As the Leaves Turn – Fall at FOAJ

“And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.” -Oscar Wilde

The busy summer months have translated into a busy fall, and all of a sudden, it’s October!  Some things that are currently on our radar this fall:

New to the Certificate in Tribunal Administrative Justice™ (CTAJ™) Program:

 The Cultural Competencies Workshop qualifies for 7 CTAJ™ credits!. Cultural Competencies is a one day workshop that is designed to engage participants in intermediate to advanced discussions about a topic of national importance to tribunals and decision makers. 

Canadians are diverse in their racial, ethnic, religious and linguistic backgrounds, representing over 200 ethnic groups. A tribunal’s success is influenced by its ability to work effectively in this environment.  In 2015 the Truth and Reconciliation Commission issued calls to action for governments and educators which encourages training in cultural diversity, particularly about Aboriginal culture. Decision makers and staff need the appropriate skills and tools to be proactive.

To learn more about the workshop, click here.  

New CTAJ™ Investigator Stream!

As you may or may not know, FOAJ offers a Certificate program: Certificate in Tribunal Administrative Justice™ (CTAJ™)!  A first in Canada, this Certificate assists tribunals and participants to evaluate and support competencies in administrative justice roles.

Previously, there were 3 streams to the Certificate:

1. Tribunal Member (for the appointed or elected board members and decision makers)
2. Administrator (for staff and other support personnel)
3. Advocate (for clients, presenters and counsel)

And now, we’re excited to announce the 4th stream:

4. Investigator (for those locating evidence for decision making)

In this stream, the required course is the Investigations Course. The focus is on the investigator’s preparation, skills, information gathering, report writing and fairness. We will work through all the steps of an investigation. Topics will include the terms of reference or jurisdiction of the investigator, the requirement for fair process, the investigation plan, the objective standard, interviewing witnesses and gathering documents, the impact of personal observation, making factual findings, writing reports, making recommendations or decisions, and use of the report in other proceedings. Course Outcomes: 

• an understanding of the required elements of fairness
• an appreciation of the investigator, advocate, complainant, respondent, and witnesses
• a practical approach to planning an investigation
• experience in questioning and seeking information
• tips to link the fact finding to the terms of reference or jurisdiction
• three tips to improve their report writing
• practical tips to build skills and best practices in investigations
• confidence in their roles, and
• a self-learning plan

As a result, you will develop practical tips to build skills and best practices in investigations, confidence in your role, and more! Learn more about the course here.

eLearning Courses Launching this Fall

Elearning is a great way to pursue professional development while still keeping up with your responsibilities at work.  No travel time or expenses. Materials can be accessed anytime day or night to fit your schedule, lifestyle and work demands.  It allows you to complete one module or several in one sitting. You are able to manage your time and your training.

We have two eLearning courses in the works to launch this fall: 

• Principles of Administrative Justice
• Plain Language: Building Results

To see what eLearning courses FOAJ currently offers, check this link. 

Bursary Award

FOAJ created the Bursary in recognition of its benefactor, David Elliott, to recognize his spirited passion and commitment to excellence in justice, and his belief that there are no barriers to furthering one’s learning.

This Bursary is an annual $1,500 award open to anyone pursuing secondary or furthered learning in legal studies. Preference will be given to individuals that are:

• a member in good standing with the Foundation
• an employee or board member of an organization that is a member in good standing with the Foundation
• in need of financial assistance in order to obtain or continue education
• registered to attend one or more of the Foundation of Administrative Justice courses or other training related to administrative justice provided by a recognized secondary educational institute.

The application is due on December 1st, 2019. Click here to learn more about the award!

We know autumn will pass just as quickly as the summer months did. We’re sure not looking forward to the colder weather, but our hearts will stay warm spending extra time with family and friends as the holidays approach. Happy Thanksgiving to all!