Training and Development

Information on resources and training available in the mental health field

Education and Training Clusters - March 2008

• South Eastern Education and Training Cluster - Southern Synergy
• Western Cluster
• North Eastern Cluster (NEVIL)

Evaluation of Mental Health Education and Training (Clusters) Partnerships - July 2007

Evaluation of the Statewide Education and Training Partnership (Cluster) Project - July 2007 (PDF file 808KB)

The Mental Health Branch (MHB) has funded the Statewide Education and Training Partnership (Cluster) Project since 2004. Three separate regional education and training clusters were established to coordinate and improve opportunities for mental health staff to access quality post employment education and training.

In 2006 the Mental Health Branch commissioned Dench McClean Carlson (DMC) to undertake a formative evaluation of the Statewide Education and Training Partnership (Cluster) Project. The evaluation report provides evidence that the clusters have provided the expected education and training opportunities, have established local processes and structures to support project objectives.

The evaluation final report provides the MHB recommends the strengthening and further developing the cluster initiative as part of a broader workforce strategy, these are:

• Strategic Direction 1: Frameworks and guidelines
• Strategic Direction 2: Future resource and support
• Strategic Direction 3: Evaluation, accountability and reporting
• Strategic Direction 4: Partnerships and collaboration
• Strategic Direction 5: Contemporary learning issues.

The Mental Health Branch is now considering these recommendations and their implications for the future development of the Clusters.