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CPE Review - The AASW board seeks the response of members to the discussion paper by Dec 14th.
15 Oct 2009
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW
12 months ago the Board approved a review of AASW CPE policies and practices.
The Board had become mindful of the need to:
ISSUES THAT THE REVIEW ADDRESSED
The current CPE regime that supports accredited status has many strengths, and has made a significant contribution to supporting the lifelong learning of AASW members. It is also apparent that Branch CPE committees play a vital role in advising and/or providing CPE.
There are, however, some structural issues that need addressing.
Specifically;
a) Not all members are permitted to engage in CPE, despite our ethical obligations in this area
b) Uptake of accredited status in rural and regional areas is significantly lower than metropolitan areas
c) Compliance to the CPE process is considered to be difficult.
d) The CPE regime is not tailored to the changing needs of members through their career pathways
e) There is little, if any, tangible reward for the significant achievements that many members make in improving their skills and knowledge
f) There is insufficient flexibility in the appellation standards and these standards are not linked to career pathway practice standards
g) Different types of membership are emerging (eg, accredited, mental health accredited) without an overarching structure
REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS
12 months ago the Board approved a review of AASW CPE policies and practices.
The Board had become mindful of the need to:
- improve ease of access to CPE, including better use of technology and the need for more effective partnerships with CPE providers and schools of social work,12 months ago the Board approved a review of AASW CPE policies and practices.
- minimise any barriers to access to CPE. (eg, procedural barriers or geographical remoteness)
- ensure that CPE policies are consistent with related ethics, education and membership policies
- diversify revenue streams and therefore make a reasonable return from engagement in CPE activities
ISSUES THAT THE REVIEW ADDRESSED
The current CPE regime that supports accredited status has many strengths, and has made a significant contribution to supporting the lifelong learning of AASW members. It is also apparent that Branch CPE committees play a vital role in advising and/or providing CPE.
There are, however, some structural issues that need addressing.
Specifically;
a) Not all members are permitted to engage in CPE, despite our ethical obligations in this area
b) Uptake of accredited status in rural and regional areas is significantly lower than metropolitan areas
c) Compliance to the CPE process is considered to be difficult.
d) The CPE regime is not tailored to the changing needs of members through their career pathways
e) There is little, if any, tangible reward for the significant achievements that many members make in improving their skills and knowledge
f) There is insufficient flexibility in the appellation standards and these standards are not linked to career pathway practice standards
g) Different types of membership are emerging (eg, accredited, mental health accredited) without an overarching structure
REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS
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All members should be required to submit evidence of appropriate CPE, in keeping with our ethical obligations (See Section 3.5, AASW Code of Ethics)
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Membership should be structured (tiered) to reflect the careers of members who have made significant advances in knowledge and skill (see table)
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The accreditation of educational providers courses should also be tiered to reflect different membership categories
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The accreditation of educational providers will be based on providing curricula that matches the educational needs of members at all career stages
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Members with higher levels of skill and knowledge should be better rewarded for contributing to the CPE of their fellow members
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The CPE compliance tools should be administratively simplified for ease of use, and greater emphasis placed on elements such as reflective practice and career planning
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The Board should give consideration to creating an entity that is an appropriately registered education provider. This entity would meet needs not sufficiently addressed by the current market, as well as targeting rural and regional areas
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Branch CPE Committees should be provided with better infrastructure support. In particular all the “back office functions” regarding bookings, fee collection, accreditation, venues, and the like should be centralised via the web and communication technologies
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The AASW should strongly promote the membership (tiered) structure to state and federal governments, the community and relevant trade unions, so that members with higher levels of skill and knowledge will be appropriately remunerated.
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That the AASW recommended fee scales be adjusted to reflect the tiers of membership
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