Member benefits

Insurance
Professional support
Products and resources
Publications and journals
Networking
APS Advantage Package
Consultation and representation
Conferences

Insurance

APS private practitioners are offered considerably reduced professional indemnity insurance premiums through insurance brokers Aon, a benefit that saves Members an amount greater than their annual APS subscription fee. This option is also available to Members and Associate Members who, for example, work in academia or the public service, and also run a private practice. Asset protection is also available from Aon.

2008-09 malpractice insurance cover

For members eligible for insurance, who wish to obtain cover for 2008-09, please download the following proposal form:

2008-09 Aon Proposal Form (331kb)

Malpractice insurance for Australian Psychological Society members 2008-09

18 June 2008

For those members already insured with our appointed broker Aon^ your insurance renewal notice has recently been sent to you.

This year the renewal process is streamlined. All you need to do is pay your invoice* by:

B-Pay or
credit card online at www.aon.com.au or
credit card via an automated 24 hour phone system or
sending a cheque.

All the payment options are listed on the back of your tax invoice. Once your premium has been paid, Aon will issue a certificate of currency.

The Aon insurance product provides you with significant benefits and security. These include but are not limited to:

Policy strengths

The support of the APS to ensure member's interests are met
The scope of what is considered psychological practice is determined by the APS
The security of Vero (one of Australia's leading insurers) who has been the policy's insurer for 8 years
Policy limits of up to $20,000,000 are available
Inquiry costs of up to $250,000 for complaints heard at Psychologists Registration Boards
Legal defence costs up to $100,000 are provided for defending allegations of Sexual Misconduct
Access to Aon's dedicated claims management team
Free "run-off" cover (for retirees) with an insurer who has a solid history to support ongoing coverage

Product knowledge

Aon, the APS, and the insurer conduct regular claim review meetings in order to identify claims trends, and inform members of those developments
The insurer (Vero) and broker (Aon) understand the mechanisms of the Psychologists Registration Boards throughout Australia
Aon has a proven track record of dealing with psychologists' malpractice insurance

Customer service

At renewal time, no forms to complete! Just pay your renewal invoice*
Aon staff are currently conducting risk management seminars to APS Branches across Australia, further illustrating Aon's commitment to the field of psychology
Aon is a regular contributor to InPsych on matters affecting malpractice insurance
A toll free number on which to contact Aon - 1800 805 191
APS members may use their APS American Express card to pay for their insurance renewal

Additional features

Free legal advice hotline staffed by a leading law firm in Australia

If you have any queries about the above, please give Aon a call on 1800 805 191.

* If you require alterations to your policy, such as a change in the limit of indemnity or change of address, or you are aware of any facts or circumstances that may result in a claim against you, then you are required to call Aon on the number above.

^ For more details about the process by which Aon was appointed, refer to www.psychology.org.au/membership/benefits/#selection

4 June 2007

Summary
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has offered a malpractice insurance product to its members through an insurance broker for more than 15 years. During that time it has been our practice to regularly review and improve the malpractice insurance facility on offer to members. Part of this process has been to periodically put the brokering of the malpractice insurance product to tender to selected companies.

Following an extensive and rigorous review process by an APS insurance committee panel, the APS Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Aon Risk Services as the APS broker for malpractice insurance for the next three years. The insurance underwriter for 2007-08 is Vero Australia Limited. Please refer below for further details.

2007-08 policy features
Some of the key features of the new facility for 2007-08 are listed below:

Extended inquiry costs cover to $250,000 from $100,000 at no extra premium cost
Further reduced premiums - now at 2000-01 levels in dollar terms (without discounting for inflation)
Streamlined renewal process - return Aon tax invoice for immediate cover, if no changes to your policy
Commitment from Aon to assist members to implement better risk management practices - regular online newsletters - seminars
Part-time practice income threshold lifted from $20,000 to $40,000 (Category B)
Legal advice - toll-free hotline - up to 15 minute consultation for any legal matter related to a member's role as a psychologist

Selection process
As part of the Society's periodical review of the malpractice insurance facility, we sought Expressions of Interest from five insurance companies. The insurance companies approached are major providers of malpractice insurance in Australia, and included all brokers that we were aware had offered a malpractice insurance product to our members in recent times.

Four of the five insurance companies that were approached, lodged a submission, with one declining to participate in our review process. Those that lodged a submission were Aon Risk Services, Guild Insurance, Marsh Risk Consultants and Insurance Brokers, and Willis Australia Limited. These companies have strong recognition within the insurance industry.

