THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF

WELFARE AND COMMUNITY WORKERS INC.

THE ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE PROFESSIONALS

Vic. Reg. A0036440S ABN 28 696 828 620

COURSE REVIEW PROVISIONS

(1) Course Review Provisions must be readily available to students and staff, in an accessible place on campus, and available in leaflet, course brochure, or handout format, and on any available Internet website.

(2) Any complaints about the course, including but not limited to lack of conformity to AIWCW Requirements, the AIWCW Code of Ethics, and these guidelines, may be made using the Course Review Provisions. Complaints may be made by any student in the course (preferably a group of students), staff member, AIWCW member, welfare agency, educational institution or education coordinating body.

(3) Initial informal enquiries or complaints from any of the above may be made to the AIWCW National Office, or a formal complaint made regarding the course as a whole, aspects of it, the way it is taught, the lack of resources, etc.

(4) Complaints from individual students about individual teachers are normally not accepted, and it is suggested the student first take these to the course coordinator. Only if the student reports no satisfaction, and has the support of at least 2 other students, will further action by AIWCW be considered.

(5) The AIWCW National Membership Coordinator may hold initial informal discussion with the course staff regarding a complaint, or refer it to a Membership Assessment Panel member, via the MAP coordinator.

(6) If these cannot resolve the issues, the original complainant(s) are asked to put the complaint in writing, and include any documentary evidence and references to witnesses or other support for the complaint, as well as steps already taken by the complainant (or others) to resolve the issues.

(7) The Membership Coordinator or MAP member may decline to accept the formal complaint, giving reasons; in which case the complainant(s) may appeal to the MAP, via the MAP Coordinator.

(8) If the formal complaint is initially accepted, it is referred via the MAP Coordinator to a Course Review Panel (CRP) of at least 3 Panel Members, with at least two MAP members and at least one person currently teaching in a similar welfare course (e.g. TAFE or university). It is suggested that a Field Education supervisor also join the Panel, if available.

(9) The CRP Chairperson will communicate formally (by letter or email) with the course coordinator (and any other relevant individual, including the complainants) setting out the details of the complaint (edited if appropriate), and invite a response, including any documentary evidence.

(10) The CRP may call for further clarification or evidence from any of the parties, or seek expert external advice, before arriving at draft recommendations (using 5 (12) as a guide), which should be communicated to the relevant parties, with further opportunity to respond.

(11) Final recommendations are then circulated to the AIWCW National Executive, and discussed via email or teleconference, if appropriate, before a decision is made.

(12) The AIWCW National Executive may decide one or more of the following:

(a) the complaint is unwarranted and no action should be taken

(b) there is insufficient information or that the circumstances and relative contributions to the situation are so complex that no action can be taken

(c) that a formal censure be issued to one or more of the parties involved

(d) that (i) suggestions, (ii) recommendations, or (iii) requirements be issued to overcome the complaint situation

(e) that actions to remedy the situation be required within a stated time period and that if compliance with AIWCW requirements is not forthcoming (within a specified time) AIWCW Campus Approval be Suspended or Withdrawn.

(f) That Campus Approval be Suspended or Withdrawn because the overall conduct of the course is unsatisfactory.

(13) The Withdrawal of Campus Approval requires a completely new application for Campus Approval, after a delay of at least 12 months.

(14) Suspension of Campus Approval requires evidence to the Campus Review Panel that deficiencies have been rectified, upon which Approval may be renewed, following endorsement by the National Executive.

(15) The decision of the National Executive may be appealed using the External Appeal mechanism applying to Membership applications. However, a fee of $300 will apply, together with any expenses incurred by the External Appeal Panel.

(16) Any substantial changes to the course during the three years following AIWCW Approval must be notified to AIWCW.

CRSE.09 Ver Apr08