CPSLE workforce development strategy and action plan advisory group (2026-2031)

Be part of the new advisory group supporting the recently launched CPSLE workforce development strategy and action plan

The first CPSLE workforce development strategy and action plan (2020 to 2025) has been completed and a new CPSLE Strategy and Action Plan (2026 to 2031) has been developed by the lived experience sector and allies alongside Te Pou. The success of this previous work was in no small part due to the support and guidance from a vibrant, wise and committed advisory group. 

Te Pou is seeking expressions of interest from people working in mental health and addiction CPSLE roles, and allies, to be part of the new advisory group supporting the recently launched CPSLE workforce development strategy and action plan.

• Expressions of interest open: 28 October 2026
• Expressions of interest close: 18 November 2026
• Appointments confirmed: 25 November 2026
• First SAPAG hui: (date to be confirmed)

• Provide strategic advice on CPSLE workforce priorities and development.  
• Contribute to delivery of the CPSLE workforce development strategy and action plan. 
• Identify emerging workforce issues, challenges, and opportunities.  
• Provide feedback on resources, projects, and initiatives relevant to the CPSLE workforce.  
• Support engagement with the CPSLE workforce across Aotearoa.  
• Promote culturally safe, equity-focused, and whānau supportive approaches.

We welcome applications from people across the mental health and addiction sector, including those working in: 

• CPSLE advisory roles 
• Peer support kaimahi roles 
• CPSLE research, education, audit, or academic roles  
• Kaupapa Māori services 
• Pacific services 
• Leadership and system improvement roles 
• Allies in non CPSLE roles.  

We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Applicants should be able to contribute a national perspective while drawing on their lived, professional, cultural, advocacy, and community knowledge and experience.

Members will be expected to: 

• attend quarterly hui, three online, one face-to-face 
• review and reflect on materials provided before meetings 
• provide advice and feedback on workforce development initiatives, projects, and action plan targets 
• share insights from their networks and communities 
• act in the collective interests of the CPSLE workforce. 

Estimated commitment: approximately 4 to 6 hours per quarter, in addition to preparation time and project input.

Members will be appointed for a five-year term, commensurate with the strategy and action plan.

We aim to appoint a diverse group of members through the Expression of Interest (EOI) process. Applications will be considered against the knowledge, experience, skills, perspectives, and networks needed to support the delivery of the CPSLE Workforce Development Strategy and Action plan. 

In selecting members, we will seek to achieve a balance of lived, professional, cultural, community, and sector experience from across Aotearoa. Applicants should be able to contribute strategically, work collaboratively, and bring an understanding of the mahi, communities and networks they are part of.

Applicants should demonstrate: 

• experience working in CPSLE roles 
• understanding of CPSLE approaches 
• ability to think strategically and contribute collaboratively 
• commitment to equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi 
• willingness to uphold the interests of the CPSLE workforce 
• belief in the potential and possibilities for better outcomes and wellbeing for people accessing mental health and addiction services through CPSLE mahi.

• Leadership, governance, or advisory experience. 
• Workforce development experience. 
• Experience influencing service design, policy, or system change. 
• Strong regional or national networks.

Remuneration and reimbursement arrangements (if applicable) are outlined in the Terms of Reference.

This is an opportunity to build on the robust foundations already built for CPSLE workforce development across mental health and addiction services in Aotearoa.