Respectively, Marsh, Aon and Willis, hold the top three positions in the world for insurance brokers by revenue. The three different insurance companies underwriting the Marsh, Aon and Willis submissions, QBE, Vero and CGU respectively, account for 78% of the malpractice insurance underwritten in Australia. Guild Insurance is the direct underwriter of malpractice insurance facilities for several allied health professions in Australia.

A five-person insurance committee panel comprising Members who are in private practice and relevant National Office staff closely scrutinised the submissions. The panel assessed how each insurance company addressed the key selection criteria, which incorporated the extent of coverage of the insurance product; the level of premiums; knowledge and understanding of the field of psychology; commitment to working collaboratively towards better risk management practices of psychologists; capacity to offer effective service delivery to high volumes of insureds; and provision of sufficient marketing and sponsorship of the APS.

An extensive process of assessing the submissions considered the abovementioned selection criteria, from which two companies were short-listed for interview. Following presentations from the brokers that were short-listed, and further review of their written proposals, a final recommendation from the panel was made to and approved by the APS Board of Directors.

Find out more: Insurance

Professional support

The APS supports Members in the workplace and in their ongoing career development in the following ways:

Ethical assistance	The APS publishes the Code of Ethics, which was developed to safeguard the welfare of consumers of psychological services and the integrity of the profession. Members are required to abide by the Code, which is supplemented by Ethical Guidelines. The Guidelines are continually being developed to cover specific practice issues, for example working with recovered memories or reporting child abuse. The Society also assists Members with specific matters, such as complicated ethical dilemmas that require careful, objective consideration. Members can contact the National Office for help and clarification at these crucial times. Find out more: Ethics at the APS.
Workplace issues	The APS assists Members with workplace issues, including wage and employment conditions, and lobbies the government on industrial relations relating to the profession. Contact the APS Workplace Issues Advisor at the National Office on 1800 333 497 or email workplace@psychology.org.au.
Private practice resources	The APS produces professional resources for independent practitioners ranging from ethics and privacy resources to marketing and referrals assistance. Find out more (members only): Practice Management.
Recommended Fee Schedule	To help Members in private practice, the APS annually publishes a Recommended Fee Schedule as at 1 July for psychological services. This schedule is not prescriptive and Members are free to set their own fees. It includes guidelines for preparing accounts, which are necessary for some clients to obtain a rebate from their private health fund. Members can access the fee schedule and guidelines in the Practice Management section. It is also available for the public under Fees and Rebates.
APS Find a Psychologist Service	The APS provides a telephone and email referral service to the general public and health professionals who are seeking a qualified and suitable psychologist in private practice. Referrals are drawn from the Society’s database of more than 2300 APS registered psychologists around Australia, covering every State and Territory. If you are looking for a psychologist, find out more at APS Find a Psychologist Service. The Service received just under 8000 calls and emails during the 2007-08 financial year. Find a Psychologist, which is the online version of the Referral Service, averages over 750 searches per day. Only Honorary Fellows, Fellows, Members and Associate Members of the APS who hold full registration may register with the service. Being listed on the Find a Psychologist Service offers members the opportunity to increase their client base. Please contact the APS on 1800 333 497 or email referral@psychology.org.au for information about being listed.
Professional Development	The APS Professional Development (PD) program aims to maintain and improve the quality of psychological services that Members provide. The program offers a wide variety of educational activities including seminars and conferences. Members obtain PD as part of their ethical obligations to maintain their skills. Find out more: Professional Development.
APS Membership Directory	Members can search the APS membership database online to find out whether a psychologist is an APS Member and, if so, to obtain their contact details and information about their membership of APS Colleges and Divisions. Members can access the APS Membership Directory.
Video Library and Audio Tapes	This collection includes keynote addresses and workshops from APS Conferences, showcasing a selection of eminent Australian and international speakers. Videos may be borrowed, and audiotapes are for sale from the APS at cost price. They are useful teaching aids and research tools, and can be used to accrue PD points. Find out more: APS AV library.
Student Assistance	Students are offered many of the benefits of full APS Membership, but at a significantly reduced rate. The APS encourages all students of psychology to make use of the resources available to them as a Student Subscriber, such as the accredited courses list, ethics resources and networking with psychologists at APS functions. Find out more: Student Subscriber.
Standards of university training	The APS is the official body responsible for ensuring that standards of university training in psychology are maintained. Through a system of accreditation, the APS works with Australian universities to monitor tertiary psychology courses so that they are a suitable preparation for entry to the profession and the Society. This ensures that training remains rigorous as the profession expands. To gain State/Territory registration or to become an APS member, applicants must complete APS-accredited university programs. For listings, see the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
PsychXchange employment opportunities	'PsychXchange' is a website containing national and international employment and business opportunities for psychologists, plus classifieds relating to psychological practice. This APS service began as a print version in September 2002 and became a dedicated job search website in January 2004. APS Members are offered a 10% discount on advertising rates. Visit PsychXchange at www.psychxchange.com.au.
APS Matters	Members receive a fortnightly email bulletin highlighting the latest news and information on the APS website. The email provides links directly to items of interest, saving time and effort for Members. If you do not receive APS Matters and would like to do so, please email apsmatters@psychsociety.com.au with your name and membership number.

