National Committee for Continuing Education (NCCE)
When this committee was formed some four years ago, one of its principal aims was the greater dissemination, for continuing education purposes, of the intellectual treasure house that is contained in the RAIA’s Practice Notes and Environmental Design Guide. The internet was seen as the vehicle for bringing this accumulated wisdom to members. The launching of the Continuum website in late 2006 represented the achievement of this aim. The technical difficulties encountered in establishing the methodology prevented earlier realisation of the committee’s vision but a great deal of research and trialing of programs by the staff of Knowledge Services has resulted in an ever-growing suite of courses.
In combination with the Continuum roll-out, the NCCE offered twice as many national seminars as the previous year and was gratified to see greatly increased numbers of participants at all seminars. Under the ‘Refuel’ badge, the seminars are a popular alternative to web-based continuing professional development (CPD) with members reacting positively to a form of delivery with which all are comfortable. Frequent review of possible offerings, along with member surveys, continues to inform our seminar programming.
During 2006, the committee adjusted the provisions of the Institute’s policy, renaming it the Policy for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to harmonise with the Architects’ Accreditation Council of Australia and a number of the state registration boards. The policy also increased the minimum time requirement to 20 hours to complement the policy of the NSW Architects’ Registration Board. NSW remains the only jurisdiction with compulsory CPD requirements for all practicing architects.
Throughout 2006, the committee has pursued the goal of having a uniform CPD policy throughout all states and territories. A number of states, which have recently amended their Architects’ Acts, are moving to adopt the Joint RAIA/AACA policy. We will continue to encourage this trend.
The key issues for 2007 will be the increasing roll-out of Continuum offerings and national seminars under the Refuel badge. We will also be working to encourage the formal adoption of the joint CPD policy by all state jurisdictions.
The National Continuing Education Committee wishes to thank all of the staff of Knowledge Services. Without their strong commitment and hard work our achievements would not be possible. Our special thanks go to national CE manager, Catherine Evans – our successes would not have been possible without her enthusiasm and drive over the past four years. Catherine has left us to follow her partner’s relocation to China.
Finally, it is a privilege to chair a committee of such committed members who have helped by trialing programs, editing papers, advising on seminars (and sometimes giving them), encouraging state CPD efforts and liaising with the state registration boards – I thank them all.
Michael Neustein
Chair
National Committee for Continuing Professional Development
Michael Neustein (Chair)
David Flannery, ACT
Steve Kennedy, NSW
Colin Browne, NT
Simon Scally, NT
Jo Rees, NT
Allan Reilly, Qld
Damian Madigan, SA
Yvette Breytenbach, Tas
Andrew Williamson, Tas
Clare Newton, Vic
Paul Rossen, WA
David Karotkin, WA
Andrew Hutson
Alec Tzannes, NSW (National Council)
Ian McDougall, Vic (National Council)
|
