Untitled - Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health

Strategic
plan 2012
– 2014

Introduction
The Australian Centre for
Posttraumatic Mental Health
(ACPMH) Strategic Plan
2012-2014 sets the focus
and direction for ACPMH
as we continue to build our
expertise and reputation
with respect to creating,
understanding, translating,
and applying knowledge to
improving wellbeing and
quality of life for individuals
and communities who
experience trauma.
Our Strategic Plan 2012-2014 will guide our
decisions and help us to measure our success.
Our key partners in achieving our goals are
the Departments of Veterans’ Affairs and
Defence and the University of Melbourne.
With a strong foundation established over
many years, our collaborative partnerships
contribute to improvements in policy and
practice in posttraumatic mental health.
In the coming years ACPMH will continue to work
closely with the Departments of Veterans’ Affairs
and Defence – supporting them to achieve their
strategic and corporate goals. ACPMH is in a
unique position to facilitate an integrated approach
to prevention, support and treatment – helping
Australia to remain at the forefront of world’s
best practice in veteran and military care.
We will continue to build our capability and
expand our influence in the community to promote
the best possible outcomes for survivors of
disaster, employees in high risk organisations
and community members affected by trauma.
A new leadership structure at ACPMH will
support the delivery of the new strategic plan.
The appointment of Professor David Forbes to
the role of Director and Sue Scheinpflug to the
newly established position of CEO provides a
shared leadership approach to our operations
and strategic direction.
Michael Vitale
Chair
The Strategic Plan 2012-2014 has been developed
with input from our staff, our stakeholders and
the Board. Their contributions and shared vision
for ACPMH ensure our continued commitment
to making a difference to the lives of people who
have experienced trauma.
ACPMH Strategic Plan 2012-2014

Our vision
Improved wellbeing
and quality of life
for individuals and
communities who
experience trauma.
Our mission
To be an international
leader in building
the capability
of individuals,
organisations and
the community to
understand, prevent
and recover from the
adverse mental health
effects of trauma.
Our goals
goal 1
Improve outcomes for the community
In collaboration with our partners, ACPMH
will improve the quality, effectiveness and
accessibility of services and interventions
for survivors of disaster, workers in high risk
organisations, and community members
affected by trauma
goal 2
Improve outcomes for members
of the Defence community
In collaboration with the Departments of
Veterans’ Affairs and Defence, ACPMH
will continue to contribute to the quality
and effectiveness of military mental health
services for past and present members of
the Defence community
goal 3
Advance scientific knowledge about
the nature, development and impact
of traumatic stress
ACPMH will continue to undertake high
impact research that informs the prevention,
treatment and recovery from the
psychological effects of trauma
goal 4
Provide leadership and expertise
ACPMH will work with government, other
organisations and the community as a
leading authority on evidence-informed
posttraumatic mental health policy, service
delivery and practice
goal 5
Enhance the operational and business
capabilities of the organisation
ACPMH will develop systems and processes
to improve the efficient and effective use of
our people and resources
ACPMH Strategic Plan 2012-2014

Posttraumatic
Mental Health
Up to 65 per cent of Australians
are likely to experience or
witness an event which
threatens their life or safety,
or that of others around them. 1
This may be a car or other
serious accident, physical or
sexual assault, war or torture,
or natural disaster such as
a bushfire. Almost everyone
who goes through such
a traumatic event will be
emotionally affected in
some way.
Emotional recovery from a traumatic event is as
important as physical recovery. Yet, we can overlook
a person’s mental health in the aftermath of a
traumatic event, particularly when they have serious
physical injuries that need immediate treatment.
Psychological First Aid is the preferred initial
response. Assistance provided in the first few days
following a traumatic event should involve practical
and emotional support, provision of information and
ongoing monitoring, tailored to individual needs. 2
Health practitioners should encourage people
affected by traumatic events to seek the support
of family, friends and community groups. Structured
psychological debriefing should not be offered on
a routine basis. 3
Help following a traumatic event does not have to
come from a health professional. Most people will
recover on their own, with the support of family and
friends. How people adapt to stressful life events and
the support they receive from others are important
for recovery. It is important that people involved in
traumatic events use their own coping resources and
the support systems most readily available to them.
ACPMH Strategic Plan 2012-2014