Products and resources

The APS commits significant resources to helping Members market their professional services, and to market the psychology profession in general.

Resources include the Code of Ethics, Tip Sheets on common problem areas, marketing and media guides, embossed diaries, quality pens and lapel pins. Posters, booklets and brochures range from informing the public about psychology and encouraging GPs to refer to psychologists to profiling each APS College and the profession.

See below for further information or, to view the range available and to order, go to Publications & Products.

Tip Sheets	Tip Sheets inform clients about a range of psychological issues and how psychologists can help. They are a great resource for private practitioners and other health professionals, especially GPs. Members can download web versions of Tip Sheets and Members or the public can purchase them in colour brochure format via Publications & Products.
Effective Media Techniques’ Kit	This kit covers the main factors to consider when approaching the media for publicity, or if approached by the media for an interview or comment. It provides information on how the media operates, how to recognise marketing opportunities, and pitfalls to avoid. To order the kit, go to APS Products and Resources.
Networking and Marketing Kit	This kit is for members who want to promote their professional services to the public and to build a successful private practice. It suggests useful techniques for identifying key target markets, developing and managing professional relationships with key decision makers, and forming strategies to market services effectively. To order the kit, go to APS Products and Resources.
Good Thinking Program	Private practitioners are encouraged to join the Good Thinking Program, which entitles them to use the APS Psychologist and Good Thinking logos to promote their practice. The program is only available to Honorary Fellows, Fellows and Members of the APS. For more information see Good Thinking Program (members only).
APS Media Referral Service	Members of the media contact the National Office for comments or interviews on a daily basis, and the APS Media Referral Service identifies Members with the specialist knowledge to address these enquiries. This service increases the profile of psychology in the public arena and fosters good media relations. Find out more: APS Media Referral Service.

Publications and journals

The APS produces a range of publications and products for members:

InPsych, the APS Bulletin	All APS members receive InPsych, the Society's bi-monthly magazine containing news, features, profiles and discussions of interest to psychologists from a broad range of fields. It also carries news of forthcoming events and projects. Members are encouraged to make suggestions and offer feedback to the production editor. Many non-members also subscribe to the publication. Find out more: InPsych.
State Newsletters	Members receive a newsletter produced in their state or territory by local Members. They contain news from Branches and local APS groups, as well as national issues, registration and professional issues. Many Interest Groups also publish newsletters regularly. Find out more: State newsletters.
Australian Journal of Psychology	The 'Australian Journal of Psychology' is a highly respected source of topical scientific and research articles. This APS publication covers a variety of subjects and includes book reviews. Members are offered a free subscription to the Journal, or can choose to receive both this publication and the ‘Australian Psychologist’ (see below) at heavily discounted rates. Find out more: Australian Journal of Psychology.
Australian Psychologist	The 'Australian Psychologist' is an APS journal that is recognised for publishing material of applied and professional interest to psychologists. Members are offered a free subscription, or can choose to receive it and the ‘Australian Journal of Psychology’ (see above) at heavily discounted rates. Find out more: Australian Psychologist.
Abstracts Booklet	The Combined Abstracts of Australian Psychology Conferences booklet is an annual publication of abstracts from major Australian psychology conferences. The APS and individual conference organisers produce the booklet to inform academics and practitioners about current innovative and topical psychological research. Delegates at the APS Annual Conference receive a free copy and it is also available as a supplement in the 'Australian Journal of Psychology'.
APS Imprint Books	The APS sells books written by Australian psychologists for Australian psychologists and published under the label APS Imprint Books. This offers Members the opportunity to publish with small print runs. Find out more: APS books.
Discounted BPS Journals	Members are offered discounted subscriptions to all journals of The British Psychological Society. Download 2008 subscription form (36kb)
APS Submissions	The APS makes regular submissions to government bodies, health funds and insurers. View recent submissions (Members only): Submissions.
APS Position Statements and Review Papers	APS Position Statements and Review Papers explore and review research on contemporary social issues, such as euthanasia and gambling. They are produced under the auspices of the Manager of Psychology in the Public Interest. View online at: Position Statements and Review Papers.

