What a Difference a Year Makes: Reflecting on One Year as PSI CEO

Hard to believe, but I am now a full year in the role as CEO of PSI, and what a year it’s been! 

This, like all anniversaries, is a time to reflect and take stock of the events of the last year. And ever the optimist, I am struck by the many positives and achievements of the last twelve months, and believe it’s important to acknowledge and record these, to remind ourselves of why the PSI exists, what the Society can achieve and contribute, and why you, the members, signed up in the first place!  

One of my first official outings for the PSI was to the American Psychological Association (APA) Convention in August 2023. Commenting at the time, I was struck by how there were more issues that straddled the two professional bodies, than dissected them: the climate crisis; human rights and the rising right agenda; equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI); and, the pressing need to protect the psychological wellbeing of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable. 

Increasingly since then, the spotlight has returned to these issues, rendering them obligatory priorities. Announcing their inclusion in our new three-year strategy as key themes felt important, not least because it clearly resonated with so much of what was being discussed then and is being discussed even more now. 

I was very proud back in June 2023 to be part of a team, that whilst changing as new colleagues joined, was ever-evolving into a more tight, productive, and committed bunch. I always champion the PSI team (or HQ as some refer to us) because the team are the cogs that keep the PSI wheels turning. They are the ones you speak with and email daily, and the ones whose focus from Monday to Friday is on you, the membership, and how we can support you. I know there have been occasions over the last year when we, the PSI team, have not got it right, but the great thing about mistakes is that you learn from them, and as a team we are ferociously committed to learning and developing and improving. With that in mind, the team has initiated many administrative developments, produced a helpful Division and SIG Handbook, created group Zoom accounts, delivered content management system (CMS) tutorials, streamlined membership renewals, responded to hundreds of queries from members every month, and a host of other tasks that though small individually, contribute to a significant overall uplift in our efficiency – with much more to come.   

I am also proud of how our membership has grown, how the inter-group engagements have grown, and the open rates of the ezine and social media stats have grown. Collectively these all indicate augmenting interest and interaction, two key antecedents in my opinion, of a thriving membership body. 

The PSI’s political profile has also been raised and we will continue to pursue this. From positions on disability green papers, World Health Organization (WHO) reports and the naming of the new National Children’s Hospital, to Mental Health Act reform, and reviewing Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) requirements, we have formulated and conveyed a stance that reflects the PSI’s mission and purpose to further psychology’s role in the betterment of society.  

Possibly nowhere are the efforts of the PSI more evident, than in the current regulatory progress. At every possible juncture, the PSI has conveyed in no uncertain terms the need to protect the title of psychologist, the value of Chartered membership and competencies, and the profession’s, the Society’s, and the Government’s shared commitment to protecting the public. Whilst not there yet, we are a long way from where we started – many, many years ago. Progress is iterative, it needs patience and pragmatism, but with thoughtful interactions and clear communication, progress delivers. That is what I hope for the PSI, moving into my second year. 

I professed my professional competencies from the start, I am an administrator, a communicator, a lobbyist - not a psychologist. But I do appreciate a psychological approach to organisations. I believe in organisational self-awareness, the willingness to err and to challenge and to learn, and I am excited to see what that future brings. 

Blog post by Sheena Horgan Chief Executive Officer The Psychological Society of Ireland