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Framework governance Framework Policy Steering Committee The Ombudsperson Independent Expert(s) Code of Conduct Appeals, complaints and reviews
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Framework governance

EEC Professional Certifications – formally known as the EEC Professional Certifications Framework – has been designed to be impartial and meet the needs of customers, energy services providers, governments and the general public. As with all EEC activities, the EEC Board is ultimately responsible for the proper management of the Framework.

The Board delegates day-to-day administration of the Framework to the Secretariat.

The Secretariat is housed within the EEC and is the primary point of contact for candidates, certified professionals and tradespeople, and other stakeholders.

To ensure impartiality, transparency and independent oversight, the EEC Board has appointed the following bodies that have a central role in the administration and oversight of the Framework:

  • A Steering Committee comprised of members from industry and government, as well as other relevant experts. This body oversees the Secretariat and Certification Reference Groups;
  • Assessment Panels comprised of industry experts. They are responsible for establishing appropriate assessment criteria and assessing candidates for certification;
  • Certification Reference Groups for each certification provide advice and industry and government engagement, ensuring that the latest developments are considered by the Steering Committee and Assessment Panels;
  • As needed Independent Expert(s) who are responsible for providing technical advice to the Board on relevant matters; and
  • An independent Ombudsperson that adjudicates on appeals, complaints and reviews.

For more information on the process for appointments to these bodies and their responsibilities, see the Framework Rules. The governance structure below shows the interrelationships between these bodies.

Framework governance structure infographic

The EEC Professional Certifications Framework Policy

The purpose of the EEC Professional Certifications Framework is to promote the effective delivery of energy and related services across Australia.

The Framework does this by establishing and maintaining a national certification framework under which multiple professional certifications are administered. The Framework is designed to define standards for industry participants, facilitate the procurement decisions of energy management customers, reduce project risk, support the achievement of energy and carbon management objectives and support the successful delivery of government policy and programs.

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The Energy Efficiency Council’s role

The Energy Efficiency Council is the peak body representing Australia’s energy management, energy efficiency and demand flexibility sector. The EEC administers the Framework to continually improve the capacity and capability of the sector to improve the comfort and health of buildings and the productivity and competitiveness of businesses while supporting deep decarbonisation across the Australian economy.

Policy commitments

In fulfilling its role administering the Framework, the EEC will:

  • Maintain an independent Steering Committee responsible for oversight of the Framework;
  • Maintain an impartial and confidential application process based on independent assessment by relevant experts;
  • Provide certification to parties that meet the certification criteria set out in the Rules and relevant Professional Certification Sub-Rules regardless of EEC affiliation;
  • Provide an impartial complaints process for the customers of certified parties;
  • Ensure efficiency and consistency by building on existing training, certifications and standards;
  • Comply with legal and regulatory requirements applicable to the Framework;
  • Provide a transparent process for continual improvement of the Framework, which considers Framework performance, government policy, industry requirements, and the views of interested parties; and
  • Maintain the Framework as long as is necessary to meet the Framework’s purpose, or until circumstances render the Framework unnecessary, as determined by the EEC’s Board.

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee is made up of experts from government, industry, consumer groups and the EEC Board, and exists to ensure that the EEC Professional Certifications Framework meets the needs of the sector as a whole. The Steering Committee is responsible for overseeing the activities of the Secretariat  and Certification Reference Groups.

Steering Committee members are:

  • Monique Alfris
  • Barbara Blake
  • Sam Burke
  • Jenny Edwards
  • Scott Ferraro
  • Grace Foo
  • Merrily Hunter
  • Lara Lloyd
  • Alan Pears

The Ombudsperson

The Ombudsperson is responsible for considering complaints, appeals and suspected poor conduct of individuals certified under the Framework.

