MEMBERSHIP POLICY SCA (Qld) Board approved - 9 Feb 2016

Transcription

1 MEMBERSHIP POLICY SCA (Qld) Board approved - 9 Feb 2016 Table of Contents 1. Policy Scope Policy Statement 1.2 The Membership Coordinator 2. Membership Application New Membership 2.2 Renewal of existing memberships 2.3 Returning (Individual) Member 3. Membership entitlements and limitations Benefits of membership 3.2 Continuous Professional Development guidelines 3.3 Post Nominal Initials 3.4 Refunds and Cancellations 4. Membership Structure Strata Scheme Snapshot of procedure Option 1: Individual Scheme Member Option 2: Strata Scheme plus individuals 4.2 Strata Services Snapshot of procedure Option 1: Company plus nominee Option 2: Strata Services Individual Fellows (Services) 4.3 Strata Management Snapshot of procedure Step 1 - Corporate membership Step 2 - Entry Level membership Step 3 - Accreditation pathway Accredited Strata Community Manager Certified Strata Community Manager Practising Strata Community Manager Fellow/Life Members (Strata Manager) 4.4 Provisionary Corporate Strata Management Membership SCA (Qld) Membership Policy 9 Feb

2 1. Policy Scope 1.1 Policy Statement The purpose of this policy is to ensure that people who wish to join SCA (Qld) and renew as a member fulfill the necessary requirements to achieve the level of membership that they desire. SCA (Qld) is recognised within the strata industry as a body who only accepts members of good repute and character. As a body we recognise the need for ongoing education and training and have set a minimum entry standard for both knowledge and experience. Notwithstanding the minimum entry standard requirements, SCA (Qld) will not tolerate behavior unbecoming of a member (please refer to the BCCM Act, Code of Conduct along with SCA (Qld) Code of Conduct). 1.2 The Membership Coordinator The role of the General Manager and Membership Coordinator is to: Ensure Members meet Membership criteria by reviewing and updating the Membership Policy as and when required. Any changes to the Membership Policy as recommended by the General Manager must be approved by the Board. Promote in conjunction with other SCA (Qld) Committees, the delivery of SCA (Qld) services and benefits of being a Member. Monitor and assist Members in attaining their required CPD requirements. Advise members of their failure in obtaining their required CPD requirements. Advise the Board if there are any issues that prevent an applicant from obtaining Membership. Monitor and advise on potential strata services providers which may be suitable for Membership (i.e. not practising members). Take all reasonable steps to maintain benefits for all Members which may include the interaction with members and their clients. 2. Membership Application 2.1 New Membership Any entity wanting to join SCA (Qld) and join as a new member will have to complete an application form and satisfy all requirements for that level of membership. Members joining from 1 January to 30 June may pay a pro-rata membership fee. Joining from 1 April entitles to a 15 month membership, expiring on 30 June the year following the join date. The person who will be responsible for processing the application will be the General Manager, through the Membership Coordinator. Every application for membership will be reviewed by the General Manager and upon recommendation be adopted by the Board. SCA (Qld) Membership Policy 9 Feb

3 2.2 Renewal of existing memberships Membership falls due annually on 1 July. Membership fees must be received within 120 days to ensure continuity of membership services. Late renewals from the previous year are required to pay the full amount regardless of when they joined throughout that financial year. Membership may not be renewed if the member has incurred debts that are outstanding for more than 60 days. Members are required to settle debts within 14 days of invoicing. 2.3 Returning (Individual) Member A returning individual s member s application is when a person or company applying is known to SCA (Qld) by way of a former membership held. These will be subject to review and determination followed by Board approval. The review process will take into account: I. If Membership has ceased for more than 2 years, whether the application is to be deemed a New Member application (Member to achieve full CPD Points). II. Whether the Member has applied for a leave of absence (i.e. extended leave, maternity leave, sickness, change of occupation/employment etc). III. The type of Membership at the time the Returning Member ceased being a Member. IV. The type of Membership the Returning Member now wishes to apply for. V. The CPD points relevant for the type of Membership applied for. VI. Whether the Returning Member has undertaken any professional development outside of SCA (Qld) s scope of seminars (i.e. external studies/related industry programs). VII. Reviewing and considering all submitted documentation, references, letters of recommendation, certificates, awards etc in support of the renewing Membership. The General Manager will review each application on a case by case basis and on its merits. The Membership Committee will then put forward recommendations as to the particular type of Membership suitable for the returning member to the Board for final approval and acceptance. 3. Membership entitlements and limitations Strata Management Members that obtain a level of accreditation are entitled to the use of postnominal initials but must also fulfil some criteria to maintain their level of membership. 3.1 Benefits of membership - Automatic membership of the national body Strata Community Australia Ltd - Access to member-only information best practice resources, member magazine Inside Strata, E-News, Member Alerts and more - SCA Member Support - Professional development, including exclusive access to educational seminars - Networking with Australia's top strata professionals SCA (Qld) Membership Policy 9 Feb

