Supervisor Liaison Officer Advisory Council Meeting Summary
The annual in-person meeting for the SLO Advisory Council was held on Friday, 5 September. The meeting was well attended by SLOs from all regions, as well as representatives from GPSA, RACGP, ACRRM, and RVTS. This strong turnout led to a productive and comprehensive discussion on key issues impacting supervisors and registrars.
A roundtable discussion from various regions and colleges shared updates and addressed key issues. The discussions revealed several shared challenges and some positive developments. During the afternoon session, the group was joined by guests from various colleges and organisations.
Discussion Points and Outcomes:
Recruitment and Retention Challenges:
A key focus of the meeting was developing innovative strategies to enhance the appeal of general practice. The group discussed how to create more attractive pathways for registrars, while also working to ensure that supervisors have the right support to train and retain doctors at every stage of their career.
Accreditation and Administration:
The meeting focused on streamlining accreditation and administrative processes to better support supervisors. By collaborating closely, colleges and organizations are committed to making these essential tasks more efficient and less burdensome. This ongoing commitment will help ensure that our supervisors feel valued and that they can focus on their vital role of training the next generation of doctors
Paid Parental Leave:
The meeting focused on establishing a supportive and flexible approach to parental leave for GP registrars. This new policy will be managed in a way that accommodates both registrars and practices, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition for those taking leave.
Supervisor Professional Development:
A key discussion point was enhancing professional development opportunities for supervisors. The group is committed to fostering a more open and collaborative environment, enabling supervisors to access activities from both colleges. This will help promote collegiality and professional growth across the board.
Supervisor Succession Planning:
Another focus of the meeting was on making supervisory roles more attractive to young professionals. The establishment of a new advocacy committee will raise the profile of medical educators and promote policy changes that better support supervisors, making the role more appealing and sustainable for the next generation.
NTCER - Forward Thinking:
The group's discussion on the National Terms and Conditions for the Employment of Registrars (NTCER) centred on developing a more standardised and transparent framework for registrar employment and training. A forward-looking approach was taken, with a focus on enhancing fatigue management and ensuring all registrars are employees with clear, comprehensive contracts.
If you have questions about the SLO AC or have any issues in your region, please contact your regional SLO. You can find a list of SLOs here.