Supervisor requirements and training
Will there be changes to the Supervisor Progressional Development Program (SPDP) requirements for supervisor accreditation?
At present there are no changes to the SPDP workshop or requirements for supervisor accreditation. An evaluation of the SPDP program has recently been conducted and there are plans to revise the program in response to the feedback. In the meantime, the focus is on TMP support sessions and access-on-demand resources for supervisors to support implementation of the new training curricula.
Will completion of the training resources be mandatory for supervisors?
No. At this stage, completion of the training resources for the new curricula and TMP won't be mandatory for supervisors.
Do Professional Development Advisors exist in the supervision structure in the new curricula? Does this reduce the options for formal mentorship with non-FRACP consultants?
Professional Development Advisors don't exist in the supervision structure for the new curricula. Trainees can seek informal mentorship if they wish but it's not a training requirement.
How is the College advocating for quality supervision and protected time within my setting to help support the workload associated with new curricula?
We acknowledge the time and commitment that will be involved in implementing the new curricula. The College is undertaking the following activities to advocate for protected time and ensure quality supervision in training settings:
Advocacy for protected time
Advocacy for protected time for trainees and supervisors with government and health networks, including development of guidance on the key benefits of protected time with case study, policy, and workplace model examples to share in discussions with health departments from 2026.
Defining quality supervision in accreditation
Working with AMC and other colleges to define quality outcomes for supervision in training programs and agree on a common way of measuring supervision with a view to embed this in setting accreditation criteria. This will include provision for “protected time” for supervisors to carry out supervisory duties. This work is due to be finalised by the end of 2025.
Education governance changes
To better manage training program committee workload, we're expanding delegated functions to staff and designated roles on committees. We're also increasing the number of members on some committees to support the volume of trainees and the implementation of the new curriculum.
There will be a strengthened focus on improving supervisor training, support, engagement, and recognition in the new committee structure, with the Curriculum Improvement and Supervision Advisory Committee taking a lead role in supervision matters, including directly advising the College Education Committee on improvements to supervisor support.
Evaluation
We're evaluating the implementation of the new curricula, including looking at the time and effort trainees and supervisors spend in completing new curriculum requirements. Our initial evaluation report is expected before the end of 2025, and we'll continue to gather data and evaluate the programs next year. We'll continue to plan enhancements to the usability of the new curricula and Training Management Platform based on your feedback.