First business to achieve SPS Certification
Congratulations to All Strata Management Services on becoming the first business in Australia to achieve Strata Management Practice Standard (SPS) Certification.
It’s an outstanding accomplishment for Director, Cherith Pettitt-Jones (pictured with SCA WA General Manager, Barry Doyle) and her team, “It’s very exciting to be the first business in all of Australia certified, especially as this program was originally driven by WA so it’s nice to have a WA company be the first”.
In the absence of licensing requirements for Strata Managers, the SPS program provides peace of mind for lot owners, knowing the business’s policies, procedures and accounts are audited annually. Cherith outlined that “there is a perception out there (for most buildings) that strata managers are licensed, regulated and governed. Strata is a self-regulating industry and it’s encouraging that our peak body is now doing something and putting certification in place”. She also believes that the SPS process was a great opportunity to put in writing longstanding, often verbal, policies and procedures.
What is the SPS Certification?
SPS is a voluntary practice for strata management businesses, in relation to their own internal procedures as well as contractual relationships with their clients. Through an independent audited process, the SPS recognises strata management businesses that have developed and adhered to documented internal processes, which are implemented to improve both client satisfaction and internal business processes.
With the impending reforms, Cherith was very keen to get this done, acknowledging some of her forms and procedures will have to change with the reforms, she also noted “if you haven’t got any policies in writing already, then it’s not going to impact you as you’ll have to start from scratch anyway”. She does acknowledge that time can be an issue, but it’s worth finding the time to complete the program as it is great for the industry.
This article first appeared in a Strata Community Association WA Newsletter on 21 Oct 2019.
If you’re a strata management business and are interested in the SPS Program, see their information book. Alternatively contact the Strata Community Association WA office if you have any queries.
