Advice for scheme associations

Resource centre

We have developed a range of resources to help associations respond to their regulatory obligations, submit professional standards scheme applications, and manage their ongoing compliance with professional standards legislation.

For more information, please contact us.

Regulatory guidance

Document Description Date

Annual Membership Assurance Report

Blank templates of the Assurance Report that associations must provide regarding professional standards scheme fee payments.

April 2022

Association Codes of Ethics

This series of Guidance notes on Association Codes of Ethics assists occupational associations with developing, implementing, and revising Codes of Ethics. October 2022

Case Law Regarding Professional Standards Legislation

The table summarises the main points raised in reported cases where there has been has been judicial consideration of the professional standards legislation and/or professional standards schemes approved under that legislation. Please note the listing may not be complete. They are listed with the case citation, consideration of limitation of liability under scheme, occupational association, jurisdiction and key message. N/A

Framework for Developing, Reviewing, Retiring Regulatory Guidance

This document provides guidance to stakeholders on how the Professional Standards Councils are engaged to develop, review and retire regulatory guidance.

August 2020

Framework on Acquiring, curating, and publishing material in the Research Library.

This Framework details the Professional Standards Councils’ process for publishing and reviewing material in the Research Library hosted on the Councils’ website. December 2021

Guidance note on Fees payable and Assurance reporting

Guidance for associations about fees payable under professional standards legislation, including calculation of annual fees. Applying for fee waivers or remissions. Assurance reporting requirements and Assurance Reporting templates.  April 2022

Guidance note on scheme expiration

This guidance note informs regulated occupational associations of the processes that the Professional Standards Councils follow for advertising an expiring professional standards scheme of a regulated occupational association. It outlines Councils’ powers and considerations that are relevant when observing a scheme expiry process, for transparency and accountability to our stakeholders.

April 2021

Guidance note on use of data sources

A resource that occupational associations can refer to when applying for a scheme, and meeting the statutory compliance reporting requirements for an approved scheme. March 2022

Letter to members

A modifiable letter that associations can use to advise members of their benefits and obligations under a Professional Standards Scheme. N/A

Professional Standards Improvement Program factsheet

Information to help associations implement a Professional Standards Improvement Program.

N/A

Councils guidance

Policy Description Date

Complaints and discipline systems

Guidance for associations in establishing a complaints and discipline system, including a non-exhaustive list of strategies and actions consistent with the Professional Standards Councils’ Model Code.

October 2020

Stakeholder Engagement Framework

How and when we consult and engage with our stakeholders.

July 2022

Complaints, compliments and queries

Information on the Councils’ feedback and complaints system, with processes for complaint receipt, investigation and review. October 2020

Professional indemnity insurance

An outline of what the Councils will consider when assessing an association’s professional indemnity insurance in determining their eligibility for a scheme.

October 2020

Professional Standards Councils Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct of the Professional Standards Councils articulates the values, principles and standards of accountability, integrity and collaboration that are required of the members of the Councils.

November 2022