For example, if someone uses exercise to deal with
stress, this may also be helpful in managing tension
following a traumatic event. There is no standard recipe
for how people cope with trauma. Each person has a
unique way of recovering and should be supported in
using strategies and resources that suit them and that
are readily available.
People who do not appear to “bounce back” within
the first couple of weeks, or develop concerns about
their mental health and wellbeing, may benefit from
professional help to assist their recovery. A number
of mental health problems can arise following trauma,
including anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) and risky alcohol and drug use,
together with difficulties with relationships, work or
study. These problems can also have a significant
impact on the person’s family and friends. A doctor
or mental health professional can identify what the
problem is and what to do about it. If possible, family
members’ needs for care should also be considered
alongside the needs of the person with mental
health problems. The impact of mental health
problems can be minimised with early intervention,
but it is never too late to ask for help.
Effective treatments are available and talking to
a doctor is a good place to start. Treatment can
involve both psychological assistance and medication.
The cornerstone of treatment for PTSD involves
confronting the traumatic memory, and addressing
any unhelpful thoughts and beliefs associated with
the experience.
The Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental
Health aims to improve the wellbeing and quality
of life of people affected by trauma, through
research, the development of best practice
guidelines, improvement of health services
and organisational mental health practices,
practitioner training, and increasing community
understanding about the impact of trauma.
1 Creamer, M., Burgess, P., & McFarlane, A. (2001) Posttraumatic stress disorder: Findings from the Australian National
Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being. Psychological Medicine, 31(7), 1237-1247.
2 Forbes, D., Creamer, M., Bisson, J., Cohen, J., Crowe, B., Foa, E., Friedman, M., Keane, T., Kudler, H., & Ursano, R. (2010).
A guide to guidelines for the treatment of PTSD and related conditions. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 23(5), 537-552.
3 ACPMH. (2007). Australian Guidelines for the Treatment of Adults with Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress
Disorder. Melbourne: ACPMH.
ACPMH Strategic Plan 2012-2014

Australian Centre for
Posttraumatic Mental Health
The Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental
Health is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated
to reducing the impact of trauma by building the
capability of individuals, organisations and the
community to understand, prevent and recover
from the adverse mental health effects of trauma.
ACPMH is governed by a Board of Management
which brings together independent members,
representatives of our key partners: the
Departments of Veterans’ Affairs and Defence
and the University of Melbourne, and the
executive positions of Director and CEO.
The team at ACPMH is multi-disciplinary. Staff
are experts in their respective fields, and many
are internationally recognised for their work in
posttraumatic mental health.
World Class Research
Our program of research and evaluation
aims to advance the knowledge of trauma
and posttraumatic mental health. Our
leadership in translating research into
education and training initiatives and policy
and service development advice promotes
the best possible outcomes for people
affected by trauma.
Policy and Service
Development
Our work with organisations that have
responsibility for people affected by trauma
aims to ensure that proven interventions in
posttraumatic mental health are promoted
through their policies and practice.
Education and Training
We research, develop and deliver education
and training programs on mental health and
posttraumatic mental health.
Events and Resources
We develop and disseminate information
about mental health and posttraumatic
mental health through publications,
resources, articles, conferences, forums,
symposia and informed media commentary.
ACPMH Strategic Plan 2012-2014

Our history
ACPMH was established in 1995
as the National Centre for War-Related
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
in collaboration with the University
of Melbourne and the Austin and
Repatriation Medical Centre (now
known as Austin Health).
Funding support was provided by the Australian Government
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). The organisation’s original
focus was to improve the recognition and treatment of PTSD
and related conditions within the veteran population.
Over the past 17 years the organisation has grown and diversified
into other areas of trauma-related mental health. ACPMH’s increased
standing in trauma research, training and leadership is reflected in
its income growth from around $2 million in 2002 to over $4 million
in 2011.
Our commitment to working in partnership with the Departments
of Veterans’ Affairs and Defence to improve the mental health and
wellbeing of past and present members of the Defence community
remains core to our business. This commitment has seen a
continued expansion of our focus and efforts to cover the full range
of trauma-related mental health problems in veterans, serving
personnel and their families.
New areas of work for ACPMH over recent years have focussed
on improving the recognition and treatment of trauma-related mental
health problems within the general community. This has included
the mental health needs of individuals and communities following
accidents, violent crime, terrorism and natural disasters, as well as
education and training programs for health professionals, government
agencies, other organisations and the community in general.
ACPMH Strategic Plan 2012-2014

