Speak Out October 2020 DIGITAL EDITION FINAL

Update on the new Professional Standards

Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia

The new Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia (Professional Standards) was officially introduced to the membership during Speech Pathology Week 2020 from 23-29 August. Since then, we have hosted a series of Live Q&A sessions, updated the SPA website related to the Competency Based Occupational Standards for speech pathologists (CBOS) and the Professional Standards and created content specific to the Professional Standards on the Learning Hub, which includes videos, answers to common questions, downloads and the option to ask your questions via an online link. The Professional Standards section of the Association's Learning Hub is a self-directed professional development experience to support your understanding of the Professional Standards. It includes videos, responses to key questions and the ability for you to lodge your own. We invite you to explore the Learning Hub further at: www.learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/ The Professional Standards will in time replace CBOS. Some of the key differences between CBOS and the Professional Standards are: • The Professional Standards apply to all practising speech pathologists in Australia, at any point in their career, as relevant to the role and context. • The Professional Standards apply to graduating speech pathology students. • CBOS is comprised of various components, the Professional Standards include an integrated set of three Domains with 20 Standards, and associated Elements. The Professional Standards does not specify range of practice areas, but broadly describes our knowledge and skills in communication and swallowing, and our work with individuals and the community.

The next steps will involve socialisation (Sept-Dec 2020), where members can immerse, discuss and learn about the new Professional Standards. Implementation

projects will concurrently occur from now until late 2021, particularly focusing on university accreditation and requirements for overseas qualified speech pathologists and those re- entering the profession. Implementation for members will take place formally on 1 January 2021. As the Professional Standards reflect the minimum standards expected of all speech pathologists and graduating students, it is anticipated that the majority of the membership will already be meeting or exceeding the Professional Standards. The Association will also undertake a range of educational strategies to inform and educate members, employers and stakeholders of the Professional Standards and requirements; with the final step being full implementation across all Association functions, bringing a formal end to the implementation process at the conclusion of 2021/mid-2022. We look forward to keeping members up to date with the Implementation of the Professional Standards. We encourage all members to download a copy of the new Professional Standards and become familiar with the new structure and terminology. The new Professional Standards can be accessed via the SPA Learning Hub, or via the website www.speechpathologyaustralia. org.au > Resources For Speech Pathologists > Professional Standards. If you have any questions, please contact the Manager, Professional Standards Stacey Baldac, sbaldac@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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October 2020 | Speak Out