Training programs and zones

Accreditation of ACT Training Program (5 October 2022)

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to visit the ACT Training program on October 5th, 2022, as part of the routine five-yearly accreditation cycle. The panel, comprising a team of four, assessed all aspects of the ACT program against the Training Program Accreditation Standards.

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The panel noted an overall increase in trainee numbers and concurrent service expansion since the last AC accreditation review in 2019. Despite challenges in supervisor continuity and concerns about after-hours roster systems, the program exhibited a strong sense of camaraderie among trainees and consultants. The panel was also made aware of recent issues related to occupational violence at the forensic mental health service and training setting. 

Additionally, the panel observed substantial self-advocacy by the trainee body and responsiveness from both consultants and clinical management. 

The panel concluded its assessment with 17 commendations and 19 recommendations. The commendations covered, among other things, the successful mitigation of bottlenecks in the zone and the comprehensive support provided to trainees. The recommendations emphasised the need to enhance support for trainee welfare, safety and wellbeing, as well as safe and adequate training opportunities via augmented staffing resources.

Subject to satisfactory progress against the provided recommendations, the panel recommended a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, until Quarter 4 2027.

Accreditation of NSW Northern Sydney/Central Coast (NSWN) Training zone (September 26-27, 2022)

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to visit the NSWN Fellowship training zone on September 26-27, 2022, as part of the routine five-yearly accreditation cycle. The panel, comprising a team of four, assessed all aspects of the NSWN zone against the Training Program Accreditation Standards.

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The panel noted an increase in training positions coupled with staffing complications, due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, since the last AC visit in 2016. Short staffing contributed to concerns around the consistent provision of minimum supervision requirements and reliable access for trainees to mandatory RANZCP training requirements. Despite these difficulties, camaraderie was evident within the training body.

The panel concluded its assessment with 10 commendations and 31 recommendations.

Commendations covered, among other things, the proactive nature of Site Coordinators of Training (SCOTs) and large array of positive rural/regional training experiences available. The recommendations stressed the need for contingency plans related to trainee access to consistent supervision, processes to support the identification and ratification of any shortfalls within rotations, and the implementation of formal processes to provide suitably deidentified trainee feedback to supervisors.

The panel recommended a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, subject to satisfactory progress against the provided recommendations, until Quarter 1 2028.

Accreditation of NSW Sydney South West Mid North Coast (NSWSSW) Training Zone (April 4-5, 2024)

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to visit the NSWSSW Training zone on April 4-5, 2024, as part of the routine five-yearly accreditation cycle. This visit occurred as a ‘summative’ at the regularly scheduled accreditation time, subsequent to a ‘formative visit one year prior, which occurred due to large changes within the training zone. The panel, comprising a team of five, assessed all aspects of the NSWSSW program against the Training Program Accreditation Standards.

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The panel observed that the zone had made significant progress on the recommendations from the formative visit in 2023. Although the issue of widespread staffing shortages continues, many training issues such as extremely high workloads, lack of supervision and several posts not meeting accreditation standards have been satisfactorily rectified to improve the training experience in NSWSSW.

The panel concluded its assessment with 6 commendations and 9 recommendations. The commendations covered the positive feedback received regarding the Director of Training and Site Coordinators of Training, along with the high quality of supervision reported for trainees. Recommendations emphasised clear documentation of processes to address shortfalls in rotations and the availability of psychotherapy written case supervision, among other things.

Subject to satisfactory progress against the provided recommendations, the panel recommended a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, until Quarter 1, 2029.

Accreditation of NSW South Eastern Sydney / Illawarra Psychiatry Training Network (NSWSESI) (June 26-27, 2023)

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to visit the NSWSESI Fellowship training zone on June 26-27, 2023, as part of the routine five-yearly accreditation cycle. 

This visit was held over from 2022 due to ill-health of key personnel. The panel, comprising a team of four, assessed all aspects of the NSWSESI zone against the Training Program Accreditation Standards.

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The panel noted that the Director of Training (DOT) was on long service leave on the first day of their visit, and so ensured that this crucial position was filled during the remainder of the leave. They also noted workforce shortages, a lack of resourcing for the DOT and administration staff, and a lack of clear communication pathways for trainees. Despite these difficulties, trainees reported high levels of satisfaction with their training, particularly in relation to supervision.

The panel concluded its assessment with 4 commendations and 49 recommendations.

Commendations covered the support trainees receive and the educational opportunities that are available to them. The recommendations covered, among other things, appropriate trainee allocation, organisation of communication and meetings between the DOT and Site Coordinators of Training (SCOTs) and supervisor handover processes between rotations.

