Divisional Councils

Role of the Divisional Councils

The Divisional Councils’ key role is member engagement and local support for CPA Australia and in helping to maintain the integrity of the Program. Divisional Councils are an important link between the members and CPA Australia’s Board and the organisation more broadly. Depending on the size and complexity of the Division, regional committee branches, speciality interest and sector committees or networks may support the work of Divisional Councils in member engagement and advocacy activities.

The role of the Divisional Councils is to:

1. work with General Managers and Country Heads to develop and implement annual Member Engagement Plans for the Divisional Councils, that align with the organisational strategy and reflect member inputs including research insights
2. enhance relationships with key stakeholders including employers, government and educational institutions, through representation in the community to promote the CPA Australia Program and brand to decision makers. Also leverage the Divisional Councils’ relationships with community leaders to create external advocates and supporters
3. identify matters to be raised with the Member Engagement Committee (MEC) through the Member Engagement processes
4. provide the forum for professional debate on relevant issues impacting the organisation and the profession
5. contribute to the effective representation of all members within the Division, including succession planning and managing committees and networks
6. promote the skills, qualifications and professionalism of members
7. contribute to the strategy and direction of CPA Australia for the benefit of all its members, and
8. discharge the responsibilities of the Divisional Councils as contained in the Constitution or otherwise delegated by the Board of Directors from time to time including, but not limited to:
   • making decisions regarding Special Admission* applications to CPA status
   • appointing Divisional Council members to the Appointments Council
   • nominating members for CPA Australia awards, including Divisional President’s awards and
   • communicating key messages of the Board to members.

Individual Divisional Councillors act as advocates for CPA Australia and for members of the Division in their regions and spheres of influence.

_{*CPA Australia has long established, flexible and widely available pathways to membership as a CPA. These pathways are important to maintaining and raising the standard of professional accountants in Australia and internationally. The CPA Australia Board holds the authority to approve an individual to membership through the Special Admission Process. The Board has delegated this approval to Divisional Councils regarding admission as a CPA. The authority delegated to Councils may not be further delegated. Candidates are to be considered by the Division they reside in or one closest to and the most appropriate for the region.}

_{The granting of membership through this pathway should be exercised with great care and add to the integrity of the CPA credential and bring benefit to CPA Australia without any perception of compromising the quality of the CPA credential. Additionally, Special Admission should not be considered an alternative pathway for those who do not meet the requirements of the available pathways to membership.}