The role involves providing strategic leadership for the South West Division Training (SWDT) programme. Dr Barker will be responsible for coordinating an annual programme of high-quality meetings, courses, and events designed to support the personal and professional development of psychiatrists in the region. This includes chairing the SWDT Management Committee, working closely with the Division Manager and Administrator, and representing the Division both within the College and externally.
Dr Barker said he was delighted with the appointment: “This appointment is a great honour, and I feel immensely proud to take on this role. It is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of psychiatric training in our region and to uphold the College’s values of Courage, Innovation, Respect, Collaboration, Learning, and Excellence.”
“My priorities in this new position will be to:
- Review and enhance our current training offerings to ensure they reflect modern theory and practice in adult learning
- Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including the Severn, Peninsula, and Wessex Schools of Psychiatry
- Ensure our training programme aligns with the Division’s overall strategy and meets the evolving needs of our members
- Promote diversity, sustainability, and innovation in our educational approach
“As for my first steps, I plan to meet with the Division Executive Committee, review our current training programme, and begin discussions with our clinical leads and organizational committees to identify areas for improvement and innovation.”
Dr Barker added: “The support from my Cygnet colleagues has been tremendous. Their encouragement and understanding of the importance of this role to the psychiatric community in our region has been invaluable as I prepare to take on this new challenge. I’m looking forward to collaborating with them and all our partners to deliver outstanding training and development opportunities for psychiatrists in the South West.”