Jury members: a day of information and exchange

Published on: 16/02/2024Updated on: 16/02/2024

They are domestic employees or individual employers. Some have been with us for years, and others have recently joined the ranks of our jury members. Their commitment to us supports (future) employees. We held this day of information sharing and discussion to explain our key mission: developing professional training programs as mandated by the domestic employment sector. It was also an opportunity to discuss industry developments and how these affect their roles as jury members.

Focus on IPERIA's prospective work

Meeting, reuniting, exchanging and getting informed. These were the objectives of the national jury members' day.

The first point addressed by our teams is IPERIA's support of the individual employment and domestic work sector in monitoring and observing the evolution of professions, skills, and qualifications. In simple terms, as explained by Mathieu Le Floch, Head of Professional Studies and Foresight Service at IPERIA, we are in a constantly evolving sector, subject to demographic, economic, political, socio-cultural, technological, and ecological dynamics. Evolving skill needs require us to rethink how we adapt our training programs. IPERIA conducts forward-looking work and produces data, studies, surveys, etc.

We shared these insights with jury members to help them understand how industry changes affect both the professions and the skills they evaluate. This gave them the tools they need to adapt their assessment approach.

Update on professional qualifications and certifications

By participating in the evaluation of (future) employees, jury members contribute to sector professionalization and provide access to the qualifications of "childcare provider/childminder", "family assistant," and "dependency personal carer". It is, therefore, crucial that they can follow the evolution of these level 3 qualifications, and certifications, and be informed of developments. For this, Camille Savre, Head of Professional Certifications and Skills Engineering Service, reviewed the resubmission of these qualifications that took place last July. Why does IPERIA undertake this restructuring work? "Because it is necessary to prove employability in the sector and the alignment of qualifications with employment" she specified.

Camille Savre highlighted IPERIA's new specialized certificates program, which develops complementary skills. As jury members, they will be evaluating candidates for these certificates. Among ongoing projects, a certificate focused on home coordination is currently under development.It aims to formalize a role often carried out by personal carers: coordinating multiple service providers within their individual employer's home.

Another ongoing project: IPERIA's development of a level 2 core qualification, focused on housekeeping, for entering the sector and validating initial necessary skills. With this qualification, the employee can take care of the home, and not necessarily the people as is the case for level 3. Experiments are underway, as well as preparation for submission to France Compétences.

New RPL: what impact for IPERIA jury members?

One of our jury members' roles is the evaluation of candidates who are looking to get certified through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). With changes happening to the RPL system, it was crucial to share this information widely at this national event.

Stéphanie Letreneuf, France RPL Program Deployment Officer, provided her expertise and explained to jury members the current national reform, which aims to secure, simplify, and modernize procedures. A reform that notably materializes through the implementation of a single platform. As part of this RPL overhaul, IPERIA was consulted for its exemplary practices, including short timeframes, a branch actively engaged in skills development planning, and salary maintenance initiatives. Additionally, we participated in the REVA and REVA 2 experiments, which introduced a pivotal new role: the pathway architect support officer (AAP) responsible for supporting candidates at each step of their RPL. For the individual employment and domestic work branch, IPERIA ensures this mission via its telephone platform.

As a result, RPL is becoming both more accessible and increasingly in demand. This shift will directly affect our jury members, who will evaluate a growing number of candidates pursuing this pathway.

Europe’s influence now extends even into certification jury rooms.

Jury members may have wondered why IPERIA's European commitment was on the agenda for this day. Marion Marty, Head of European and International Projects, clearly explained they shared common issues with our European neighbors in the "household and family services sector". Trends at the European level often influence national policies, which is one of the reasons IPERIA actively participates in European dynamics. As a member of the European Federation for Family Employment (EFFE), which celebrated 10th anniversary in 2023, by sharing expertise (networks, expert meetings), investing in European partnership projects. European projects that can infuse and subsequently have an impact in France, for (future) employees, and therefore for jury members responsible for evaluating them. Marion Marty gave the two following examples:

Child'In: a pioneering project that led to the collective development of specific training to support home care for children with autism spectrum disorders. This project was designated as an "example of good practice" by the Erasmus+ Agency.
MiCare+: an ongoing project following MiCare, which supported the professional integration of migrant women. With MiCare+, European partners wish to come together around a project inspired by the Personal Carers' Centers model (RAVie).

Expression and information workshops

After a morning full of insights, the IPERIA teams organized workshops focused on three different themes:

How do you bring in other jury members?
What are the best practices of a jury member?
Let's stay up to date with new developments!

Each workshop began with presentations from domestic employees and individual employers participating in this event. They were asked: "What was your most meaningful or most memorable experience as a jury member?”

This overview highlighted many memorable experiences. And the word "emotion" was the most frequently mentioned. A largely positive emotion, even if some memories were more nuanced... The feeling of being part of a "life journey" and supporting "trajectories" was also frequently expressed. Not to mention the importance of "forgetting one's preconceptions" when being a jury member.

The first workshop allowed everyone to understand that a jury member is there to seek out the positive, to express benevolence. This experience promotes skill development, and not just for employees.

The second workshop, featuring practical exercises, led to the creation of two lexicons:

Values and principles of jury members including: politeness, respect, secularism, benevolence, non-judgment, solidarity
Postures and best practices include neutrality, active listening, a welcoming attitude, the ability to rephrase when needed, and a friendly demeanor

Finally, the third workshop provided key information for jury members' future. A large quiz brought out the important words from this day and those that will count in the future. Thus, the term "Snoezelen" conquered first place. What is it? This method consists of dedicating time to people in an appropriate space for activities based on sensory stimulation, alone or in groups. A valued method for supporting people with loss of autonomy. "Home automation" also had its moment of glory, and that's quite logical since this term encompasses all tools that simplify daily life at home. It truly is a burning topic in our sector... There was also mention of the year "1994": the date when IPERIA was born. Our thirtieth anniversary is therefore approaching, but that's another story.

Discoveries, exchanges, emotions, learning: this day was unanimously judged useful and enriching. For jury members but also, in more ways than one, for IPERIA teams. A big thank you to all!

Have you thought about becoming a jury member? To join us, visit www.devenirjury.iperia.eu