Please note: Applications for these positions have now closed.

The Health Professional Councils Authority (HPCA) is inviting applications from people interested in becoming Community members of a NSW Health Professional Council.

The Councils are independent statutory bodies established under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW) (the Law). There are 15 Health Professional Councils in NSW. The Governor of NSW appoints members recommended by the Minister for Health.

The Councils’ main responsibility is to protect the health and safety of the public. Councils do this by working in partnership with the Health Care Complaints Commission to manage complaints about the health, performance and/or conduct of registered practitioners in NSW.

Community Member Positions available:     

Please refer to Appendix A for legislative requirements for each position.

Closing date: 9am, Monday, 23 October 2023

Further information:

For more information about the role click here. For questions about the role, Health Professional Councils or the application and selection process, you can contact:

Name:             Fiona Hanley, Senior Policy and Program Advisor, HPCA

Phone:            02 9879 2238

Email:             hpca-ps-appointments@health.nsw.gov.au

You can find more information about the Councils here and see the Councils’ latest annual report here.

Am I eligible to apply?

To be a community member of the Council you need to:

• not be currently registered, or have ever previously been registered, as a health practitioner of the relevant Council
• be available to attend monthly Council meetings which may include more frequent committee meetings, depending upon the complaint volume of the Council. Meeting may be held in person or virtually
• be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine (two doses) unless medically contraindicated
• be a resident in New South Wales.

For community member roles, preference will be given to applicants who are not a registered health practitioner in any health profession and can demonstrate their ability to provide a community voice to the work of the Council.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion 

The HPCA and NSW Health Professional Councils are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and ensuring equitable representation on Councils. Women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

For information about the NSW Health Professional Councils and HPCA Aboriginal Cultural Safety Strategy click here.

How long is the term of appointment and when does it begin?

• Council members are appointed for a term of up to three years and are eligible for reappointment for a maximum period of nine years.
• The term for 2 positions will commence as soon as approval is given by the Governor. This process may take several months.
• The remaining positions are to commence on 1 July 2024.

How do I apply?

Please email the following documents to hpca-ps-appointments@health.nsw.gov.au by 9am, Monday, 23 October 2023:

• expression of interest form, including the name and contact details of two referees
• a covering letter or brief statement addressing each of the selection criteria (no more than three pages)
• an up-to-date curriculum vitae (no more than five pages)

Your application cannot be considered if you do not include the above three documents.

Selection criteria

Applications must address each of the following selection criteria:

1. High level of expertise or experience in one or more of the following areas: community engagement/representation, consumer rights in health, current involvement in tertiary education, governance, ethics and research.
2. The capacity to actively participate as a member of Council in the regulation of registered health practitioners to protect the public, including evidence of integrity, independence, impartiality, good judgement, and social awareness.
3. High level of oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills including influencing and negotiating.
4. Demonstrated experience or capacity to work collaboratively and productively as a member of Council.

Referee reports

Please include the name and contact details of two referees. Your referees should be able to discuss your skills, qualifications and fit with responsibilities of a Council member.

Appendix A