4 - Representation and recognition towards the public as a professional (Accreditation) - Representation towards Government and the sector - Voting rights and the ability to nominate for the Board of Directors - SCA (Qld) Committee participation (subject to Board approval) - Membership Certificate (where applicable) - Shape and build our sector as a part of its leading voice! 3.2 Continuous Professional Development guidelines Membership with SCA (Qld) requires the accredited individuals to collect CPD points. SCA (Qld) Members who are not choosing to get accredited (i.e. entry level membership) and Strata Scheme members do not have any ongoing CPD requirements. Further information can be found in section 6 and the CPD Policy. 3.3 Post Nominal Initials The SCA (Qld) Board has determined that certain categories of individual members will have access to the use of post-nominal initials. Members who have met the eligibility criteria shall be entitled to use the following letters: SCA (Qld) Entry Level Member no post-nom Strata Management Individual Member Accredited Strata Community Manager ASCM (Qld) Certified Strata Community Manager CSCM (Qld) Fellow Strata Community Manager FSCM (Qld) Practising Strata Community Manager N/A Life Member LMSCA (Qld) Strata Services Individual Member no post-nom Strata Services Nominee Member no post-nom Strata Services Fellow FMSCA (Qld) Strata Owner Member no post-nom Members are not automatically entitled to the use of post-nominal initials but permission may be granted to use them upon application to the Board (i.e. the accreditation pathway). 3.4 Refunds and Cancellations In accordance with the SCA (Qld) Constitution, memberships of any category may be cancelled by the Board or General Manager should the member become of disrepute, breach the Code of Conduct or is convicted of a criminal offence. SCA (Qld) reserves the right to cancel membership should renewal fees not be received within 120 days of membership expiry. No refunds will be given if the member decides to cancel membership or if the Board or General Manager cancel membership in accordance with Constitution or this policy. 4. Membership Structure Membership is structured in two categories: CORPORATE and INDIVIDUAL. The types of membership are Strata Management, Strata Services and Strata Owners. SCA (Qld) Membership Policy 9 Feb

5 4.1 Strata Scheme This category is for strata schemes and those who live in them. You can join as a... - individual strata property owner - member of a body corporate committee - Strata Scheme two nominees are required Snapshot of procedure - Option 1: Strata Scheme individual becomes member - Option 2: Strata Scheme s body corporate becomes member and nominates two representatives Option 1: Individual Scheme Member This allows individuals in a strata scheme to join as members at a cost of $80 per annum (incl GST). You have to be a unit owner under a CTS number and not carrying out body corporate management services. Eligibility criteria: The individuals can join even if the Strata Scheme is not a member, as long as they can identify the CTS number that their unit belongs to. The conflict of interest rule applies. If you are a body corporate business owner or body corporate manager and you are also a unit owner, you cannot join SCA (Qld) at this level. Form to submit: Form B5 The membership is non-transferable Option 2: Strata Scheme plus individuals This membership allows the community title scheme to be the member with two nominees included at a cost of $150 per annum (incl GST), including 2 nominees FOC. Eligibility criteria: This category is open to interested body corporate committee members or unit owners. The conflict of interest rule applies. If you are a body corporate business owner or body corporate manager you cannot join SCA (Qld) at this level. Forms to submit: Form A3 (Corporate), at least one via Form B4 (individuals) The nominee membership is transferable. 4.2 Strata Services This category is for those who provide allied services to the strata sector e.g. accountants, lawyers and software specialists; trade services suppliers such as electricians, painters and building maintenance, etc. You can join as a... SCA (Qld) Membership Policy 9 Feb

