framework for regulation presentation to the qualifications board august 2015
TRANSCRIPT
Framework for RegulationPresentation to the Qualifications Board
August 2015
Outline of Presentation
1. Background
2. New Direction
3. Framework Committee
4. Development Process
5. Alignment with QB Documents
6. Current Status of the Elements
7. Key Roles for QB in Framework Development
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Background
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Initiation of the Framework
• The Framework for Regulation (formerly the Canadian Framework for Licensure) was initiated by agreement of the Presidents at the Meeting of Members in Montreal on May 23, 2009 to “continue to explore, under the auspices of Engineers Canada, a national framework for licensure by requesting the CEO Group to develop a guideline for licensure, consistent with the requirements of the Agreement on Internal Trade.”
• The objective was to develop a compendium of model optimal practices to which each association could aspire. It was recognized that implementation would be the responsibility of each association, and that not all elements of the Framework would be adopted in all jurisdictions.
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Original Development Process
1. Research: – by Engineers Canada staff.
2. Development:– review of research by CEO Group.
3. Consultation with CAs:– responses requested within 4 months.
4. Analysis:– synthesis of CA responses by Engineers Canada staff.
5. Approval:– sent to CAs for approval by Councils.
6. Endorsement:– by Engineers Canada Board
7. Implementation:– creation of implementation documentation by CEQB
sub-committee.– publication on Engineers Canada website.
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Issues with the Original Development Process
• Consultation by CAR could take six months or more for a response.• Challenges in synthesizing the results of the constituent association
consultations.• When asked for input, CA councils might have insufficient information with
which to consider a proposed element.• Confusion around the role of QB in the development of implementation
documents.• Implementation of Framework elements is up to individual CAs.• Framework is now covered by the Ends and is a CEO accountability.
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Internal Review, March 2014
• An internal review was conducted in March 2014, by Engineers Canada staff. The review proposed new objectives derived from previous experience, feedback from stakeholders and an analysis of overall requirements. These new objectives included:
– Alignment with the Ends– Consideration of current and emerging challenges to the profession– A refresh of all elements to ensure standardization – A review of consultation at all levels during the development of elements– A method to monitor and review progress
• The new Framework committee was formed and met in November 2014 to review findings and proposed objectives of the internal review.
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New Direction
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Purpose of the Framework
To support the engineering regulators in their mandate to regulate the practice of engineering, license the members of the profession and to serve and protect the public interest by:• capturing excellent national and international practices;• responding to emerging trends and challenges; and• facilitating fair practices that are accessible, timely, monitored,
transparent, objective, impartial and just.
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Vision
• The Framework is a set of aspirational elements that form the baseline for engineering regulators.
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• Constituent associations participate in the development of elements and decide if, when, and how to adopt elements of the Framework.
• Engineers Canada facilitates the development and ongoing improvement of the Framework.
Roles
Framework Committee
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Framework Committee
• Kim Allen (Chair)Chief Executive Officer, Engineers Canada
• Ann EnglishChief Executive Officer and Registrar, APEGBC
• Mark FlintChief Executive Officer, APEGA
• Andrew MacLeodChief Executive Officer, APEGNB
• Gerard McDonaldRegistrar, PEO
• Dennis Paddock Executive Director and Registrar, APEGS
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Committee Charges
Provide advice and guidance on: 1. the Framework process;2. identification and validation of Framework elements;3. validation of assessment processes within the Framework; and4. promotion of the Framework.
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Development Process
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Streamlined Development Process
The new streamlined development process provides for:• accelerated development of all elements by Engineers Canada
staff;• an ongoing process of continuous feedback and improvement;
– CAs are encouraged to suggest new elements or revisions to existing elements at any time; and
– all suggestions, comments and input provided by CAs will be considered and responded to by Engineers Canada staff;
• 2 year timeline for completion of all elements.
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Development and Consultation Process
1. Research and Drafting• Research and initial drafting of Framework elements is done by
Engineers Canada.
2. Expert Review• Elements may be submitted to groups of subject matter experts
for review.3. Consultation with CA Staff Networks
• Input may be obtained from key user groups including the National Admissions Officials Group and the National Discipline and Enforcement Officials Group, as applicable.
