent a survey about professional practice support. 781 members from all states and territories responded to this survey and my thanks for taking the time to respond and provide feedback. Feedback from this survey will be used to guide planning for 2019 and into the future. The survey also provided members with information about what resources are available to support them with professional practice.

Responses from student and early career members 265 of the respondents to the survey were students and early career SPs. This sector of the membership was asked to answer specific questions about resources relevant to this group. Key learnings around specific topics included: • Supervision • SPA is now aware that 35% of students and early career SPs have never looked at SPA’s resources about supervision. SPA has specific guidelines about minimum supervision standards and would encourage all students and early career SPs to familiarise themselves with all resources about Clinical Supervision. Support about supervision is also available from SPA’s Professional Support Advisor psa@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au • It was pleasing that 62% of this group who had looked at the existing resources rated them as very good – excellent. • Podcasts • Only 17% of individuals know that SPA has podcasts available for early carer members. • Resources for students/early career SPs on SPA website • 41% of respondents had never used these resources and 14.5% did not know the resources were available but would now familiarise themselves with this support. • Early Career Facebook Community

Challenges • Improving awareness of resources and support that is currently available to members and providing more details about what information is available at low or no cost. • Increasing activity on SPA Facebook community Solutions • Following the inaugural “Student and early career networking event” in Brisbane, similar events will be held in Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle and Melbourne. These will be free events for SPA members. • Members attending the National Conference in Brisbane will be able to attend the early career/student breakfast. This a free event that will be open to all members (Conference registration not required). • The Early Career Reference Group will continue to develop more resources (including more podcasts) for this sector of the membership about difficult conversations, productivity, work-life balance, and NDIS • Regular posts from National Office staff about specific topics on the Early Career Facebook community. • Encourage members to familiarise themselves with resources and supports available from National office staff for early career community e.g. Supervision Standards, SPA advisors. Existing resources and support for students and early career members can be found at https://bit.ly/2Szn3RN Update two of this survey will cover responses, challenges and plans for resources and support that is available for all members.

• 47.5 % rated this resource as good–excellent and 26% of this group were previously unaware of this Group but would now “take a look”.

Nichola Harris Senior Advisor, Professional Practice

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December 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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