Profile Alan Morrison

What made you decide to apply for a position on the Paramedicine Accreditation Committee?

I have worked in paramedicine as a clinician, educator and leader for 25 years. I have been involved in accreditation of paramedicine undergraduate programs nationally since 2008, prior to the commencement of paramedicine in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme. I felt my experience would support the effective establishment of accreditation for paramedicine within the National Scheme.

What does being on the committee involve and what is the time commitment?

In the first term of the committee a lot of time has been given to establishing the new accreditation standards, routine annual monitoring systems, accreditation assessment processes and consultation with stakeholders. We are now moving into our first round of accreditation assessments since the establishment of the committee and are leading the accreditation assessment teams. This involves reviewing accreditation application papers, making site visits and ensuring the subsequent report reflects the committee’s decisions.

We meet as a committee quarterly and undertake provider routine annual monitoring reviews – this involves a reasonable amount of preparatory reading. In addition as Deputy Chair there are a couple of other meetings to attend. On average perhaps one to two days per month would be a general rule.

What skills, personal attributes and experience do you recommend an applicant should have?

An understanding of educational practice and/or the nature of professional clinical practice in the field in which you are involved as a committee is important. Also, understanding that the purpose of the committee is to ensure the safety of the public through making sure tertiary programs effectively prepare registration applicants for professional health practice rather than promoting or safeguarding the interests of the profession. Another key attribute is having the ability to work collaboratively with people and appreciate other perspectives.

What part of being on the committee do you enjoy the most?

Working with a diverse group of people who want to ensure accreditation supports public safety through quality clinical education programs. It involves listening to, considering and integrating a range of diverse views. I am always learning new things that inform my own understanding of education, clinical practice and regulatory practice – all focussed on making healthcare safer for the community

If an individual was considering applying, what advice would you give to help them make a final decision?

Be sure why you are there. Understand its about public safety and how accreditation contributes to that.