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Progress since May 2015
1. Finalization and prioritization of the list of current and proposed elements • purpose statement developed for each element
2. Project plan and procedures developed• procedure for obtaining expert advice developed
3. Alignment analysis of Framework elements and QB documents completed
4. 11 existing elements revised, 9 new elements drafted
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Alignment with QB Documents
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Alignment with QB Documents
Goals:• ensure that all Engineers Canada resources are consistent and
integrated. • leverage the excellent work done by QB already• utilize expertise of QB members to inform development of future
Framework elements
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Alignment with QB Documents
Overlap in areas of: • Licensing / Admissions• Continuing Professional Development• Engineers-in-Training• Practice of Professional Engineering• Code of Ethics• Good Character
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Alignment with QB Documents
Proposed solutions:• Revisions to Framework elements
– Licensing Requirements and Competencies– Continuing Professional Development
• Revisions to QB documents– Model Guide: Supervision of EITs– Good Character Guideline
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Current Status
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Registration / Licensure Elements
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Licensing Requirements and Competencies – EITs RevisedLicensing Requirements and Competencies – Limited Licence RevisedLicensing Requirements and Competencies – Professional Engineers RevisedNegotiating International Recognition Agreements RevisedFairness in Registration Practices RevisedAuthentication of Academic Documents DraftCanadian Experience Requirement DraftCompetency Assessment DraftProfessionalism Assessment: Law, Ethics, Good Character DraftSupervision and Mobility of EITs DraftAssessment of Academic Credentials ProposedAssessment of Distance Education Transcripts ProposedAuthentication of Professional Engineering Documents ProposedIIDD Advancement Criteria ProposedMobility & Harmonization ProposedUse of Technical Examinations Proposed
Practice of the Profession Elements
Code of Ethics Revised Definition of Practice of Professional Engineering Revised Titles, Rights & Responsibilities Revised Public Identification of Engineering Expertise Revised Accountability of Organizations Revised Continuing Professional Development Revised Membership Rights and Responsibilities DraftFitness to Practice DraftStandards of Professional Conduct / Code of Conduct DraftPractice Review DraftUse of Seal ProposedAuthentication of Documents ProposedInsurance ProposedJoint Practice ProposedRelationship to Other Professions Proposed
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Discipline and Enforcement ElementsPrinciples of Complaints, Investigation & Discipline Existing
Complaints & Investigation Practices Existing
Enforcement Practices Existing
Recognition of Extra-Provincial Disciplinary Sanctions Proposed*
Geographic Jurisdiction – Discipline Proposed*
Discipline Practices Proposed*Sharing of Regulatory Information Proposed*
Alternative Dispute Resolution Proposed
Appeals of Regulatory Decisions ProposedConduct of Hearings ProposedSentencing Guidelines Proposed*identified as high priority for development
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To be drafted Oct - Nov 2015
Governance and Administration Elements
Objects of the Engineering Regulators ExistingLegislative Authorities ExistingInformation to be Included in the Register Proposed*
Advocacy Proposed*Governance of a Self-Regulating Body Proposed*Membership Status Proposed*Engineering Brand (Titles, Images & Words) Proposed*Awards & Scholarships ProposedChapters / Branches ProposedFee-Setting Power Proposed*identified as high priority for development
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To be drafted Nov - Dec 2015
Key Roles for QB in Framework Development
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Expert Review
Expert advice is not necessary for every element of the Framework for Regulation. A decision to obtain an expert review of a draft element may be made based on factors including:• the controversial nature of the Framework element or difficulty
obtaining support for the element from constituent associations;• the need for specific expertise;• the desire for a broad consultation process due to the
fundamental nature of the Framework element; • a request for expert review is made by the Framework Steering
Committee.
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Expert Review
• Engineers Canada will invite individuals to form panels of three experts. Experts may be sought from:– experts suggested by the constituent associations;– members of the QB and its subcommittees;– the Canadian Academy of Engineering;– experts who are not professional Engineers.
• Engineers Canada staff will submit the draft Framework element and supporting research to the expert panel, with a list of specific questions or issues
• Expert panel will meet via teleconference to provide input
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Implementation Guidance
Purpose of Implementation Guidance• Implementation of an element of the Framework
requires a level of detail not contained in the elements themselves.
• In some cases, there is a benefit to the development of more detailed implementation guidance to assist the Constituent Associations which chose to implement that particular element.
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Implementation GuidanceFactors in Favor of Implementation Guidance Factors Against Implementation GuidanceNew or emerging issue Provincial associations have established,
relatively consistent procedures and have not expressed any desire to change
New regulatory practice or requirement Lack of widespread support for adoption of framework element
Regulatory practice not currently in place in more than half of Constituent Associations
Implementation requires revisions to legislation
Complex implementation documents which can be developed in standard form and adopted
Existence of detailed guidance from other Engineers Canada groups and/or Constituent Associations
Expressed desire by Constituent Associations for guidance and/or standardized practices
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Questions?
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