Introduction

The primary aims of the College are to secure proper public recognition of the professional status of the Will Writing practitioners and to raise and maintain the standards of knowledge and understanding and competence within the profession. The College regards these aims as mutually inclusive and recognises the diversity of entrants into the profession, the wide range of vocational needs, the nature and degree of support that is obtained from the organisation of which one is associated.

The College is also concerned with the consumer within the Will Writing marketplace and from the consequences that may arise from the advice given based on incompetence or misinterpretation.

The College offers a range of courses and qualifications that provide scope and flexibility for the personal development of all Will Writing practitioners irrespective of age, experience, expertise and qualification. With modules appropriate to the induction of new entrants to the profession through to that suitable for the experienced practitioner who is prepared to devote intensive personal study to gain a level of knowledge and personal expertise and hold the right to call themselves Estate Planning Practitioner.

In order to meet its stated objectives the College offers courses to all Will writers without prejudice. Membership of the Society of Will Writers is not a precondition to enrolment nor does the College intend to impose any minimum standard of general academic achievement as a standard of entry.

The Society does impose a fixed relationship between examination success and membership grade, and as such, achievements are taken into account when considering membership applications or re-grading of membership status.

Learning methods are by correspondence distance learning and residential, with continued specialised courses of half and one day duration thus enabling the Will Writing practitioner to continue their personal development.

The College has a dedicated training centre in Lincoln at the Society’s head office which offers both residential and specialised courses. The two day induction course is run monthly at the Royal Hotel in Ross on Wye, the three day course in Lincoln. As demand for courses continues to grow further centres are planned, the next possibly being at Brighton University to serve the South East later in 2006.

Further training and education is encouraged through the regions and with 13 active groups and more planned for later this year, obtaining CPD (Continuing Professional Development) hours has never been easier and with the added bonus of the opportunity to meet like minded people and make new friends, and to listen and discuss with eminent speakers from a whole range of bodies relevant to our profession.

The Society has made it compulsory for all members to maintain a minimum of 16 CPD hours each year and attendance at your local group means that this should be easily achieved. The College also maintains the on-line Free & Easy CPD scheme offered to members through the member’s forum each month.