Speech Pathology Australia Strategic Plan 2020

Introduction As an Association, Speech Pathology Australia has now entered its 70th year of operation. As a dynamic organisation, we regularly evaluate and calibrate priority goals and objectives in order to ensure we meet the changing and evolving needs of the profession of speech pathology and the clients and communities we work alongside. Our three-year cycle provides the opportunity to predict challenges and shape futures within the context of the internal and external environment. We build on the successes of past strategic endeavours, while always looking ahead to strengthen our innovative directions, and commitment to engaging in local and global leadership.

Speech Pathology Australia Strategic Plan 2020 - 2022

The Association’s three strategic pillars of our 2020-2022 Strategic Plan are:

For more information on the Speech Pathology Australia Strategic Plan 2020-2022. Contact Speech Pathology Australia Chief Executive Officer Gail Mulcair by email: gmulcair@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Our Voice Our Impact Our Workforce

These pillars will be fundamental for us over the next three years, enabling us to continue working towards the aspirations we set for ourselves when we established our visionary document - Speech Pathology 2030 – making futures happen . In a world where futures are increasingly less predictable, we need to be dynamic and flexible, and this document gives us the scope to influence, and to be inspirational. The strategic plan brings the Board of Directors together with the national staff team in executing our vision and purpose over the next three years. On behalf of the Association, it is our combined pleasure to commend the Speech Pathology Australia Strategic Plan for 2020-2022 to our members, staff, and stakeholders.

Copyright: © (2020) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: To the best of The Speech Pathology of Australia Limited’s (‘the Association’) knowledge, this information is valid at the time of publication. The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content or accuracy of the material in this publication. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of information provided. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this publication.

Tim Kittel

Gail Mulcair

National President

Chief Executive Officer

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Speech Pathology Australia Strategic Plan 2020-2022

Vision

Effective communication and safe swallowing for all throughout their life.

Purpose

To enable and empower speech pathologists to optimise communication and swallowing for all.

Governance Growth Resources Sustainability Capability and enablers

Values

Cultural responsiveness Excellence Innovation Person-centred practice Professionalism and ethical practice

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Speech Pathology Australia Strategic Plan 2020-2022

Pillars

Strategic goals

Priority areas

Lead effective relationships with government and other key stakeholders.

Our voice

Speech Pathology Australia is the trusted voice of the profession.

Deploy interprofessional and international collaboration to improve outcomes.

Ensure policy is informed by best available evidence.

Advocate for areas of need and emerging priority.

Increase recognition of the needs of people with communication and swallowing disorders.

Build evidence of the impact and cost benefit of speech pathology services.

Our impact

Speech pathology is valued and recognised in the community.

Support community and person-centred practice.

Promote provision of services that are safe, inclusive and responsive to consumer need.

Promote commitment to professionalism and life-long learning.

Develop the evidence-base, research capacity and capability of the profession.

Our workforce

Speech pathologists are equipped for quality practice that meets community need.

Grow and support a workforce of increasing diversity and respond to diverse communities.

Lead innovation in the speech pathology profession.

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Speech Pathology Australia Strategic Plan 2020-2022

Our voice Speech Pathology Australia is the trusted voice of the profession

Priority area 1.1 Lead effective relationships with government and other key stakeholders Strategies for 2020-2022 1.1.1 Influence policy and funding that enables equity and improved access to speech pathology for the community. 1.1.2 Ensure active representation with a “seat at the table” with government, representative bodies, consumer bodies, and other key stakeholder organisations. 1.1.3 Promulgate key messages and concise position statements on current and emerging issues relating to the profession. 1.1.4 Empower and support members to actively engage with members of parliament about the role of speech pathologists and topical issues pertinent to the profession. 1.1.5 Identify leaders of the speech pathology profession to consult with on key issues, content and relevant data, to inform and support policy positions. Priority area 1.2 Deploy interprofessional and international collaboration to improve outcomes Strategies for 2020-2022 1.2.1 Advance and contribute to speech pathology best-practice in the global context. 1.2.2 Develop collaborative interprofessional relationships at forums, ensuring the Association has an active voice in discussions, to promote understanding of speech pathology practice and role in supporting better health outcomes.

Priority area 1.3 Ensure policy is informed by best available evidence Strategies for 2020-2022 1.3.1 Secure evidence for advocacy purposes by developing relationships with relevant institutions to ensure access to journals and databases. 1.3.2 Capture and retrieve research evidence and data to support specific topics and positions. Priority area 1.4 Advocate for areas of need and emerging priority Strategies for 2020-2022 1.4.1 Develop framework for identifying advocacy priorities and forming strategy, being cognisant of current government policy, and utilising available evidence and data. 1.4.2 Engage with primary health networks and other local networks to support identification of specific local community needs and gaps in access to services. 1.4.3 Articulate agreed advocacy priorities, which are responsive to changing and emerging needs.

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Speech Pathology Australia Strategic Plan 2020-2022

Our workforce Speech pathologists are equipped for quality practice that meets community needs

Priority area 3.1 Promote commitment to professionalism and life-long learning Strategies for 2020-2022 3.1.1 Provide easy to navigate access for members to a range of the Association’s clinical and professional information and resources. 3.1.2 Expand modalities and resources to increase attraction and enable flexible access to high quality education. 3.1.3 Reinforce inclusive culture within the profession, involving adapting and embedding professional “civility” initiatives, as guides to communication and interactions within social media and member communities. Priority area 3.2 Build the research capacity and capability of the profession Strategies for 2020-2022 3.2.1 Investigate partnerships with international speech pathology associations and other bodies in areas of evidence-based practice development and sharing of resources (links also with 1.2). 3.2.2 Develop educational opportunities and resources to support the membership to apply the three principles of Evidence Based Practice (E 3 BP). Priority area 3.3 Understand, grow and support a workforce of increasing diversity and respond to diverse communities Strategies for 2020-2022 3.3.1 Conduct speech pathology profession workforce analysis. Stage 1 – Capture and understand the workforce trends to identify strategies to support the profession now and into the future. Stage 2 – Map current demands of the profession and future needs of the community. 3.3.2 Promote the benefits of membership of the Association to groupings within the profession with current low levels of membership.

Priority area 3.4 Lead innovation in the speech pathology profession Strategies for 2020-2022 3.4.1 Build awareness in the profession as to how innovation can be embedded in practice. 3.4.2 Promote innovative practice that demonstrates a positive impact on the community. 3.4.3 Enable the profession to adopt and fully utilise digital health technologies.

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Speech Pathology Australia Strategic Plan 2020-2022

Strategic Plan 2020-2022

1/114 William Street Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (03) 9642 4899 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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Speech Pathology Australia Strategic Plan 2020-2022