The panel recommended a period of provisional accreditation for six months, with a further six month extension, until September 2024, during which the zone needs to address resourcing shortages.

Accreditation of NSWHNET Training Program (25-26 July 2024)

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to visit the NSWHNET Training program on 25-26 July 2024, as part of the routine five-yearly accreditation cycle. The panel, comprising a team of four, assessed all aspects of the NSWHNET program against the Training Program Accreditation Standards.

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The programme is in excellent health, offering high-quality and varied training experiences. It is well-administered and organised daily, with strong management support. NSWHNET’s resources are top-notch compared to other training zones. The consistently delivered Formal Education Course (FEC) has received positive accreditation. Trainees are well-monitored, supported, and generally satisfied with the available resources. The programme is responsive to trainee concerns, ensuring smooth communication with management. Trainees report their supervisory needs are met, with access to supervision for both workplace-based training and summative assessments.

The panel concluded with 8 commendations, 13 recommendations, and 6 quality improvements. Key recommendations include monitoring the low supervisor-to-trainee ratio in high-growth areas, ensuring accurate supervisor accreditation and performance checks, and improving feedback of survey outcomes to trainees and supervisors.

Subject to satisfactory progress against the provided recommendations, the panel recommended a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, until Quarter 3 2029.

Accreditation of New South Wales Northwest Training Program (May 28-29 May 2025)

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to visit the New South Wales Northwest Training program on 28-29 May 2025. This was a summative accreditation visit conducted 7 months post the formative accreditation assessment conducted 17-18 October 2024. Routine pre-visit paperwork and questionnaires were completed by both trainees and supervisors, and additional evidence was submitted by the NSWNW Director of Training (DOT) and Education Support Officer prior to the visit. The panel, comprising a team of four, assessed all aspects of the New South Wales North West Training program against the Training Program Accreditation Standards.

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The panel commended the DOT and ESO for the enormous body of work that had been completed since the formative accreditation visit in October 2025. This work has not gone unnoticed by the trainees, supervisors and executive and has been well received and greatly appreciated by all stakeholders.

While there are still some concerns, the panel noted that many of the outstanding recommendations are in the process of being met or are currently unable to be attended to due to the current industrial action and the Industrial Relations Commissions (IRC) findings to be handed down in June 2025.

The panel concluded its assessment with 4 commendations and 13 recommendations. Recommendations emphasised concerns around the consistency of trainee supervision, trainee safety, ongoing staffing including recruitment to key positions, and ongoing access to education including exam preparation.

Subject to satisfactory progress against the recommendations, the panel supported a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, until Quarter 2, 2030.

Accreditation of NT Training Program (30 November 2021)

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to assess the NT Training program on November 30th, 2021, as part of the routine five-yearly accreditation cycle. 

The panel, comprising a team of four, assessed all aspects of the NT program against the Training Program Accreditation Standards. Due to travel restrictions associated with the COVID pandemic, the accreditation was conducted remotely.

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The panel noted an overall increase in the number of trainees and supervisors since the last AC accreditation review in 2017. Despite challenges due to the bottleneck for trainees in Stage 2 owing to the lack of Consultation-Liaison rotations, the service has applied to the Psychiatry Workforce Program, which would ameliorate the difficulties with facilitating trainee progression through training.

Overall, there is an exceptional pass rate with centrally administered summative assessments, which is underpinned by an additional four hours per week for all trainees of additional exam focused teaching. 

The panel concluded its assessment with 3 commendations and 16 recommendations. Recommendations emphasised the need to enhance administrative support to assist with dedicated day-to-day tasks to support trainees, increase DOT funding to fulfil DOT responsibilities and improve trainee safety & support. Subject to satisfactory progress against the provided recommendations, the panel recommended a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, until Quarter 4 2026.

Accreditation of Queensland Training Program (24-16 October 2023) 

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to visit the Queensland Training program from 24th to 26th October 2023, as part of the routine five-yearly accreditation cycle. The panel, comprising a team of eight, assessed all aspects of the Queensland program against the Training Program Accreditation Standards.

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The panel noted a significant increase in trainee numbers since the last AC accreditation review in 2017/2018. The panel received positive feedback from trainees and supervisors regarding the CTSs and DOTs. The panel concluded its assessment with 14 commendations, 27 recommendations and 25 quality improvement suggestions. Recommendations emphasised the need to enhance trainee representation to state-wide psychiatry training, improve workplace safety, and provide adequate supervision and guidance for PWC through augmented staffing resources. Subject to satisfactory progress against the provided recommendations, the panel recommended a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, until Quarter 4 2028.

