The largest project to be completed this year was the development and implementation of the new
Quality Staffing Framework (QSF) for Counsellors and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners. In
consultation with staff, we examined the processes and supports needed for new staff to:
• develop a sound understanding of our practices
• refine the skills needed to secure permanent roles
• develop as practitioners
• enable their progression into senior and supervisory roles.
This framework is now being utilised across the regions, providing a sound skills and professional
development structure for new and current employees. In 2015-16, we will start to develop QSFs for
other job roles across the organisation.
The Case Notes Procedural Guide and Template was implemented across the organisation. To
complement this work, a number of guided PowerPoint presentations were developed to assist
staff in meeting the requirement to produce well-constructed case notes. As we move to electronic
records, the Case Notes Template will facilitate easy adaptation to a paperless system.
In addition to these projects, planning also commenced for a major research initiative that will look
at the issuance of Section 60I certificates within the Family Dispute Resolution process. There is little
direction or guidance in the legislation as to the issuance of Section 60I certificates in mediation and
even less is known about the outcomes for families and children after such a certificate is issued. In
the coming 12 months, Interrelate will lead the research project ‘Section 60I certificates: When, why
and what are the outcomes for families’ together with representatives from the University of Canberra
and the Australian National University. Our hope is that this research will inform and improve our
practice to better assist and support clients accessing Family Dispute Resolution services.
69