Who we are:
The BC Council of Administrative Tribunals (BCCAT) is a membership based, non-profit organization that supports the administrative justice community. Our members are primarily members, lawyers, and staff of administrative tribunals in British Columbia. The Board of Directors is comprised of colleagues from the administrative justice community who are elected by the membership at BCCAT’s Annual General Meeting. BCCAT has five volunteer committees that are supported by Board involvement and are responsible for executing BCCAT’s vision and mission. BCCAT course instructors are practicing professionals – with hands-on experience in the administrative justice community.
Our whole reason for being:
- To equip our members and colleagues with the tools to excel in the administrative tribunal community;
- To address common concerns of members within the administrative justice community;
- To consult with Government to improve the administrative justice system;
- To liaise with parallel organizations, federally and in other provinces, on cooperative ventures and issues of common concern.
Our education philosophy is threefold:
- Quality training and education, specifically designed for our professionals is critical for success in the administrative justice community;
- Targeted training for administrative justice professionals will provide our community (and customers) with superior service;
- Our colleagues are best positioned to design and deliver education specifically geared to the tribunal community.
BCCAT delivers on unique training needs:
Administrative tribunals are separate and unique from the traditional court system. Members require training specifically tailored to the tribunal community.
BCCAT delivers custom designed training to prepare tribunal members and staff. Existing members require periodic refreshers and training on more advanced adjudicative skills. Emphasis is on practical, hands-on workshops.
We explore how to tackle real-life challenges in managing and adjudicating cases:
- What are the ethical considerations when hearing a case?
- What are the underlying principles in administrative law and natural justice?
- What practical techniques are used to resolve disputes without hearings?
- How do you manage difficult hearings?
- How do you assess credibility and weigh evidence?
- How do you write clear, concise and coherent decisions?