Accreditation of South Australian Training Program (16-17 July 2025)

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to visit the South Australian psychiatry training program on 16-17 July 2025. This was a full reaccreditation visit. Routine pre-visit paperwork and questionnaires were completed by both trainees and supervisors, in addition to documentation evidence submitted by the SA Psychiatry Training Program Director of Training (DOT) and Education Support Officer (ESO) prior to the visit. The panel, comprising a team of four (plus one observer), assessed all aspects of the training program against the Training Program Accreditation Standards.

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The panel commended the DOT and ESO for the enormous efforts in maintaining a high-quality psychiatry training program. This work has not gone unnoticed by the trainees, supervisors and executive and has been well received and greatly appreciated by all stakeholders.

The panel concluded its assessment with 2 commendations and 8 recommendations and 3 quality improvement suggestions. Recommendations emphasised concerns around funding sustainability, increasing administration support, reducing the use of trainees to address workforce shortages, prompt training post accreditation management, supervision coverage when on leave and supervisor meetings to remain focused on trainee development.

Subject to satisfactory progress against the recommendations, the panel supported a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, until Quarter 2, 2030.

Accreditation of Tasmanian Psychiatry Training Program (12-13 September 2024)

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to visit the Tasmanian Psychiatry Training program on 12-13 September 2024, as part of the routine five-yearly accreditation cycle. The panel, comprising a team of five, assessed all aspects of the Tasmanian Psychiatry Training Program against the Training Program Accreditation Standards.

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The panel noted and commended the investment of time and energy by the TPTP Director of Training (DOT), TPTP staff, supervisors, and the Tasmanian Health Service (THS) to address recommendations from previous RANZCP Accreditation reviews. Consistently positive feedback was received regarding the work that the DOT has completed in building strong relationships between the various services and the training program.

The panel concluded its assessment with 7 commendations and 23 recommendations. Recommendations emphasised the need to increase trainee support by mitigating concerns around supervisor continuity and establishing a formal feedback process.

Subject to satisfactory progress against the provided recommendations, the panel recommended a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, until Quarter 2 2029.

Accreditation of Victoria Western Region Training Program (12-13 October 2021)

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to assess the Victoria Western Region (VICW) Training program on 12 and 13 October 2021, as part of the routine five-yearly accreditation cycle. The panel, comprising a team of four, assessed all aspects of the VICW program against the Training Program Accreditation Standards. Due to travel restrictions associated with the COVID pandemic, the accreditation was conducted remotely. 

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The Victoria Western Region Training Program is a training program with a variety of experiences delivered to a large number of trainees. The panel noted strong support expressed by trainees and supervisors for the Director of Training (DOT) and the Hospital Coordinators of Training. Trainees were appreciative of the level of support they receive from the Hospital Coordinators of training at each training site. Overall, the panel noted good liaison between the DOT and the Hospital Coordinators of Training. The panel concluded its assessment with 5 commendations and 15 recommendations. The recommendations emphasised the need to enhance funding for the DOT and administrative support, trainee support during on-call shifts, provide the required one-to-one supervision, and improve trainee safety & welfare. Subject to satisfactory progress against the provided recommendations, the panel recommended a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, until Quarter 3 2026.

Accreditation of Victoria Northern Region Training Program (8-9 June 2021) 

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to assess the Victoria Northern (VICN) Region Training program on 8 and 9 June 2021, as part of the routine five yearly accreditation cycle. The panel, comprising a team of four, assessed all aspects of the VICN program against the Training Program Accreditation Standards. Due to travel restrictions associated with the COVID pandemic, the accreditation was conducted remotely.

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The Victoria Northern Region Training Program is a training program with a variety of experiences delivered to a large number of trainees. The panel noted strong support expressed by trainees and supervisors for the Director of Training (DOT). Trainees were appreciative of the level of support they receive from the DOT and the Hospital Coordinators of training at each training site. Overall, the panel noted good liaison between the DOT and the Hospital Coordinators of Training. The panel concluded its assessment with 8 commendations and 13 recommendations. The recommendations emphasised the need to enhance funding for the DOT and administrative support, as well as to improve trainee safety & welfare. Subject to satisfactory progress against the provided recommendations, the panel recommended a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, until Quarter 2 2026.

Accreditation of Victoria South Training Program (November 6-7 2024)

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to visit the Victoria South Training program on November 6-7^th 2024, as part of the routine five-yearly accreditation cycle. The panel, comprising a team of four, assessed all aspects of the Victoria South program against the Training Program Accreditation Standards.

