COC Development Compliance Officer Course
This 4-day course covers the role of the Compliance Officers in a local government environment and is ideal for those new to the role of the Compliance Officer or those wishing gain the initial training that may assist them to gain a position.
Course Dates:
Part 1 (Days 2 & 2) - Thursday 27th and Friday 28th February 2020
Part 2 (Days 3 & 4) 0 Thursday 26th and Friday 27th March 2020
The scope of work undertaken by Compliance officers varies across jurisdictions,
however the basic fundamentals remain the same. Compliance officers require an
understanding of relevant legislation, policy and compliance requirements that are
consistent with traditional, new and emerging trends. The Compliance Officer
makes a significant contribution to society by fostering, and where necessary,
enforcing compliance requirements in a way that meets the community and
Council expectations.
In order competently fulfill their functions, the Compliance officer must have a good
understanding of :
• The roles and responsibilities of the compliance officer
• The requirements of the relevant legislation
• The NSW Planning system
• How to plan, initiate, conduct and finalise compliance investigation
• The responsibilities of other stakeholders who may be involved
• How to achieve positive results
Our Trainer - Peter O'Connor
The course will be managed by Peter O’Connor. For over 10 years Peter has operated in both operational and senior management levels in NSW Local Government, and brings a great deal of experience in the development and delivery of compliance based training. Peter's background includes 6 years as a Specialist Investigator with the NSW EPA, 15 years in the field of criminal investigation with the NSW Police, and a further 10 years as Divisional Manager of Environmental Standards at Fairfield City Council. Peter holds a Post Graduate Degree in Local Government Management along with several Certificate IV qualifications including Workplace Training and Assessment and Risk Management, and remains connected with local government in his current role as the Manager of Environmental Health and Building Regulation at Inner West Council.
Peter is considered by many a subject expert in areas of development compliance & environmental investigations, enforcement and regulatory frameworks, and we are privileged to have him on board.
| Course Overview | Course Units | Price | Dates & Registration |
Program structure
This course is delivered face to face over 4 days
Day 1: 27 February 2020
Working With a Legislative Framework
This session gives participants an interesting overview of the function of the council compliance officer including the delegations, authorisations and legislation that dictates the approaches required in this field of work.
We will introduce you to the various planning instruments created though the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) and demystify their interpretation and application. Information provided in this session will result in an improved practical understanding of the role of the compliance officer.
The day’s learning also include our interactive session on how to read construction plans particularly associated with DA, CDC & CCs, and relevant definitions. This is a fundamental requirement for all compliance investigators.
- Role of the Compliance Officer
- Delegations & Certificates of Authority
- Environmental Planning Instruments LEP, DCP & SEPPs
- What’ a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), Building Certificate (BC)
- Referencing National Construction Code & (NCC-BCA) within compliance context
- Role of the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA)
- Interactive session- interpreting construction plans
Day 2 - 28 February 2020
Understand and Apply legislation
This session builds on the learnings of Day 1 and introduces you to the investigative powers that support you in undertaking your role in compliance. From these learnings you will be able to critically review and apply your powers across the broad range of reportable activities
We believe that by the end of this session your level of confidence and competence will markedly increase. After all knowledge is power, being able to correctly apply your legislative powers is paramount to a successful resolution.
- Development Applications, Consents and the Compliance officer
- Investigative powers under EP&A Act (Including powers of entry, questioning, seizure & recording of evidence)
- Investigation powers under Local Gov’t Act (Including powers of entry, questioning, seizure & recording of evidence)
- Defining authorised, unauthorised & prohibited works/ use in a compliance context
- Developing compliance-based responses using Compliance & Enforcement Policy
Day 3- 26 March 2020
Tools of the Trade
This session will focus on the two Acts most regularly used by Council compliance staff. Drawing from each Act, we will guide you on how to create statutory orders used to remedy many compliance based matters. We also review some NSW case law associated with the creation and issuing of statutory order and where things can sometimes go wrong.
We discuss some of the more common complaint types and provide alternate options to resolve some of these matters by drawing from learnings in Day 2, including the use of your Council’s Compliance & Enforcement Policy to structure defined responses.
- NOI & Orders regime under Schedule 5 Environmental Planning Act 1979
- NOI & Orders regime under s. 124 Local Government Act 193
- Accommodation types (unauthorised boarding houses, Airbnb, backpacker, student)
- Investigating overgrown vegetation
- Dealing with storm water & overland water flow complaints
- Understanding easements
Day 4- 27 March 2020
Domestic Bliss and More
This session is structured around life and living and pulls together all of our previous days learnings to review and address many of the typical domestic type complaints. We will have some open and frank discussion on how to best deal with issues such as squalor and hoarding from a compliance perspective.
What happens when you finally need to prepare for and conduct a formal record of interview regarding compliance issues which Council hasn’t been able to otherwise resolve. We’ll show you how to structure and undertake a formal interview. We will also have some fun doing some role plays with the interview process.
We wrap up the day with some good information on preparing to give evidence in Court. You shouldn’t miss this session!
- Squalor & Hoarding, a compliance investigator’s perspective
- Common property & the Lot
- Home occupation, business & industry
- Dividing fence & encroachment complaints
- Structuring a formal Interview
- Formal interview role play
- Prepare to give evidence in Court
Timeframe
This is a four day course scheduled for:
Day 1 - 27 February 2020
Day 2 - 28 February 2020
Day 3 - 26 March 2020
Day 4 - 27 March 2020