Networking

Local Networking
The structure of the APS, through Branches, Regional Groups, Colleges, Divisions and Interest Groups, allows all Members to network with colleagues and participate in the Society's work.

APS Branches	Branches support members and promote the profession of psychology at the regional level. They encourage networking between members in their local area, and represent and advance their interests and special needs. All members of the Society automatically become members of their local Branch. View details of the APS Branches.
APS College Membership (Specialist Recognition)	Nine APS Colleges represent a range of specialist areas in psychology and APS Members can gain recognition of their specialist qualifications through membership. Each College promotes its own field, maintains practice standards and quality assurance, and supports the education and professional development of specialist practitioners. Colleges may hold seminars, courses and conferences, publish newsletters and perform a range of activities on behalf of Members. Associate Members, Affiliates and Student Subscribers may also join Colleges. View details of the APS Colleges.
APS Interest Groups	The twenty-one APS Interest Groups support Members with special interests and promote communication between Members interested in similar fields. They cover diverse areas such as Rural and Remote Psychology, Buddhism and Psychology and Coaching Psychology. Membership is open to all APS Members and the groups also advise the Society on issues related to their area of interest. Interest Groups may hold seminars, courses and conferences, publish newsletters and perform a range of activities on behalf of Members. View details of the APS Interest Groups.

APS Advantage Package

The APS Advantage Package is an exciting initiative that provides Members with preferential rates and benefits on the following products and services:

	American Express - co-branded gold credit card. Benefits include no annual card fee, automatic enrolement in membership rewards program with no annual fee, up to 55 days of interest-free credit and competitive interest rates. View details *Click here for a great range of July/August 2008 special offers from American Express
	AMP - banking home loan package. The APS Affinity Home Loan Offer includes up to 0.50%pa off AMP’s standard variable rate for loans between $100,000 and $249,999 and up to 0.65%pa off AMP’s standard variable rate for loans over $250,000. View details
	ING - The Professionals Life and Living Benefit Plan. Take out life insurance cover of up to $1 million with a new added tax-free lump sum of 50% of the life insurance cover you select – a living benefit. View details
	ING - Professionals Income Protection Plan. The Professionals Income Protection Plan pays a regular monthly benefit of up to 75% of your income, up to a maximum of $20,000 every month for up to two years, if you are unable to work due to injury or illness. View details
	Qantas – discounted Club membership. Benefits include APS corporate discounts on membership of The Qantas Club, which provides a host of exclusive benefits including access to Qantas Club lounges in all major Australian and international airports and complimentary membership of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. View details
	Hertz - discounted car rental. Enjoy periodic bonus offers and fee-waived membership to the Hertz #1 Club Gold program - the fast, easy way to rent a car around the world. View details

Consultation and representation

As the largest body representing psychologists in Australia, the APS promotes the profession to a range of health bodies, task forces and advisory groups.

The Manager of Professional Issues is responsible for consulting and liaising with all levels of governments on behalf of the profession. The Society puts forward a psychological perspective on key issues to protect and advance the interests of psychologists, as well as the welfare of individuals and groups in the community.

For more information about the Society’s many initiatives, covering health, mental health, legal/systemic issues, social issues and family, see APS Submissions.

Liaison with Registration Boards

The APS fosters relationships with Psychologists’ Registration Boards in each State and Territory, and the APS President and Executive Director meet formally with the Registration Boards at their Annual National Conference. To view contact details for the boards across Australia, see Psychologists' Registration Boards.

Conferences

The APS Annual Conference aims to cover the diversity of psychology and the profession, including the latest developments in the field. It attracts local and internationally renowned presenters and is a forum for Members to meet a broad range of colleagues. More information about the APS Annual Conference, held in late September each year, can be found at http://www.apsconference.com.au/.

The Society's Colleges, Interest Groups, Branches and Regional Groups also hold conferences and other events throughout the year. The APS provides support and assists in the coordination of a number of specialist conferences, details of which can be found in the Events Calendar.

Related Items

Find a Psychologist Service

Independent practitioners who are APS Members can increase their clientele by listing on the Find a Psychologist Service. Find out more