Panel Observations and Recommendations:

The program is in excellent health, offering high-quality and varied training experiences. It is well-administered and organised daily, with strong management support throughout the region. Trainees are generally well monitored, supported, and generally satisfied with the available resources. The programme is responsive to trainee concerns, ensuring smooth communication and pathways to escalate concerns with management. 

The panel concluded with 9 commendations, 28 recommendations, and 1 quality improvement. Key recommendations include monitoring the low supervisor-to-trainee ratio in high-growth areas, ensuring accurate supervisor accreditation and performance checks, and improving feedback of survey outcomes to trainees and supervisors. 

Subject to satisfactory progress against the provided recommendations, the panel recommended a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, until Quarter 4 2029.

Public Access Summary: Accreditation of Western Australian Metropolitan Training Program July 2025

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to visit the Western Australian Metropolitan Training program in July 2025, as part of an out of session accreditation cycle. The panel, comprising a team of four, assessed all aspects of the Western Australian Metropolitan Training Program against the Training Program Accreditation Standards (ranzcp.org).

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The WAMPT continues to provide an excellent training experience at the ground level, with training clearly a priority for supervisors and services.

However, there are several issues impacting the ability of the program to meet the increasing workforce requirements of the metropolitan Western Australian community, and these should be actively addressed.

There are also anomalies with the provision of advanced training in Western Australia. Recommendations regarding advanced training are directed to the WAPTC and are also reflected in the report of the panel’s review of the RPTWA.

The panel recognises and commends the work of the WAPTC, the WAMPT and the RPTWA in addressing the governance issues identified in 2023.

The panel concluded its assessment with 8 commendations, 19 recommendations and 2 Quality Improvements to be reviewed at the Mid Cycle Review. 

The recommendations emphasise the need for clearer delineation of roles between WAPTC and WAMPT, particularly regarding training year advice and industrial award limitations. They call for a comprehensive review of selection processes into Advanced Training to align with RANZCP standards, improve timing, and ensure transparency for WA trainees. Strategic workforce planning is urged to address Stage 1 and 2 training constraints, alongside exploring alternative models to ease bottlenecks. Strengthening collaboration with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer is highlighted to support statewide DOAT roles and implement the hybrid model. The recommendations also stress the importance of improving supervision structures, feedback mechanisms, and communication between DOTs and supervisors, while addressing unresolved items from the 2023 accreditation, including personal safety training access and psychotherapy supervision accreditation. 

The panel recommends that the WAMPT be accredited for a period of 5 years, subject to satisfactory progress against the recommendations made in this report until Quarter 3 2030.

Public Access Summary: Accreditation of WA Rural Psychiatry Training Program (August 2025)

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to visit the WA Rural Psychiatry Training program on August 2025, as part of an out of session Accreditation visit in lieu of the 2-year Mid Cycle Review accreditation cycle. The panel, comprising a team of four, assessed all aspects of the WA Rural Psychiatry Training Program against the Training Program Accreditation Standards (ranzcp.org).

Panel Observations and Recommendations

Since its inception in 2022, the RPTWA has demonstrated significant growth and successfully graduated its first cohort of Fellows, who have remained in regional areas. As the program continues to mature, the current focus is on consolidating it into a sustainable, business-as-usual model and expanding its scope to include advanced training.

There are existing anomalies in the provision of advanced training in Western Australia. Recommendations concerning advanced training have been directed to the WAPTC and are also reflected in the panel’s review of the WAMPT.

The panel acknowledges and commends the efforts of the WAPTC, WAMPT, and RPTWA in addressing the governance issues identified in 2023.

The panel recommends that the RPTWA be accredited for a five-year period, contingent upon satisfactory progress against the recommendations outlined in this report.

The panel concluded its assessment with 5 commendations and 7 recommendations. In response to the recommendations, WAPTC and RPTWA must ensure a fair and transparent Advanced Training selection process aligned with RANZCP standards, establish statewide and funded DOAT roles, guarantee access to mandatory ECT—especially in remote areas like the Kimberley—and continue working with the Chief Medical Officer to implement a sustainable hybrid training model. Additionally, they must maintain up-to-date personal safety training for all trainees and introduce regular feedback for supervisors to strengthen training quality and support. 

Subject to satisfactory progress against the provided recommendations, the panel recommended a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, until Quarter 3 2030

Accreditation of NRPTP (Auckland) Training Program (1-2 September, 2022)

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to visit the Northern Region Psychiatry Training program (NRPTP) on 1st and 2nd of September 2022, as part of the routine five-yearly accreditation cycle. The panel, comprising a team of five, assessed all aspects of the NRPTP program against the Training Program Accreditation Standards.

