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Independent Adviser: Health Policy and Law

Institute of Clinical Psychologists  |  Voluntary  |  National  |  Ongoing

About ICP

The Institute of Clinical Psychologists is the only national professional body in Australia built exclusively for clinical psychologists in private practice. We exist to support, advocate for, and advance the profession. Not in the abstract, but in the day-to-day reality of running an independent practice.

We are a lean organisation with a growing membership. Our advocacy work spans Medicare, NDIS, DVA, AHPRA, privacy law, professional standards, training pathways, and the regulatory frameworks that shape what it means to practise clinical psychology independently in Australia.

The role

We are looking for an experienced health law or health policy professional to join our management committee as an independent non-voting adviser.

This is a newly created position. The amendment to ICP’s constitution enabling independent advisers was passed at our most recent AGM. We are now building the advisory structure to support our next phase of growth.

The policy and law environment for clinical psychologists in private practice is complex and consequential. This role ensures ICP has informed, expert input when it matters most. Not just to review our work, but to help shape it.

What you’ll contribute

This is a strategic advisory role, not a review function. We are looking for someone who will help ICP think clearly about where the landscape is heading and what it means for our members.

• Monitor the regulatory, legislative, and policy environment affecting clinical psychologists (and psychologists) in private practice, and flag emerging risks and opportunities to the committee
• Contribute to ICP’s long-term advocacy agenda, helping us identify where to direct our effort and what positions to hold
• Review and help draft submissions, position papers, and public statements for legal and policy accuracy
• Bring an independent external perspective to management committee discussions on matters with legal or regulatory dimensions
• Advise on governance and risk matters as they arise

What we’re looking for

You do not need a background in psychology. We are specifically seeking expertise that sits outside the profession.

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in health law, health regulation, or health policy in an Australian context
• Working knowledge of the frameworks governing psychology or allied health practice: Medicare, AHPRA, privacy legislation, or adjacent areas
• Ability to translate complex regulatory and policy developments into practical implications for a professional membership body
• Sound judgment, clear written communication, and comfort operating in a small volunteer-led organisation

Valued but not required

• Experience advising professional associations, NFPs, or member-based organisations
• Government relations or policy engagement experience at a state or federal level
• Familiarity with the mental health or allied health sector

Governance arrangements

We want prospective advisers to understand exactly what this role involves before they apply.

• Appointed by the ICP Management Committee
• Initial term of 12 months, [yes, 12 month terms like all the rest of us] renewable by mutual agreement
• Non-director position. Advisers are non-voting members of the committee and hold no fiduciary responsibilities under ICP’s constitution
• Invited to attend relevant committee meetings; remote participation is standard
• Advisers will be asked to declare actual or perceived conflicts of interest on appointment and as relevant matters arise

Time commitment

This role is deliberately light-touch. We are asking for a few hours per month, primarily asynchronous. There is no expectation of significant ongoing operational involvement.

Why this role matters

ICP punches above its weight. We are classified as a peak body in psychology, have a representative on the psychology industry stakeholders committee,  Mental Health Australia and Psychology Board of Australia’s peak body reference group. We have lodged submissions to the Fair Work Commission, engaged with PsyBA’s training pathway reform, and advocated on Medicare rebate equity. All of it with a volunteer leadership team and a single paid staff member.

The right adviser will help us do this work with greater confidence, sharper precision, and less exposure. Your expertise protects the organisation and strengthens the profession.

For the right person, this is an opportunity to influence national policy affecting clinical psychology (and psychology more broadly) and contribute to the future of independent practice in Australia.

To apply

Send a brief expression of interest (no more than one page) and a current CV to the ICP President, Marjorie Collins, at president@icp.org.au

Tell us about your relevant background and what draws you to this role. Plain language is fine. We are not looking for a formal cover letter.

Applications are assessed on a rolling basis.