About the HPSI
The Heads of Psychology Services Ireland (HPSI) is open to Director or Principal Grade, Heads of Psychology Departments (not managerially reporting to a higher-grade psychologist) funded by the Department of Health and Children. The objectives of the HPSI are as follows:
To further service development
The group identifies ways in which the contribution of psychology to health services can be enhanced:
- By identifying effective models of service delivery.
- By promoting the role of psychology in organizational development.
- By advocating with statutory and voluntary agencies.
To promote best practice through quality standards and service evaluation
The group examines standards by which to judge the work of psychology services. It explores the processes best suited to evaluation, giving particular focus to the views of service consumers. To engage actively in the strategic development of psychological services.
To develop and maintain effective working relationships and strategic alliances
To develop and maintain effective working relationships and strategic alliances with the Department of Health and Children, Regional Health Authorities, Voluntary Bodies, The Psychological Society of Ireland, Trade Unions and other relevant bodies.
To advocate for the development of the discipline
To advocate for the implementation of appropriate career structures, for proper employment and reporting policies, for the roles of appropriate psychology sub-disciplines within the services, and for the implementation of statutory registration.
To share resources, ideas and experiences
The group offers members the opportunity to learn from each other in a variety of ways:
- By sharing information.
- By identifying resources.
- By discussing issues that face psychologists working in services.
- By proposing response strategies.
To offer mutual support
Group members make themselves available as a support to each other regarding matters of concern within one’s department or regarding one’s role.
To promote Continued Professional Development for members of the group.
The group shares information on external CPD events and organises its own training days.