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The panel noted a significant change of key personnel and health district governance since the last AC accreditation review in 2016. The panel received positive feedback from trainees and supervisors regarding the day-to-day NRPTP activities. The panel concluded its assessment with 14 commendations and 17 recommendations. Recommendations emphasised the need to enhance support for trainee welfare, as well as adequate training opportunities via augmented staffing resources. Subject to satisfactory progress against the provided recommendations, the panel recommended a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, until Quarter 4 2027.

Accreditation of UCNI Training Program (28 June 2022) 

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to accredit the UCNI Training program on 28 June 2022, as part of the routine five-yearly accreditation cycle. The panel, comprising a team of four, assessed all aspects of the UCNI program against the Training Program Accreditation Standards. Due to travel restrictions, the accreditation was conducted remotely. 

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The panel noted that all recommendations from the 2016 accreditation visit had been addressed, and all issues were concluded to the satisfaction of the College’s Accreditation Committee. Trainees and supervisors provided positive feedback regarding the day-to-day UCNI training programme activities. However, the panel was also made aware of issues around Consultation-Liaison rotation placements, which need to be addressed despite an otherwise well-structured program. The panel concluded its assessment with 12 commendations and 5 recommendations. Recommendations emphasised the need to enhance support for trainee wellbeing focusing on fatigue management, as well as adequate training opportunities via augmented resources. Subject to satisfactory progress against the provided recommendations, the panel recommended a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, until Quarter 2 2027.

Accreditation of LCNI Training Program (10 August 2022) 

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to accredit the Lower and Central North Island (LCNI) Training program on 10 August 2022, as part of the routine five yearly accreditation cycle. The panel, comprising a team of four, assessed all aspects of the LCNI program against the Training Program Accreditation Standards. Due to travel restrictions, the accreditation was conducted remotely. 

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The panel noted an overall increase in trainee numbers both at MHAIDS and in the regions since the last AC accreditation review in 2016. Trainees and supervisors provided positive feedback to the accreditation panel regarding the day-to-day LCNI Training Programme. All recommendations from the 2016 accreditation visit had been addressed to the satisfaction of the Accreditation Committee. The panel concluded its assessment with 17 commendations and 3 recommendations. The recommendations underscore the need to increase trainee support in Psychotherapy Written case and ensure completion of Safe Practice and Effective Communication (SPEC) training for the trainees. Subject to satisfactory progress against the provided recommendations, the panel recommended a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, until Quarter 1 2028.

Accreditation of Christchurch Psychiatric Registrar Training Program (11 April 2024)

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to visit the Christchurch Psychiatric Registrar Training program on 11April 2024, as part of the routine five-yearly accreditation cycle. The panel, comprising a team of four, assessed all aspects of the Christchurch Psychiatric Registrar Training program against the Training Program Accreditation Standards.

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The panel concluded its assessment with 5 commendations, 12 recommendations and 8 quality improvements. 

The Christchurch psychiatry training programme remains well-run and stable since 2019. However, a shortage of psychiatrists and staff retention issues have created high-pressure conditions, negatively impacting the training experience. Management is working on retention strategies, but negative culture shift and reduced training opportunities, such as the removal of Forensic advanced training, have been noted. Despite these challenges, the programme continues to offer a structured and successful training experience.

Subject to satisfactory progress against the provided recommendations, the panel recommended a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, until Quarter 2 2029.

Accreditation of Dunedin Training Programme (23-24 May 2024)

The RANZCP Accreditation Committee (AC) appointed an accreditation panel to visit the Dunedin Training programme on 23-24 May 2024, as part of the routine five-yearly accreditation cycle. The panel, comprising a team of four, assessed all aspects of the Dunedin Training programme against the Training Program Accreditation Standards.

Panel Observations and Recommendations

The Dunedin Psychiatry Training Programme (DPTP) is a smaller training programme with fewer than 20 trainees. The panel noted significant improvement in DPTP since the previous accreditation visit in 2019, particularly in the training experiences provided to the trainees.

During the visit, the trainees expressed satisfaction with their training, highlighting improvements in both morale and supervisory support.

The panel concluded its assessment with 8 commendations, 6 recommendations and 10 quality improvement suggestions. Recommendations focussed on trainee safety and welfare.

Subject to satisfactory progress against the provided recommendations, the panel recommended a renewed period of full accreditation for five years, until Quarter 2 2029.