Our Strategic Framework
Our Vision
Improved wellbeing and quality of life for individuals and communities who experience trauma
OUR MISSION
To be an international leader in building the capability of individuals, organisations and the
community to understand, prevent and recover from the adverse mental health effects of trauma
OUR GOALS
Goal 1 Goal 2 Goal 3 Goal 4 Goal 5
Improve outcomes
for the community
In collaboration with
our partners, ACPMH
will improve the quality,
effectiveness and
accessibility of services
and interventions for
survivors of disaster,
workers in high risk
organisations, and
community members
affected by trauma
Improve outcomes
for members of
the Defence
community
In collaboration with the
Departments of Veterans’
Affairs and Defence,
ACPMH will continue to
contribute to the quality
and effectiveness of
military mental health
services for past and
present members of the
Defence community
Advance scientific
knowledge
about the nature,
development
and impact of
traumatic stress
ACPMH will continue to
undertake high impact
research that informs the
prevention, treatment
and recovery from the
psychological effects of
trauma
Provide leadership
and expertise
ACPMH will work with
government, other
organisations and the
community as a leading
authority on evidenceinformed
posttraumatic
mental health policy,
service delivery and
practice
Enhance the
operational
and business
capabilities of
the organisation
ACPMH will develop
systems and processes
to improve the efficient
and effective use of our
people and resources
Our services and products
World Class Research
Policy and Service
Development
Education and Training
Events and Resources
Our business strategies
New
Business
Services and
Products
Governance
Stakeholder
Relations
Strategic
Planning and
Leadership
Processes
and Systems
Our
People
Sustainable
Results
Our values
Social Responsibility
Quality
External Relationships
Internal Cohesion
Business Practices
ACPMH Strategic Plan 2012-2014

Our business Strategies
To achieve our goals, maintain our position as a leading research centre, and continue
to excel in meeting the needs of our clients and the Australian community, ACPMH has
adopted eight business strategies. These strategies have been adapted from the Australian
Business Excellence Framework and are applied across the delivery of our services in the
achievement of our goals and those of our key clients and stakeholders. 4
New business
We will leverage off our position
and capabilities to offer our services to a
wider range of organisations, communities
and individuals experiencing the adverse
effects of trauma.
Services and products
We will produce world class research,
work alongside our clients to deliver expert
policy and service development advice,
develop and deliver expert education
and training programs for practitioners
and service providers, and develop clear
and informative resources and media
commentary to advance the knowledge
of trauma and posttraumatic mental health
in organisations and the wider community.
Governance
We will ensure the focus of our governance
strategies is on leadership, vision and
continuous improvement at the highest
level in ACPMH. We will achieve this by
continuously learning, providing guidance
and management, inclusive decision making
and accountable processes and policies.
Strategic planning
and leadership
We will provide effective and visible
leadership, clarity of direction and sound
management practices, built upon a
foundation of a shared ownership of our
vision, strategic direction, and values.
Processes and systems
We will review and improve our processes
and systems to support the effective and
efficient delivery of our services.
Our people
We will attract and retain the best people,
and provide a workplace that enables the
creation and delivery of high quality outcomes
for our clients, on time and to budget.
Sustainable results
We will be transparent and accountable
in our routine monitoring and reporting
of our organisational performance.
Stakeholder relations
We will engage with our key clients, partners
and stakeholders to shape the focus and
scope of our work, in order to achieve
mutually beneficial and agreed outcomes.
4 SAI Global, (2011) GB002-2011 The Australian Business Excellence Framework,
SAI Global: Sydney.
ACPMH Strategic Plan 2012-2014

