Notes of OISC Regional Roundtable Events held in London and Brighton  August, 2009

Three Roundtable discussion events took place in August 2009 and as with previous years, the events were over subscribed.  A number of OISC staff were available to answer questions; Head of Casework and Competence, Amy Jupp, Head of Policy, Clyde James, caseworkers, and a member of the Complaints Investigation team.

OISC Website

The Chairman put questions to the floor requesting feedback about the redesigned OISC Website.  Most advisers found the new layout different to the old version and were getting used to the format. Some, however, expressed difficulty in navigating their way around the new site.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Scheme

Sally Hainsworth, CPD Coordinator raised a number of points relating to advisors completion of CPD portfolios for last year, (ending March 31 2009), and for this year (ending March 31), 2010.  Last year too many advisers had failed to log their CPD hours by the required deadline. This meant that everyone tried to log a years work in a couple of weeks before the cut off time, causing the system to crash. The deadline was extended, enabling everyone to complete their portfolio. This year, no extension will be granted for late logging of CPD hours, or for the completion of portfolios. 

Advisers raised a number of issues with the CPD scheme. The online training programme (Open University) had technical inaccuracies on tests that had been outstanding for a while.  Reassurance was given that those concerned had been contacted and that the matter would be resolved in the near future. 

All advisers requested clarification of what categories of training could be considered for inclusion as CPD, and the difference between Core and Non-core knowledge.  An explanation of what is accepted as CPD can be found in the guidance notes in the CPD section of the OISC website.  If further clarification is needed, please email any questions to the training coordinator.

Consultations 

The Chairman informed advisers that the UKBA (United Kingdom Border Agency) had launched a consultation on the regulation of the UKs immigration advice services sector.  The consultation, Oversight of the Immigration Sector is part of the UKBAs plan to reform the immigration sector.  It outlines three options for the scope and structure of the future regulation of immigration advice and services.  Advisers were strongly advised to engage in the various consultations.

A full copy of the consultation is available on the UKBAs website www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/consultations/current/

Points Based System (PBS) Tier 4

Advisers put forward a number of views on how they thought the PBS system was working in general. 

• Overseas consulates were each working to different policies, thus their decisions are not consistent.
• There is a zero tolerance policy if an error is made on application forms. The fee has to be paid again when the corrected application is re-submitted.
• There is a huge demand for the service before the new system comes into force.
• Too many certificates of sponsorship were being offered to people from their companies.
• UKBA Application forms change too often.
• Fees for applications are too high.  

The Chairman informed all that they should consider contacting the Home Office with their concerns about the new system.