They are responsible for all of the following duties, in accordance with the Framework Rules and the relevant sub-rules:

  • Reviewing appeals from Candidates regarding the determinations of the relevant Assessment Panel on applications for certification or renewal of certification;
  • Reviewing complaints from energy and related services customers against individuals certified under the Framework;
  • Reviewing appeals from individuals regarding the Secretariat’s decision to suspend or revoke that individual’s certification;
  • Reviewing the certification status of individuals suspected of breaching the Rules, and/or relevant Professional Certification Sub-Rules and/or Code of Conduct; and
  • Reviewing complaints regarding Framework and Professional Certifications administration and governance.

The Board has appointed Bruce Precious as the Ombudsperson.

Independent Expert(s)

The Independent Expert(s) are responsible for providing technical advice to the Board on relevant matters, when the Board considers that such an appointment is required.

Bruce Rowse has been appointed by the Board as an Independent Expert for the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2024, with responsibility for supporting the assessment of the Certified EnMS Advisor Exam, and refinement of the Certified EnMS Advisor Evidence Guide, where necessary.

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct sets out the standards required of certified individuals, provides guidance to them in carrying out their duties and responsibilities, and is the basis for assessing complaints.

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Code of Conduct:

The EEC Professional Certifications Framework Code of Conduct sets out the standards of professional conduct required of certified individuals. It provides guidance to assist them in carrying out their duties and responsibilities, and a basis for assessing complaints regarding their professional conduct. Adherence to this Code of Conduct is a mandatory requirement of certification.

Certification may be revoked if it is found that a certified individual has not adhered to this Code.

As per the Framework Rules, Certified individuals shall:

  • Maintain high standards of professional ethics at all times;
  • Provide objective, accurate and outcome focussed advice, ensuring energy management opportunities are identified, considered and assessed from the earliest stages of project design through to project completion, and support the promotion and identification of opportunities for continuous improvement in energy performance where appropriate to do so;
  • Ensure Energy and Related Services activities comply with Applicable Law, and undertake reasonable steps to ensure compliance by employees, sub-contractors, sub-consultants, or other third parties undertaking Energy and Related Services work for or on behalf of the certified individual;
  • Undertake reasonable steps to ensure suitably qualified and experienced persons are engaged to undertake project activities;
  • Conduct project work in accordance with appropriate frameworks, including all relevant legislation and Australian Standards, for quality assurance and occupational health and safety;
  • Ensure that Energy and Related Services projects are developed on the basis of valid and accurate data;
  • Ensure that clients are provided with the information necessary to fairly assess Energy and Related Services performance;
  • Maintain appropriately detailed records, including accurate Energy and Related Services objectives and outcomes.
  • If required, provide documentation to the Framework administrator within a reasonable timeframe when requested (subject to confidentiality requirements);
  • Commit to ongoing professional development, including through undertaking any ongoing Continuing Professional Development in accordance with the Rules and relevant Professional Certification Sub-Rules;
  • Identify and declare conflicts of interest to clients as soon as possible;
  • Not participate in collusive or anti-competitive conduct;
  • Adhere to project and client confidentiality requirements;
  • Not advertise, present or discuss services in a manner that may discredit the energy management sector, the profession or the Framework;
  • Use the name or Logos of the Framework and relevant Professional Certifications in the manner outlined in the Rules; and
  • Not breach the Rules or Professional Certification Sub-Rules.

Appeals, complaints and reviews

Detailed processes for appeals, complaints and reviews are set out in the Framework Rules.

The process followed by the independent Ombudsperson for addressing appeals and complaints differs depending on the issue. There are four broad types of reviews recognised under the Framework Rules:

  • Candidates for certification or renewal of certification may lodge an appeal if they wish to challenge the outcome of their assessment;
  • Clients of a certified individual may lodge a complaint if they believe a breach of the Code of Conduct or the Framework Rules has occurred;
  • The Secretariat may trigger a review of a certified individual if they receive information that leads them to suspect a breach of the Code of Conduct or the Framework Rules has occurred; and
  • Directly interested stakeholders may lodge a complaint regarding the administration or governance of the framework.

For more details on complaints and appeals processes, see the Framework Rules.

Framework Rules and sub-rules

Further information about the governance and operations of the EEC Professional Certifications Framework can be found in the Framework Rules and sub-rules: