The Royal College of Psychiatrists is represented on the National Reference Group for a current project to develop national occupational standards in mental health. The project underpins the development of the mental health workforce in helping to raise standards in mental health and forms part of the National Service Framework for Mental Health. The standards will involve all staff groups in mental health and all age ranges. Both health and social care staff are involved.

The project team are seeking feedback on the standards and also to involve psychiatrists in the field trials. There will also be web-based consultation from July 2002 and consultation events in January 2003. The project team would welcome the involvement of psychiatrists from as many areas and care settings as possible. If you would like to be involved in the project or to receive regular information and comment on draft standards please contact, by e-mail, [email protected]. If you wish to have a more general conversation about the project please contact Karen Hardacre, Project Manager, on e-mail, [email protected]; or by tel, 0117 909 6273.