Our goals and strategies
Goal 1
Improve outcomes
for the community
In collaboration with
our partners, ACPMH
will improve the quality,
effectiveness and
accessibility of services
and interventions for
survivors of disaster,
workers in high risk
organisations, and
community members
affected by trauma
Strategies
New business
1.1 Continue to research levels of demand for posttraumatic
mental health policy, research and practice across state,
territory and federal government agencies, the not-for-profit
sector and private organisations
1.2 Foster new opportunities for collaboration and joint ventures
through existing and new partnerships
1.3 Increase operations and contributions in specific traumaaffected
populations, such as children, families, the aged,
and high risk organisations
1.4 Expand the delivery of innovative, strategically relevant
programs in our key areas of research and evaluation,
policy and service development, education and training
Outcomes
An increasing number of survivors of disaster have access to evidence-based interventions that will help to
reduce the impact of their trauma.
An increasing number of adult, aged and child and adolescent mental health practitioners across Australia
are trained to deliver evidence-based trauma interventions.
Employees of high risk organisations have knowledge of and access to best practice approaches to
prevention and early intervention, thereby reducing the impact of their trauma.
Children and adolescents affected by trauma have access to child-focussed, evidence-based interventions
and support through schools and local health and mental health providers.
ACPMH Strategic Plan 2012-2014

Goal 2
Improve outcomes
for members
of the Defence
community
In collaboration with the
Departments of Veterans’
Affairs and Defence,
ACPMH will continue to
contribute to the quality
and effectiveness of
military mental health
services for past and
present members of the
Defence community
Strategies
SERVICES AND PRODUCTS
2.1 Work with the Departments of Veterans’ Affairs and Defence
to identify areas of greatest need
2.2 Work with the Departments of Veterans’ Affairs and Defence
to develop an integrated approach supporting the physical
and mental health and wellbeing of the veteran and Defence
communities
2.3 Engage with the Departments of Veterans’ Affairs and Defence
to provide education and training to improve the general mental
health of past and present members of the Defence community
and their families
2.4 Conduct innovative, strategically relevant, fully funded research
and evaluation projects in veteran and military populations
2.5 In partnership with the Departments of Veterans’ Affairs and
Defence, develop an agreed monitoring and evaluation
framework for ensuring quality program and project outcomes
are achieved on cost and on time
Outcomes
Alignment of ACPMH’s outcomes and strategies with the mental health and wellbeing policies and strategies
of the Departments of Veterans’ Affairs and Defence.
Veterans seeking care through mental health services provided or contracted by the Department of Veterans’
Affairs will receive best practice care, improving their wellbeing and quality of life.
Defence personnel will receive best practice mental health care through the Defence mental health delivery
service, improving their wellbeing and quality of life.
ACPMH Strategic Plan 2012-2014

Goal 3
Advance scientific
knowledge
about the nature,
development
and impact of
traumatic stress
ACPMH will continue to
undertake high impact
research that informs the
prevention, treatment
and recovery from the
psychological effects of
trauma
Strategies
SERVICES AND PRODUCTS
3.1 Strengthen collaboration and research partnerships with
selected high profile, national and international research
organisations
3.2 Continue to focus on improving the understanding of the
nature of traumatic stress, and refining assessment and
intervention methodologies
3.3 Work closely with relevant federal, state and territory
governments and departments to improve the psychosocial
response to disaster and terrorism
3.4 Build research profile and influence through hosting and/or
contributing to national and international conferences
and publications
3.5 Promote research careers in the area of trauma to
postgraduate students
Outcomes
ACPMH’s reputation as an International Centre of Excellence in traumatic stress interventions is
strengthened through research at the highest level.
ACPMH’s research informs posttraumatic mental health policy and practice.
ACPMH Strategic Plan 2012-2014

