ATSILS on staff development and training

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (QLD) Ltd (ATSILS) delivers criminal, family and civil law services. It also offers community legal education, law reform and prisoner care services. It also monitors deaths in custody and police complaints.

Legal staff development and training is integral to the quality of client service delivery. Staff are sent to a wide variety of external training programs, conferences and seminars with an emphasis on developing their skills. Staff development is also supported via their Studies and Continuing Professional Development Policy. This gives staff time off to attend university lectures or sit exams.

Internally, ATSILS provide a fortnightly Continuing Professional Development Program. These internal presentations also attract external participants – such as solicitors and barristers from the private bar. ATSILS also conducts regular multi-day workshops for staff and managers. The central focus is on managerial skills. Ongoing development and mentoring by line managers and professionals provides advice and guidance on a daily basis.

“Our organisation is governed by an Aboriginal board of directors and led by an Aboriginal CEO ensuring our work is both connected to and accountable to community and cultural needs and that these needs remain embedded with organisational strategic development practices and processes.”
– Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service Victoria, category A shortlisted applicant, Indigenous Governance Awards, 2016.