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Victorian Psychiatrist Leadership Development Framework
The Victorian Psychiatrist Leadership Framework has been created by and for psychiatrists, in collaboration with people with lived and living experiences of mental ill-health and recovery, including people who have been carers, families, or supporters.
The framework is tailored to the specific needs and challenges of leading in psychiatry and addresses the interplay and tension between the core elements of leadership in psychiatry:
- you, as a human and leader
- leading with, and for others
- ethics and professionalism and
- leading within complex systems
The framework defines leadership in psychiatry, while supporting you, the psychiatrist leader to identify, develop and demonstrate the skills, knowledge and behaviours of strong leadership for the benefit of yourself, your people and the individuals and communities you serve.
It is intended that the framework will foster a culture of learning through the development of learning activities, paths and programs that are aligned to the unique requirements and challenges of leaders in psychiatry.
Introduction
Learn more about the framework from Dr Simon Stafrace, Dr Raju Lakshmana and Dr Astha Tomar.
Framework Definitions
At the centre of the framework is Leading Self, acknowledging that leadership, learning and development starts with the individual.
In addition to Leading Self, there are three other (external) Core Elements of leadership in psychiatry:
- Leading Self
- Co-Leadership
- Leading Ethically
- Leading Complex Systems
All leadership learning and activities are supported by the five Supporting Practices:
- Experiential Learning
- Reflective Practice
- Ongoing Feedback
- Mentoring and Peer Support
- Self Care
Hear from the Victorian Psychiatry Leadership Project Working Group on why the Framework is important for them:
"The framework is an example of collaborative leadership in action, demonstrating what can be achieved when we value different experience, expertise and perspectives to achieve a common goal. We now have an excellent foundation for navigating the unique challenges of leadership in psychiatry and I’m excited to see how it evolves."
Dr Simon Stafrace
"A leadership framework specifically for psychiatrists through this project is a first of its kind. We all think we know our own leadership styles and expectations others have of us but this Framework allows us to understand that in-depth. There will be more deliverables through this project which we hope will be useful for psychiatrists and psychiatrists-in-training."
Dr Astha Tomar
"VPLP Framework uses a refreshing human centred perspective to look at leadership- it acknowledges we are all leaders and we are the best leaders when we are the best (human) versions of ourselves and work together."
Dr Raju Lakshmana
"This framework sets a new standard for mental health leadership founded on genuine empathy and active inclusion. It positions psychiatrists and people with lived experiences as equal co-leaders, challenging power imbalances through collaboration. As a consumer and carer, this framework gives me more hope for a future mental health system that is equitable and empathetic for all."
Emily Unity
Background
The Victorian Psychiatry Leadership Project was funded by the Victorian Department of Health.
The goal of the project was to develop a framework and leadership development program/s that facilitate and support the aspirations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System Final Report Recommendations.
The project was led by the Working Group who provided the oversight and direction for the project and deliverables. The RANZCP Victorian Branch Committee and Board approved the proposed membership of members with a range of experience to provide different perspectives in November 2022 and in September 2023, two RANZCP lived and living experience representatives were added to the Working Group to further broaden the perspectives, experience and expertise of the group.
The Working Group took a human centred approach to the project and engaged with a wide range of valued stakeholders, including psychiatrists, those with a lived and living experience and leadership and learning specialists to gather their views and insights to inform the framework.
