Corporate Care Policy

This Corporate Care Policy serves as a comprehensive guide delineating the roles and responsibilities of various positions within the American Board for Accreditation in Psychoanalysis, Inc. (ABAP) and outlining the expected work environment and processes. It is designed to ensure clarity and alignment among all paid and volunteer staff regarding the functions of each role and their collective contribution to our mission.

Additional Resources:

Work Environment:

  • ABAP, Inc. is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying of any kind.
  • Open communication is encouraged, including collaboration, and teamwork among all staff, promoting a culture of mutual respect and support.

Grievance Procedure:

  • The organization is committed to resolving any concerns or grievances that staff may have promptly and fairly.
  • The committee makes recommendations including and up to dismissal as appropriate. 
  • Paid and volunteer staff are encouraged to raise concerns through established channels. Concerns should be brought to the Board Chair of the Executive Committee who can appoint a committee of three to review the concerns and make recommendations.
  • If the removal of a staff member needs to be decided, a two-thirds affirmative vote can be made by a committee appointed by the President.

Leadership & Other Member Role Descriptions:

Board Chair: 

  • Provides overall leadership and direction for the organization. 
  • Chairs Executive Committee and Board of Trustees meetings and ensures adherence to bylaws. 
  • Acts as the public face of the organization and cultivates relationships with key stakeholders.
  • Maintains regular communication with the Executive Administrator and provides bi-annual performance reviews. 

Treasurer: 

  • Oversees the financial well-being of the organization. 
  • Oversees the creation and maintenance of accurate accounts with Board approval reflecting the organization’s financial activity (income and expenses).
  • The Treasurer is responsible for ensuring all monies, financial documents, and other valuables are deposited in designated bank accounts or secure locations approved by the Board.
  • Manages budgets, monitors spending, and reports on financial health of the organization. 
  • Provides quarterly financial reports to the Executive Committee on all accounts and investments. 
  • Provides semi annual financial reports to the Board of Trustees on all accounts and investments. Also provides an annual budget for approval by the Board. 
  • Approves invoices and ensures all financial transactions comply with accounting standards.
  • Assigned as co-signer on all ABAP financial accounts. 
  • Meets regularly and together with the organization’s bookkeeper and administrator.

Secretary: 

  • Maintains official records of the organization, including meeting minutes, board resolutions, and legal documents. 
  • Responsible for issuing and delivering all official notices on behalf of the Corporation.

API Chair: 

  • Maintains active communication with accredited Institutes.
  • Coordinates Semi-Annual meetings of the Assembly of Psychoanalytic Institutes. 
  • Leads the Assembly of Psychoanalytic Institutes (API) which provides guidance on accreditation standards and best practices. 
  • Works collaboratively with the COA Chair to ensure a smooth accreditation process.

COA Chair: 

  • Oversees the Committee on Accreditation (COA) which reviews institute self-studies, conducts site visits, and makes accreditation recommendations to the Board. 
  • Manages the accreditation schedule and ensures adherence to established procedures.
  • Maintains regular communication with committee members and schedules regular meetings.
  • Provides guidance to site visit teams. 

COA Committee Member: 

  • Serves on the Committee on Accreditation, providing expertise in program evaluation and ABAP’s accreditation standards. 
  • Reviews self-studies, participates in site visits, and contributes to accreditation decisions.
  • Attends regularly scheduled COA Meetings.

Executive Administrator: 

  • Maintain the ABAP email account and respond to all inquiries in a timely manner.
  • Secure reports from Executive Committee members for Semi-Annual Meetings
  • Assist the API Chair with organizing Semi-Annual meetings and Continuing Education programs.
  • Record all meeting minutes and store them in the appropriate Google Drive folder. 
  • Distribute meeting minutes for review and approval. Make any necessary changes in a timely manner. 
  • Provide support to the COA Chair including, maintaining accreditation tracking documents, distributing and collecting annual reports, creating accreditation letters and distributing to Institutes, coordinating and attending COA meetings, and any other requested assistance. 
  • Provide support to the Treasurer gathering receipts from volunteer members and other expenses for reimbursement, communicate with the bookkeeper regarding outstanding Institute dues and other fees, and any other requested assistance.
  • Tracks hours for payment and submits timesheets monthly. 
  • All communications with the Executive Administrator should be clear and consistent. Response to email communications should be timely, clear, and using the ABAP email address.
  • Meets semi-annually with the Executive Committee for general review.

Bookkeeper: 

  • Maintains accurate financial records according to the organization’s established accounting practices.
  • Prepares financial statements and assists the Treasurer with budget management. 
  • Reconciles bank statements and ensures all financial transactions are properly documented.
  • Sends all invoices to Institutes for dues and other fees.
  • Meets semi-annually with the Executive Committee.
  • All staff and other compensation should be regulated in a timely manner. 

Financial Process: 

  • Co-signers on all ABAP accounts include the Treasurer, Chair, Executive Administrator, and Secretary. 
  • Co-signers must be removed from accounts in a timely manner when they leave the organization. 

Review Process:

  • Reviews for staff of the organization will be conducted bi-annually and as needed.
  • Reviews will be conducted with the Executive Committee.
  • Reviews will be held as private meetings between the staff and reviewers. These discussions will be focused on providing constructive feedback, goal setting, and identifying opportunities for professional development.
  • In advance of the review meeting, staff will be asked to reflect on their performance, achievements, and areas for growth.
  • Following the review meeting, a written record of the discussion and agreed-upon goals and action plans will be documented and shared with the staff for reference.

Compliance and Review:

  • This Corporate Care Policy shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
  • The policy shall be annually reviewed and updated to ensure its effectiveness and relevance to the organization’s goals and objectives.