As a member of ISVA, your interests are represented by a Council of Members from different parts of the UK who meet regularly and are committed to addressing topical issues which affect, or might affect, members in small practices.

RICS 'Agenda for Change', with particular emphasis on global expansion, has altered the whole structure of the Institution. Whilst 'internationalism' is inevitable, it can be demoralising to see subscription income directed towards those projects which have no direct benefit for individual UK-based members.

A show of hands at the ISA AGM 2002 was almost unanimous in perception that RICS has little regard for individual members and that subscriptions represent merely a licence to practice.

ISVA was cautious, indeed pessimistic, about effects of 'Agenda for Change' and also urged members to consider carefully the resolutions of the EGM last year. It is clear that the new structure of RICS discourages complaint and to alter the present system for benefit of members is either not possible, or such a difficult, long-winded procedure that it can be discounted.

Council has given the new structure time to develop in order to assess its effects before taking positive action itself but, quite clearly, if RICS is not structured to look after individual members and interests of small businesses which constitute a large proportion of its membership, then ISA must assume this role. In response to AGM 2002, Council is re-branding ISVA to meet the needs of its members.

Membership of ISVA offers, or will shortly offer, the following benefits:

Subsidised CPD
Members of Council make no charge for their time. Profits generated from events, e.g. AGM or Regional Conferences, is used to develop other benefits for members.

Website:
Log-on to the ISVA website, www.surveyorsweb.co.uk which is rapidly developing and expanding.

Logo
A new logo to replace the erstwhile 'lion and ranging rod' which most members previously displayed with pride on letter headings as a quality mark, but which is no longer permitted and, indeed, a disciplinary matter if breached.

Charter Code:
Council is defining the standards which a client can expect when employing a charter member of ISVA. Although Chartered Surveyors are expected to adopt professional standards, ISVA members can offer more than the basic requirement and should be prepared to state those standards.

Members who return a Declaration to ISVA agreeing to abide by the Code will receive a unique registration number which will entitle use of the new ISVA logo and registration number.

The Charter Code will be promoted on the ISVA website and members will be encouraged to send copies to key professional acquaintances, as well as to clients when taking instructions or confirming instructions.

Membership Cards:
Issue of membership cards, possibly incorporating a photograph, with a further associated use in obtaining benefits for members - e.g. member-discounts for purchases etc.

Customer Help line:
Dedicated Free phone Number for members of the public in finding an ISVA member, answering general enquiries and promoting the precept 'The Client First'.

Newsletter:
Regular newsletters to include topical matters of professional interest.

Promotional Material:
Expansion and development of promotional material for use by members.

Dedicated Complaints Management:
ISVA, in consultation with RICS, has developed a dedicated complaints procedure for use of members if required. Guidance on handling and resolving complaints is available from volunteer members of ISVA Council.

Local Groups/Surgeries:
Guidance is available for those members prepared to promote networking and fraternity in the profession by setting up local groups of ISVA members for mutual benefit.

Professional Guidance:
Council members are available at all times to offer a professional 'ear' for members wishing to discuss business problems and to provide the type of business contact which might be available in a larger firm from colleagues, but is occasionally difficult to obtain in a small practice.

Patron:
Council wishes to appoint a patron of suitable calibre to promote the ideals and precepts of ISVA.

National Directory:
The next issue will provide a membership list in alphabetical order and contact names for each firm to assist networking.

Networking:
As members of ISVA sharing common goals and principles, we all benefit by promoting our own business and other ISVA members as a group of Chartered Surveyors dedicated to putting the client first and providing a high quality, professional service. Your Council has provided the means of interlinking and it is up to all of us as members to use the network on a reciprocal basis and to direct the general public to other members of ISVA in other parts of the UK or for specific skills.

Finally, good luck and hope for a successful future for us all.

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