QJA ACCREDITATION

QJA ACCREDITATION: A FOCUS ON EXCELLENCE

The QJA Member Accreditation program was recently launched at the QJA State Conference – held at Surfers Paradise. Although the term “accreditation” is normally assigned to an organsation, it equally applies to individuals in the QJA context. Accreditation signifies that the client at the receiving end can expect to be served competently and professionally. The intent of the program is to support the QJA mission to achieve excellence in JP Services through ongoing education of its members.

The accreditation program is the recognition of a member’s achievement in continuing professional development (CPD) as an appointed JP or Cdec, as well as the service skills acquired with experience. Appointment to the office of JP or Cdec is the “first part of the mission” (Kloosterman, n.d.). CPD is important for members as a way of ensuring that they are competent and up to date in the profession (Kloosterman, n.d.). Although the Oath of Office as a JP or Cdec does not prescribe the expectation the individual will undertake CPD, it is important to consider the gravity and nature of the witnessing and judicial functions that are or can be undertaken. It is also important to view holding that office as a profession. The role of JP or Cdec is an honorary and voluntary one, however not being paid for service does not mean it cannot be identified as profession. The Australian Council of Professions includes the concepts of ‘integrity, trust, ethics, expertise and helping others’ in its definition of a profession.Australian Council of Professions, 2021) Underpinning the concept is a code of ethics and acquisition of and keeping of special knowledge. To that extent, the role of JP and expectations of conduct as well as the body of knowledge required to witness documents or undertake minor bench duties meets that definition as a profession.

When one identifies the role of JP or Cdec as a profession and considers the lifetime appointment to the office, it is easy to form the expectation that CPD is vital in that role. Occupations with similar lifetime commitments in the areas of law, medicine, trades, engineering, and finance all have within their relevant industries an expectation of and a system for CPD and accreditation. Other holders of qualifications like those of a JP or Cdec also have a requirement – often mandatory – for holders to undertake CPD to maintain their accreditation, such as those of marriage celebrants. (Australian Government Attorney-General, 2021).

Whilst appointment is currently for a “lifetime” if the JP or Cdec does not become ineligible, (Queensland Justices Association, 2021) this may change in the future. The Justices of the Peace Branch of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General is considering a change to the lifetime appointment provisions in the Justices of the Peace Act. Previously held discussions between QJA and JP Branch of DJAG have confirmed that members acquiring QJA Accreditation would exceed re-appointment criteria if a fixed-term appointment were to be introduced. Accreditation of JPs was successfully introduced in New Zealand where, like in Australia, individuals undergo an assessment prior to being appointed. Yet many JPs appointed in New Zealand have undertaken an accreditation program. Like New Zealand, the Code of Conduct for JPs refers to a requirement to keep their knowledge up to date. (Justices of the Peace Branch, Department of Justice and Attorney General, 2021).

QJA Accreditation goes beyond just meeting the requirements of the Code of Conduct. Accreditation is not centered wholly on technical knowledge. The assessment within the QJA Program also looks to a demonstration of client interaction skills. The ability to assist clients in multiple scenarios is a skill that comes to JPs when actively witnessing and serving clients over time.

When assisting clients, the application of technical knowledge is one aspect of the service provided; being able to meet the witnessing requirements for a myriad of scenarios surrounding the document and client circumstances is another. Not knowing the client’s situation means witnesses must often “think on their feet”. As a member association, it is hoped the program will further encourage members to undertake CPD and enhance the Association’s reputation for professionalism and excellence. The program is now available to members meeting the prerequisites to participate in the program. The QJA Accreditation program is voluntary and currently free for financial members. A fee may be applied after the initial period to help cover costs in administering the program.

