AA Conference 2010 - an overview

[arb culture]

Paul,

 

I'm a member of the AA and value a lot of what it does.

 

But...

 

If the AA really wanted a bigger voice for the industry it would have joined forces with other organisations such as the ISA, among others.

 

I know that both the AA and the ISA membership voted with a huge majority in favour of some kind of merger - which has never happened.

 

I also note that recently the AA membership was not consulted on a possible deal with the only trustmark provider for our industry, and yet they have rejected any possible coalition. If 'raising the standards of practice' cannot be done in co-operation with the only government approved scheme for our sector, then I start to wonder why.

 

I really think that membership has it's advantages, and I'll certainly be renewing next year, but if the AA really wants a a bigger voice it needs (yes, needs) to work a lot more closely with other arb organisations in future.

[Silver Back]

As a brief answer to the merger, yes the membership did overwhelming vote in favour. The devil would be in the detail, the industry has a place for both organisations. I believe that they are moving closer together in more of a common understanding small steps in the right direction approach.

Personally not sure if an outright merger would be a positive one, and realise this is getting off topic a bit. Might have to start another one!

So back to the thread, ISA would charge in the form of membership benefits for the research etc, however Barchams free seminars often have speakers that include may companies/organisations