Organisational Systems

The HPSI Steering Committee

The Heads of Psychology will have a steering committee of at least five members, including the chairperson, secretary, treasurer, continuing professional development co-ordinator and research co-ordinator. Committee members will hold office for a period of three years. The committee will meet directly after each HPSI meeting to further whatever actions have been agreed, and to support the smooth and effective operation of the group.

The Chairperson

The Chairperson of the Heads of Psychology Ireland is appointed for a two-year term, but will also have served as chairperson elect on the steering committee for at least one year immediately prior to becoming chairperson and stay on the committee for a period of one year after completing their term as chairperson. The chairperson is elected at the AGM following a process of consultation with members by the outgoing chairperson. The chairperson will exercise the following functions:

  • Offer leadership to the HPSI, in consultation with the members and working closely with the HPSI Steering Committee.
  • Support the HPSI in fulfilling its agreed functions.
  • Draw on the knowledge and abilities of members of the HPSI in advancing the interests of the group.
  • Chair the HPSI meetings, and meetings of the HPSI Steering Committee.
  • Ensure circulation of the agenda for the upcoming meeting and the minutes of the previous meeting.
  • Actively seek and maintain good working relationships with other relevant bodies, such as the Department of Health and Children, the Health Service Executive, the Psychological Society of Ireland and other relevant bodies, through meetings, submissions, and correspondence.
  • Submit the Chairperson’s report to the AGM of the HPSI.
  • Engage in forward planning for the HPSI, in consultation with the members.

The Secretary

The HPSI Secretary will exercise the following functions:

  • Maintain an up-to-date emailing list, and list of addresses and telephone numbers of all members.
  • Maintain the attendance signatures roll for each HPSI meeting, and forward this to PSI in the context of CPD records.
  • List items and actions from the HPSI meeting to be considered by the committee at the following meeting.
  • Note actions to be taken as agreed at the HPSI committee meetings.

The Treasurer

The Treasures will exercise the following functions:

  • Invoice and collect annual fee.
  • Present the HPSI financial accounts at the Annual General Meeting.
  • Pay bills for HPSI.
  • Co-ordinate funding relating to special projects.

Continuing Professional Development Co-ordinator

The Continuing Professional Development Co-ordinator will ensure that regular workshops will be organised for members of the group and opened to interested others where possible.

The Research Co-Coordinator

Under the direction of the Co-ordinator, the HPSI will carry out such surveys as are agreed to be in the interest of the group, and publish the findings as appropriate.

Subgroups

Standing or shorter-term subgroups will be established as the need arises.

Meetings

The Heads of Psychology Ireland will meet five times a year, three from January to July and two from September to Christmas, on dates agreed at the AGM.

Liaison

The Heads of Psychology Ireland is committed to ongoing liaison with relevant bodies. An annual meeting will be sought with the President and CEO of the Psychological Society of Ireland, and contact will be maintained with key officials in the Department of Health and Children and in the Health Service Executive.

Membership Fee

An annual membership fee will be payable by each member of the group, with the amount of the fee for the coming year to be set at the AGM.