SCA's Professional Standards Scheme

Achieving a more professional
strata sector

The NSW Government under the Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Andrews, along with the Professional Standards Council of NSW, has approved SCA’s (Strata Community Association) Professional Standards Scheme. The Scheme commenced on 1 July 2021.

A Professional Standards Scheme sets the conditions of a vocational association so it can self-regulate its members to protect consumers in exchange for limiting the liability that members of the scheme can be held liable for.

In practical terms, the scheme will protect consumers by demanding high professional standards and practices for those who participate in the Professional Standards Scheme. SCA will be responsible to regulate their members to ensure they uphold these standards, through education, guidance, monitoring and enforcement. The scheme will focus on improving the professionalism of strata managers through self-regulation initiatives, ongoing professional development, and a robust code of conduct.

This formal recognition by the NSW Government is the first of its kind for the property services sector in Australia and an exciting time as members of the SCA (NSW). This is also in line with various other initiatives across NSW, including the NSW Government plan to rebuild the construction sector and restore confidence and professionalism.

The scheme has been approved for an initial period of 5 years commencing from 1st July 2021. This approval means Strata Manager members of SCA (NSW) must adhere to a Code of Ethics including professional standards and is monitored by the independent Professional Standards Councils.

What does this mean for you, our client?

As proud members of SCA, this approval means Strata Plus, must adhere to a Code of Ethics including professional standards and is monitored by Professional Standards Australia.

The Professional Standards Scheme will bring to our clients a range of benefits, including:

• The SCA (NSW) will oversee and self-regulate the conduct of all members within a structured professional framework.
• In addition to our internal complaints handling process, the Professional Standards Scheme brings a further robust and independent complaints handling process, ensuring clients can be assured of an independent review and response.
• An increase in Continual Professional Development (CPD) requirements for Strata Managers and Licensee’s in Charge, ensuring the industry remains up to date, educated and aware of their ongoing responsibilities to the consumer.

Useful links

Read more about how Professional Standards Schemes work

For more information on what this means for your scheme, talk to your Strata+ strata manager

July 2021