Representations are communications aimed at influencing a decision, given on behalf of a PSA and indicating that they represent the views or position of the PSA.
Keep the PSAC chairperson informed of representations you are making or thinking about making.
Outside-representation permission requirements for PSAs
Please see section 33.06 in the Members' Guide to the BCTF for the official policy.
PSAs are required to seek permission from the Federation for certain types of representation to outside organizations and individuals. Some forms of outside representation do not need permission but must be reported annual on Form 4 – PSA Outside Representation form. Request for outside representation authorization should be emailed to: psa-coordinator@bctf.ca.
Outside representation is defined as: communications aimed at influencing the decision-making of an external body.
Outside representations may be categorized into one of two groups, those that require:
- Authorization, and must be reported.
- No authorization required but must be reported.
Other communications with organizations, that do not fall under the definition of outside representation above, do NOT need to be reported on Form 4.
Authorization required
- Any proposal that relates to working and learning conditions, standards of specialist qualifications, teacher education and educational facilities.
- Any briefs or media releases.
- Actions to influence the Ministry of Education’s policies and procedures, including those of the Teacher Regulation Branch and those related to school programs, curriculum, assessment, implementation, and school organization and operations.
- Representations to commissions/hearings.
- Representations to the ministry on curriculum, assessment, policy, administrative matters.
- Representations to agencies or organizations such as universities, community colleges, vocational schools.
- Formal participation in public pressure groups or organizations.
- Representation on ministry, university or other outside committees.
- Representation on areas of general concern to education or affecting teacher education requirements.
- Liaison with business and industry.
- Liaison with universities, community colleges, vocational schools other than articulation meetings.
- Informal discussions with ministry officials regarding ministry programs.
No authorization required (but need to be reported)
- Response to questions initiated by the media.
- Affiliation with other professional groups.
- Articulation meetings with post-secondary institutions.