Help shape health regulation and eliminate racism from healthcare

About

We are seeking applications and expressions of interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples for appointment to Boards and Committees in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (the National Scheme).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing is critical to addressing racism in all its forms systemic, structural and interpersonal.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the National Boards work to eliminate racism from the healthcare system means ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and voices are embedded in our work.

Ahpra and the National Scheme

The National Scheme ensures the development of a culturally safe and respectful health workforce that is responsive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples health and contributes to the elimination of racism in healthcare.

Ahpra works in partnership with 15 National Boards to implement the National scheme is to protect the public by ensuring that only health practitioners who have the skills, qualifications, and knowledge to provide safe care are registered.

What will your involvement be?

Your contribution to health practitioner regulation may involve:

Setting national standards of practice for the regulated health professions
Developing guidance for practitioners on their scope of practice
Making decisions about registering a practitioner of managing complaints/notifications about a practitioner’s health, performance or conduct, or
Other functions as needed by a National Board.

Check out our recent webinar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples talking being on boards and committees.

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What qualifications, skills, experience are required?

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Registered health practitioners with experience in your profession and/or regulatory/governance skills and expertise.

Combined with your lived experience of racism in the delivery of healthcare, a community member will represent the views and opinions of members of the community.

Previous Board or committee experience is preferable but not necessary.

What is the time commitment?

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Time commitment varies for each Board and committee, from monthly to quarterly meetings. The time commitment for each Board or committee is included in the Information guide when vacancies are advertised.

Will I be the only Indigenous Board/Committee member?

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Yes, it is likely that you will be the only Indigenous member on a Board or committee, however, there are over 40 Indigenous Board and committee members in the National Scheme that you will meet over the term of your appointment. Current Indigenous Board and committee members are also invited to participate in scheme-wide working groups and project groups as they arise.

Will I receive support during my time on the board/committee?

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Once appointed to a Board or committee, you will be buddied with an Indigenous Board/committee member for the first 12 months of your term. You will also be invited to attend networking events which will include Indigenous Ahpra staff and board and committee members.

A structured mentoring and support program specifically for Indigenous Board and committee members will be implemented in late 2024 to set you up for success.

Current Board and committee vacancies: Ahpra Careers - Recent Jobs

Register your interest: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Board/committee opportunities