Aarc / icf

[sloth]

Anyone on here either ICF or AA registered consultant?

I wonder what benefits you think each brings, and the best route to take to achieve either status?

Comments from anyone registered or not are welcomed, thank you...

[Paul Barton]

Hi Sloth,

I am neither a Reg. Con (AA) or Chartered Arb (ICF) but am planning to be!

 

The AA Reg Con scheme is currently undergoing some changes which should improve it alot. A new, easier to understand (hopefully!) information and application pack is being designed at the moment, and the criteria for assessment will become much clearer.

 

The AA Reg Con directory is populated by some of the best and most well known names in our industry so it must have some value - at a minimum just being in it associates you with the best in class! However, the list hasn't changed much over the last few years and it has a perception of an old boys club which the AA are trying to change.

 

I gather that some clients only approach AA Reg Cons, especially for expert witness work - so it has some commercial value. However, it is an expensive scheme to stay on as the annual fees are quite high.

 

The major difference between them is that the ICF holds the charter for Arboriculture. To my mind, this gives the ICF a significant edge. If arbs want to have influence in a sphere dominated by architects, town planners, building surveyors etc then they need an equal footing. All these other industries have 'chartered' members rather than 'registered' consultants accredited by a fairly obscure organisation.

 

I think the AA scheme may still hold more kudos though - from what I have seen the route to becoming an AA Reg Con is very tough, probably tougher than for the Chartered Arb. However, the chartered arb does require evidence of thousands of hours of work experience plus more formal assessment so it's also pretty rigorous.

 

I am attending a workshop on Thursday about how to work towards Chartership (good idea by the ICF to have a workshop) so I'll let you know if I find out much more.

[sloth]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Some good points, thank you...

[RobArb]

The chartered status you get from the AA is chartered environmentalist

 

Sent from Rob's GalaxySII

[sloth]

As I understand it, the AA registered consultant and chartered environmentalist are two separate things entirely. The CEnv being a status the AA is licensed to give members who meet certain criteria. See here: http://www.trees.org.uk/membership/Chartered-environmentalist