References

Australian Council of Professions. (2021, April 18). Professions. Retrieved from Australian Council of Professions: http://professions.org. au Australian Government Attorney-General. (2021, April 18). Ongoing Professional Development (OPD) for Marriage Celebrants. Retrieved from Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department: https:// www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/marriage/resources-marriage-celebrants/ongoing-professional-development-opd Justices of the Peace Branch, Department of Justice and Attorney General. (2021). Code of Conduct Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations. Brisbane: Department of Justice and Attorney-General. Kloosterman, V. (n.d.). The Importance of Continuing Professional Development. Retrieved April 18, 2021, from Continuing Professional Development Organisation: www.continuingprofessionaldevelopment. org Queensland Justices Association. (2021, April 18). Eligibilty for Appointment. Retrieved from Queensland Justices Association: http:// www.qja.com.au

Contibutor: Wendy La Macchia, Business Manager JP(Qual)

QJA ACCREDITATION: A MEMBERS PERSPECTIVE

The QJA Accreditation scheme was announced at the recent State Conference at the Gold Coast, having been through a rigorous development and testing phase by members of the QJA Board and others.

Our Accreditation program has been set up to encourage, recognise and acknowledge members who demonstrate knowledge and service beyond the basic requirements of appointment. The program is an in-house accreditation program and accreditation will apply for 5 years only, after which re-accreditation will be required.

When we are first appointed as JPs/Cdecs, we are considered competent about a wide array of issues that we are expected to handle. Following appointment and with support from mentors, and then through experience over time, we become more confident and competent with these matters.

However, maintaining currency of all the issues as regulations and laws change, becomes a major challenge to us all. I have always seen this as a challenge and have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the professional training that the Brisbane North Branch provides to its members to help them cater for these changes. However, I was even more interested when I heard that the Accreditation concept was being considered by our Association.

It was, however, with some trepidation that I accepted the offer to trial the course. I have never been a fan of “examinations” nor confident of myself under these situations. Although, having now completed the course, I can assure you that these fears are not warranted. The process has been very well thought through and is designed to challenge our understanding of what we either do or can read about in our manuals. QJA has set some standards that applicants to the course must meet before starting out. These include:

• Appointment as a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Declarations for at least 5 years; • Have been a current financial QJA member for at least 2 years; • Completion of the QJA Professional Series courses within the previous 12 months: 1-4 for

Justice of the Peace (Qualified); 1 & 2 for Commissioner for Declarations. [These courses are accessible through the QJA website and are something you might think about doing even though you may not want to complete the Accreditation course]; and • Show evidence of recent activity as a qualified witness (through activities such as volunteering activity, ongoing professional development, articles published in QJA media, presentations at workshops, meetings, or conferences).

The assessment is based on four modules:

1. A set of 10 online multiple-choice questions (10 points); 2. Five short-scenario - answer questions (10 points); 3. Four scenario-style questions usually regarding some of the less common aspects of our responsibilities (60 points); and, on the successful completion of these three tasks, 4. An interview by assessment panel with further scenario (20 points). These scenario questions describe the types of client interactions you are likely to encounter, particularly scenarios that require the ability to apply technical knowledge and client service skills. You are asked to explain your approach. In assessing candidates, the panel seems to be looking for the combination of client skills and technical knowledge.

Candidates are expected to achieve at least 85% across these four modules. The tasks I had to perform are to be completed over a reasonably short period of time. In all, it was probably only about a week between starting the online course to having it completed. The interview took approximately 20 minutes.

I found the course and the guidelines were very easy to follow. The questions were reasonable (but challenging), and in many ways were similar to those used in the Professional Series Course. The scenarios are demanding but probably reflect the fact that I had never actually experienced any of these issues in my day-to-day witnessing activities.

I can highly recommend the course to you all, particularly where you feel that you have maintained currency of the issues we deal with and are confident with the use of online reading and assessment processes. In providing our services to the community, we should strive to be as professional as we can. The Accreditation course provides one means by which we can better understand our responsibilities, maintain awareness of the recent changes to the laws and deliver our service in as professional a way as possible.

The QJA anticipates that a successful program will:

• recognise and reward successful program participants; • enhance the reputation of QJA as a professional association; • attract appointed JPs and Cdecs to membership; • provide value to existing members of the Association and encourage retention of membership; and • create a platform for external stakeholders to be referred to experienced witnesses.

Please give the course some thought and give it a go! It won’t bite and you certainly will enjoy the process!

Contibutor: Peter Twine JP (Qual)

More information: For more information about the QJA Accreditation progam, and to apply scan the code