Intro

We recognise that working in a rural/remote location can present unique challenges for our supervisors. The Temporary Remote Supervisor program is a new initiative designed to provide an extra layer of support for our supervisors working in resource restricted locations that may struggle to attract a locum to provide leave coverage.

Supervisors supporting registrars can find it difficult to take a break with supervisors in rural/remote locations at risk of burnout. Finding a locum that is suitable to support an ACRRM registrar is not always easy. This program is designed to provide an extra layer of support for supervisors who are actively supporting a registrar who has deemed suitable to participate in a temporary remote supervision arrangement. Approved applications will provide suitable support for the registrar, enabling supervisors to:

  • Take annual leave
  • Undergo medical interventions
  • Attend professional development activities
The program is designed primarily for supervisors in MM 5+ locations (although other locations will be considered on a case-by-case basis). As Flexible Funding is used to pay the temporary remote supervisors, the registrar must be on an eligible training program. Unfortunately, this means that registrars on the Independent Pathway are excluded from participating.

This program is designed to provide temporary supervision coverage remotely for registrars who have been assessed as being eligible to participate in the program. This includes a safety evaluation, ensuring that the registrar and the community are protected under the proposed model. This means that temporary remote supervision plans may be approved for a maximum of 3 months.

It is not designed to facilitate coverage for accreditation purposes. Training posts wanting to incorporate remote supervision as part of their accreditation process must apply to have the proposed plan sanctified. The Guideline to Remote Supervision is an excellent resource for explaining the different remote supervision models and the training requirements. Click on link for the CGT Remote Supervision Application form to start the permanent application process.

The allocated temporary remote supervisor is paid via flexible funds under the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s National Consistent Payments Framework. It should be noted that all proposed teaching plans must be pre-approved by the Regional Director of Training prior to commencement, the exception being variations to an existing plan where the registrar is deemed as being imminently at risk.

Depending upon the registrar’s training needs, the allocated temporary remote supervisor may be eligible to claim:

  • $150 per hour, as per the agreed supervision arrangement and teaching plan
  • $300 per work-based assessment activity, as requested by ACRRM
  • Travel and accommodation, as requested by ACRRM

Overview of the Remote Supervisor Program process

The following provides an overview of the flow of activities from initial application to completion of an approved submission.

Process Summary

  • Apply
    Post applies to Regional Team to access the program
  • Review
    Regional Team assesses suitability
  • Call out
    Successful request sent to the remote supervisor pool
  • Allocate
    Remote supervision request allocated to a supervisor
  • Interview
    Between the remote supervisor, registrar & post representative
  • Training Plan
    Submitted by remote supervisor to Regional Team for approval
  • Start
    Remote supervisor implements the training plan
  • Complete
    Supervisor report and tax invoice submitted for processing