6 - Corporate - a company providing associated services, not body corporate management services - Strata Services Nominee an individual who is part of a corporate membership - Strata Services Individual a membership that's not connected to a firm e.g. resident accommodation / unit / on-site managers, trades people, departments of non-strata related companies Snapshot of procedure - Option 1: The company joins as a member and must join at least one person (=nominee) - Option 2: An individual joins as member without the company Option 1: Company plus nominee Companies who are employed in the industry but are not entities carrying out body corporate management services join as a member at the cost of $655 per annum (incl GST). The corporate member must nominate at least one individual member (Nominee) at a cost of $215 per individual. Eligibility criteria COMPANY CANNOT BE A BODY CORPORATE BUSINESS (i.e. 100% of the premises must not be used for strata management services) The company is to be of good repute Entity has to nominate at least one nominee at $215 (incl GST) the nominee does not carry out body corporate management services the nominee membership is transferable within the corporate membership the nominee is to state other industry body membership they hold to prove their qualifications to SCA (Qld) applicants must abide by the SCA Code of Ethics the applicant cannot be declared bankrupt or have been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty a proposer and seconder for the application is needed. The proposer and seconder must be known and/or acceptable to the Board, eg a member of SCA (Qld) for at least 3 years, lawyer, auditor, accountant etc who works within the strata industry the application will not meet the criteria guidelines where the applicant/nominee is not of good repute within the industry, has outstanding commissioner orders concerning practice standards, or where there is a history of concern about practice standards and/or ethical issues. Forms to submit: Form A2 (Corporate), at least one via Form B2 (individuals) Individual Membership is transferable, Corporate membership is not transferable Pro-rata applies for new members after 1 January (50%) through to 30 June Option 2: Strata Services Individual Any single person can join as a member in this category without a corporate membership at a cost of $300 per annum (incl GST) per person. If two individuals from the same strata services entity join, the entity is required to become a member and have nominees (see Option 1). If more than one SCA (Qld) Membership Policy 9 Feb

7 individual from the same firm applies for Strata Services Individual membership, individual membership cannot be accepted. Membership should be sought for their firm under the Strata Services Corporate category and they can each apply as Strata Services Nominees (Option 1). Eligibility criteria: A Strata Services Individual member is a natural person who is associated with the strata industry but is not carrying out body corporate management services. The membership is non-transferable to another individual. Ongoing CPD requirements for individuals (refer to CPD policy). Membership is not transferable, Fellows [Services] Fellows in the strata services category can be accepted as part of a corporate membership or where applicable as an individual. The SCA (Qld) Board of Directors at present grants fellow and life membership on a case by case basis. Cost: $215 if employed in a Strata Service company, $300 if no company is nominated and fellow member is a Strata Services Individual Eligibility criteria (for existing fellow members, new appointments via Board resolution only) Related professionals with a long standing commitment to both the broader profession and industry. Where the Fellow is no longer working with a corporate, he or she can become a member in individual name, providing that all the criteria have been met. Applicants must abide by the SCA Code of Ethics and all other membership criteria. 4.3 Strata Management This category is for strata management firms and those who work in them. You can join as a... - Corporate Member body corporate management firms - Individual Member anyone working within that firm - Choose to apply for accreditation (eligibility criteria apply): o ACCREDITED STRATA MANAGER o CERTIFIED STRATA MANAGER o SCA FELLOW or LIFE MEMBER Snapshot of procedure Step 1: The company/sole trader (anyone who operates under an ABN) joins as a member Step 2: Any employee of this firm can join as SCA (Qld) entry level member Step 3: Qualified employees can choose to apply for accreditation Step 1 - Corporate membership This level is for body corporate management practices that join as a member at a cost of $510 (incl GST) plus 44 cents (incl GST) for every lot managed and the calculation of lots will be as of 30 June of every year. SCA (Qld) Membership Policy 9 Feb

