Consumer information
What is a professional standards scheme?
A professional standards scheme is a legal framework approved by the Professional Standards Councils.
Under a scheme, a professional association commits to maintaining and improving professional standards among its members. This includes requirements for:
- professional indemnity insurance
- continuing professional development and training
- codes of conduct and ethics
- complaint handling processes
- disciplinary systems
- risk management strategies that help reduce consumer harm.
How do I know if a professional is covered by a professional standards scheme?
Many lawyers, barristers, accountants, property professionals and other occupations across Australia participate in schemes. You can find a full list of current schemes here.
Professionals covered by a scheme are required to disclose their participation through prescribed statements on documents and communications. If you are unsure, you should ask the professional directly or contact their professional association.
Understanding the limits of a scheme
A professional standards scheme helps improve professional standards and consumer protection, but it cannot prevent every instance of poor conduct.
Importantly, limitations on liability available under schemes do not apply to conduct involving fraud, dishonesty, breaches of trust and other exclusions set out in legislation.
Professional standards schemes operate alongside government regulators and other consumer protection laws to help support a strong and effective regulatory system.