Development and evaluation of an allocation committee to distribute community placements on an equitable basis between universities: Our experience with the University Placement Allocation Committee

Abstract

The present paper outlines the development and evaluation of an allocation committee to distribute community placements on an equitable basis between universities. Although based on our experience in South Australia with the University Placement Allocation Committee (UPAC), the primary goal is to outline the steps that would be useful if placement coordinators at other universities in Australia decided to establish and maintain an allocation committee. A survey of field supervisors was also conducted and field supervisors endorsed UPAC as a constructive mechanism for allocating community placements.

Keywords:

• Allocation committee
• clinical training
• community placements

Acknowledgements

We extend our thanks to the Associate Editor and to two anonymous referees for comments on an earlier draft of this paper.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Robert M. Lynd-Stevenson

The placement coordinators at the time when UPAC was established were Russell Hawkins, Robert Lynd-Stevenson and Helen Winefield. Other placement coordinators over the years have included Jane Blake-Mortimer, Mark Cescarto, Denise Skinner, Tracey Wade and Glenys Forrester who was PSCPE (Public Sector Clinical Psychologists Executive) representative for a number of years.