8 Eligibility criteria The corporate entity must nominate at least one industry qualified practitioner (i.e. at least level 2 accreditation - a certified strata community manager) to enable a practising certificate to be issued. The entity can otherwise nominate unlimited individuals who are not required to satisfy any criteria (= entry level members) The company must carry professional indemnity insurance, currently prescribed by the board as a minimum of $500,000. A Certificate of Currency must accompany the application. Forms to submit: Form A1 (Corporate), Form B1 (individuals), at least one B1b; Certificate of Currency Pro-rata applies for new members, calculated quarterly (if they join from 1 January to 30 June of the membership year) Step 2 - Entry Level membership Any employee of a corporate member can join as a member at no cost provided they fulfill the eligibility criteria below. Eligibility criteria It is a requirement that each person joining this class attends an industry general admission course within the first 12 months of their membership. The membership will not be renewed if there is no proof of completion of this short course. The current course is a one day introductory level course. Must be employed by a corporate member Must abide by the SCA Code of Conduct The application will not meet the criteria guidelines where the applicant is not of good repute within the industry, has outstanding commissioner orders concerning practice standards, or where there is a history of commissioner orders of concern about practice standards and/or ethical issues. The applicant has not been declared bankrupt or have been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty There are no ongoing CPD requirements This membership does not carry post-nominal credentials. Membership is transferable. Note: If a member ceases their employment with a corporate member, they can only retain their membership if their new employer is also a corporate member. Note: If the sole member of a corporate member leaves the entity and none of the other members of the entity can achieve at least a Certified status, a nine month grace period will be allowed to enable a member of staff to enroll in the Certificate IV and achieve Certified status. Form to submit: Form B1 SCA (Qld) Membership Policy 9 Feb

9 4.3.3 Step 3 - Accreditation pathway Employees of a corporate member in the strata management category can choose to apply for accreditation with SCA (Qld). There are four levels: o o o o ACCREDITED STRATA COMMUNITY MANAGER CERTIFIED STRATA COMMUNITY MANAGER PRACTISING STRATA COMMUNITY MANAGER SCA FELLOW or LIFE MEMBER All eligibility criteria noted for SCA (Qld) members apply (see 4.3.2) Accredited Strata Community Manager Members that work as body corporate managers can obtain accredited membership level at no extra cost. Eligibility criteria (in addition to those mentioned in 4.3.2) Mandatory introductory course (minimum two days with completion of competency questionnaire); or Two years membership with evidence of on-job or employer training (proven via CPD points balances) and where applicable satisfactory completion of competency questionnaire. Ongoing CPD requirements for renewal eligibility. Applications for renewal must include a record of CPD activity e.g. attendance at seminars, conference etc. The CPD policy outlines current requirements. This membership carries the post-nominal initials ASCM (Qld). Form to submit: Form B1a and certification as per eligibility criteria Certified Strata Community Manager Members that work as body corporate managers and have significant proven experience or qualifications can obtain certified membership level at no extra cost. This level is the minimum accreditation requirement for at least one person per corporate membership (A1). Eligibility criteria (in addition to those mentioned in 4.3.2) Certificate IV in Property Services (Operations) or Strata plus minimum of 2 years experience; or Certification regarding competence against Cert IV requirements (through an approved RPL process) plus minimum 5 years membership; or Other equivalent Cert IV level qualification subject on case by case assessment by SCA (Qld) Education Committee and approval of SCA (Qld) Board plus minimum 2 years experience. Ongoing CPD requirements for renewal eligibility. Applications for renewal must include a record of CPD activity e.g. attendance at seminars, conference etc. The CPD policy outlines current requirements. SCA (Qld) Membership Policy 9 Feb

10 This membership carries the post-nominal initials CSCM (Qld). Form to submit: Form B1b and certification as per eligibility criteria Practicing Strata Community Manager Application to this level is not available in Queensland at the present time Fellow/Life Members [Strata Manager] Fellows can be accepted as part of a corporate membership or where appropriate as an individual. These are practising body corporate managers with a long standing commitment to both the broader profession and industry. Where the Fellow is no longer working with a corporate, he/she can become a member in their individual name, providing that all the criteria have been met. The SCA (Qld) Board of Directors at present grants fellow and life membership on a case by case basis (refer to fellow & life membership policy) for life (provided their membership is financial). If membership becomes inactive, rejoining will renew the status as a fellow member. 4.4 Provisionary Corporate Strata Management Membership Upon application to the Board a provisionary membership may be granted to a strata management business on the basis that a business has been incorporated for less than 24 months and staff are in training to become a qualified member as defined in this policy. This provisionary membership is for the purpose of participating in educational offerings only and may be revoked by the Board or General Manager at any time. Conditions include: - Professional indemnity insurance is held as per this policy - One staff member must be nominated as provisionary member at entry level. This individual must be in the process of obtaining the relevant qualifications to be eligible for a Certified Strata Community Manager membership and complete the requirements within 24 months of joining. Upon completion of the eligibility criteria the provisionary membership becomes a full membership. - Member must abide by Constitution and Code of Conduct Entitlements under this membership extend to: - Education participation - Advocacy - Support Provisionary membership is not available to Strata Services providers SCA (Qld) Membership Policy 9 Feb