Goal 4
Provide leadership
and expertise
ACPMH will work with
government, other
organisations and the
community as a leading
authority on evidenceinformed
posttraumatic
mental health policy,
service delivery and
practice
Strategies
Governance
4.1 Monitor and maintain an effective model of governance
incorporating membership of key partner agencies
4.2 Assess and monitor the external environment and risk
framework in which ACPMH operates
4.3 Apply the expertise, networks and knowledge of the Board
to the governance and the leadership of the organisation
STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS
4.4 Develop and deliver a planned and targeted external
communications and marketing strategy to strengthen the
national profile and influence of ACPMH as a leader in
research, training, and policy and service improvement
advice in posttraumatic mental health
4.5 Build strong networks and relationships with leaders and
decision-makers in critical incident, emergency services, high
risk organisations and natural disaster recovery agencies
STRATEGIC PLANNING AND LEADERSHIP
4.6 Continue to improve planning and decision-making processes,
consistent with organisational values to ensure cooperative
and inclusive engagement of staff
4.7 Ensure that business improvement strategies are researched,
developed, implemented and evaluated
4.8 Implement an annual planning and reporting cycle aligned to
the goals of the Strategic Plan
Outcomes
ACPMH maintains a strong, stable Board, focussed on governance and strategy.
Key stakeholders are engaged and have robust and productive relationships with ACPMH.
ACPMH is recognised for its innovation and creativity in service delivery.
ACPMH Strategic Plan 2012-2014

Goal 5
Enhance the
operational
and business
capabilities of
the organisation
ACPMH will develop
systems and processes
to improve the efficient
and effective use of our
people and resources
Strategies
PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS
5.1 Review current financial, project management and information
management systems to determine a future model for effective
system integration, business monitoring and management
5.2 Improve resource and asset management, including information
technology capabilities to meet current and future needs
5.3 Use a range of contemporary technologies to ensure regular
and effective internal and external dissemination of our work
and capabilities
OUR PEOPLE
5.4 Establish clear roles, responsibilities and lines of reporting and
supervision with KPIs aligned to goals for all staff
5.5 Create cross-functional capabilities within ACPMH to
deliver integrated, inter-disciplinary approaches to project
management and delivery
5.6 Monitor and contribute to staff wellbeing through regular
supervision, feedback, support and communication
5.7 Assist staff to expand their skill base and professionally develop
through access to opportunities within the scope, structure
and resources of the organisation
SUSTAINABLE RESULTS
5.8 Devise and apply key strategic metrics and financial indicators
to monitor and report on organisational performance
5.9 Maintain accurate budgeting processes, streamlined and timely
reporting and acquittal procedures
Outcomes
ACPMH will have established and achieved annual surplus and revenue targets.
Improved efficiency of project staff through better project allocation and management.
Improved overhead functions of the organisation and agreed targets met.
All key capabilities are in place, and staff are engaged, satisfied and enabled.
A culture of accountability, with clear benchmarks, targets and processes to track progress for each goal.
ACPMH Strategic Plan 2012-2014

Work with us to reduce the effects of trauma
Expertise
ACPMH’s scope and expertise in posttraumatic
mental health is holistic and integrated. Our expertise
encompasses theory, research, evidence-based
policy development, practice guideline development,
education and training, service development and
implementation, evaluation and review.
AAP Image/Julian Smith
Integrated APPROACH
ACPMH actively integrates learnings from all of its
activities, to ensure that clients and the community
benefit from the most up-to-date and best informed
knowledge of posttraumatic mental health.
Leadership
As a centre of excellence supported by the Australian
Government, ACPMH is recognised as one of the
leading specialists in posttraumatic mental health.
Our people include experienced clinicians, researchers,
and academic leaders. We benefit from our extensive
national and international research relationships.
RECOGNISED STANDARDS
ACPMH develops and publishes best practice clinical
guidelines and creates internationally endorsed training
resources for health professionals and communities.
Our acclaimed programs of research inform all of our
work and set standards in the field of posttraumatic
mental health.
COLLABORATION
ACPMH works collaboratively with our clients and
partners, delivering best practice solutions to achieve
their goals and exceed their expectations.
AAP Image/POOL, Herald Sun
partnerships
ACPMH has long-established partnerships with
the Departments of Veterans’ Affairs and Defence
to develop an integrated approach to support the
physical and mental health and wellbeing of the
veteran and Defence communities.
Results
ACPMH’s vision and primary motivation is to improve
the wellbeing and quality of life of people who
experience trauma. We measure our success by the
positive and enduring impact our work has on those
affected by traumatic events.

Work with us to reduce the effects of trauma
For more information visit
www.acpmh.unimelb.edu.au
Level 1, 340 Albert Street
East Melbourne VIC 3002
Phone: 03 9936 5100
acpmh-info@unimelb.edu.au
Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health Inc
ABRN: 095 202 994