NSW state insurer icare has partnered with the Personal Injury Educational Foundation (PIEF) to establish an educational scheme for workers’ compensation claim professionals as part of its Professional Standards Framework.

The project aims to promote career progression for workers’ compensation claims professionals to ensure they can achieve appropriate results for their clients.

As part of the next phase in the framework, it intends to focus on the accreditation pathway for claims management professionals with improved access to certificate-level learning.

icare intends to utilise qualitative vocational education to reinforce the practices and skills embedded within its framework.

CEO and MD Richard Harding says enhancing the skills of claim managers will lead to improved outcomes for workers.

“Case officers are the foundation of our support system for injured workers, and they play a crucial role for individuals in the delivery of treatment and return to work,” Mr Harding said.

“The enhanced learning suite being guided by PIEF will help our sector to retain experienced case officers and attract talented newcomers into rewarding careers.

“This is a significant step forward in improving performance across the industry.”

icare announced in November last year that the framework was developed with several governmental and regulatory agencies as well as the Claims Service Providers and industry research.

PIEF CEO Noel Lyons says the organisation is honoured to work with icare to deliver on educational standards that promote fair and consistent outcomes for workers.

“There are strong synergies between PIEF and icare, as we both share a commitment to uplift the capabilities of workers’ compensation claims management professionals and provide the highest levels of service to injured workers and their employers.

“Our mission is to empower our industry to provide knowledgeable and compassionate care, and this important program of work will support claims management professionals to do this with industry-leading education and career guidance.”