Assessing Psychology Practitioner Competence

We are privileged to have a dedicated team from a range of backgrounds and holding a wealth of expertise, and it is through a collaborative effect that our work has been acknowledged.

Our Awards

The team's commitment to clinical supervision excellence has led to the attainment of a number of key achievements and awards.

Grants

The research team has been awarded two significant research grants, and we gratefully acknowledge this funding support from the Australian Government through the Australian Learning and Teaching Council and the Office for Learning and Teaching (opens in a new window).

• 2010 Australian Learning &Teaching Council (ALTC), Research Grant
• 2014 Office for Learning & Teaching, Innovation and Development Research Grant

Dissemination Opportunities

In recognition of the endeavors undertaken by the research team, we have been given the opportunity to present our research on an international stage.

Invited Keynote Address

In 2017, Professor Craig Gonsalvez addressed world leaders in the field of interdisciplinary clinical supervision. This invitation to present a Keynote Address(opens in a new window) at the 13th International Interdisciplinary Clinical Supervision Conference was an important recognition of the team's achievements, and ongoing commitment to research and supervision excellence.

Australian Psychologist - Special Edition

In 2017, Professors Craig Gonsalvez and Frank Deane, in association with Dr Analise O’Donovan(opens in a new window) from Griffith University, edited a special edition of an Australian Psychological Society(opens in a new window) journal, Australian Psychologist(opens in a new window). This special edition, Recent Developments in Professional Supervision: Challenges and Practice Implications(opens in a new window), showcased emerging developments in supervision theory and practice, and recognised the importance of supervision on trainees' professional competence. The edition specifically highlighted competency-based theory, summative assessment of trainee competence, placement access, supervision training and e-supervision. Learn more about the special edition, and view our other research outputs and publications.

Awards of Recognition

The project's chief researcher, Professor Craig Gonsalvez has been the recipient of two prestigious awards in recognition of his ongoing committment to teaching, research, and supervision excellence.

2017 Award for Teaching Excellence

Presented as part of the 2017 Australian Awards for University Teaching(opens in a new window), the prize – for the category of Social and Behavioural Sciences – was awarded to Professor Gonsalvez for the outstanding quality of teaching resources developed to enhance the quality of clinical supervision in higher education. Read the 2017 Awards booklet(opens in a new window) and learn more about the award at our News Centre(opens in a new window).

2016 Office for Learning and Teaching National Award

In 2016, Professor Gonsalvez was a recipient of a Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning: For Enhancing Placement Outcomes and Experiences for Psychology Students Through Competency-Based Supervision, Training and Assessment. Read the 2016 Citations booklet(opens in a new window) to learn more.

Our Team

The team, led by Professor Craig Gonsalvez, includes:

Chief Researchers
Professor Craig Gonsalvez (opens in a new window) Western Sydney University (opens in a new window)
Professor John Bushnell (opens in a new window) University of Wollongong (opens in a new window)
Professor Frank Deane (opens in a new window) Professor of Psychology, University of Wollongong (opens in a new window)
Additional Researchers
Dr Kathryn Nicholson Perry (opens in a new window) Associate Professor, Australian College of Applied Psychology (opens in a new window)
Dr Linda Bilich-Eric (opens in a new window) Research School of Psychology, Australian National University (opens in a new window)
Ms Roslyn Knight (opens in a new window) Macquarie University Psychology Clinic, Macquarie University (opens in a new window)
Dr Eileen Britt (opens in a new window) Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, University of Canterbury (opens in a new window)
Dr Hamish McLeod (opens in a new window) Programme Director for Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Senior Lecturer (Mental Health & Wellbeing), University of Glasgow (opens in a new window)
Dr Gavin Richardson (opens in a new window) Clinical Practice Director, University of Glasgow (opens in a new window)
Ms Yasmina Nasstasia (opens in a new window) Practicum Coordinator & Clinical Supervisor, University of Newcastle (opens in a new window)
Dr Warren Bartik (opens in a new window) Psychology Clinic Director, School of Behavioural Cognitive and Social Sciences, University of New England (opens in a new window)
Dr Chien Hoong Gooi (opens in a new window) Psychology Clinic Director, School of Psychology University of New South Wales (opens in a new window)
Alice Shires (opens in a new window) Senior Lecturer and Clinic Director, University of Technology, Sydney (opens in a new window)
Dr Vida Bliokas (opens in a new window) Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director of Professional and Clinical Programs, University of Wollongong (opens in a new window)
Mr Mark Donovan (opens in a new window) Supervision Coordinator, Northfields Psychology Clinic, University of Wollongong (opens in a new window)
Project Officers and Support Staff
Michelle Maiuolo Email: M.Maiuolo@Westernsydney.edu.au
Russell Blackman Email: russellb@uow.edu.au
Dr Josephine Terry Email: j.terry@westernsydney.edu.au

Our Sponsors

We gratefully acknowledge funding support from the Australian Government through the Australian Learning and Teaching Council and the Office for Learning and Teaching (opens in a new window). The research was funded by two national research grants listed below.

	Gonsalvez, C.J., Deane, F., & Bushnell, J. (2014-2016). Using standardised vignettes to assess practicum competencies in psychology and other disciplines. Office for Learning & Teaching, ID14-3639, $220,000
	Gonsalvez, C.J., Bushnell, J., et al. (2010-2011). The vignette-matching procedure: An innovative approach to assess student competencies in psychology and clinical practicum. Australian Learning &Teaching Council (ALTC), PP10-1624, $105,000.