The Society of Will Writers and the Institute of Professional Will Writers Compared
Overview
The Society of Will Writers (SWW) and The Institute of Professional Will Writers (IPW) are leading professional bodies in the UK, each dedicated to promoting excellence in will writing and estate planning. Both organisations aim to elevate professional and ethical standards, offer comprehensive training, and ensure consumer protection.
Historical Background and Establishment
The SWW was founded in 1994 by Brian McMillan. Its primary aim was to represent professional will writers and safeguard consumers by promoting high standards and ethical practices.
The IPW was established in 1991 by a group of will writers. It was created to support professionals in the field and ensure that consumers received quality advice and service. The IPW was established as a self-regulatory body to safeguard the public.
Both organisations aim to protect consumers from unethical business practices.
Accreditation and Membership Criteria
Membership in these organisations requires adherence to strict standards, ensuring that only qualified professionals are accepted. These criteria help safeguard the public from unqualified practitioners.
For SWW, prospective members must complete a stringent application process, adhere to a Code of Practice, hold £2 million in professional indemnity insurance, and commit to 24 hours of CPD annually.
For IPW, applicants must pass an entrance exam or possess a relevant qualification, agree to the IPW’s Code of Practice, maintain professional indemnity insurance, and engage in continuous professional development. The IPW is a recognised professional body regulating the profession of will writing, promoting high standards and protecting the public from unethical business practices.
Training and Education Programmes
Both SWW and IPW provide extensive training and education to their members, fostering ongoing professional development.
SWW offers courses through the College of Will Writing, including online and residential options, covering all aspects of estate planning. Similarly, IPW conducts regular training sessions and workshops, both online and in-person, to keep members updated on legal developments.
Professional Standards and Code of Conduct
Maintaining high professional standards and ethical practices is central to both organisations’ missions. Adhering to these standards provides added security to clients.
SWW members must act with integrity, skill, and care, avoid conflicts of interest, and ensure clear communication with clients. IPW members are required to provide services that meet the highest professional standards, adhere to ethical practices, and maintain confidentiality throughout the will writing process.
Member Benefits and Resources
Both organisations offer a range of benefits and resources to support their members’ professional growth. One key benefit is access to professional will writing services, which ensures added security and quality of service.
SWW members receive technical support, mentoring, networking opportunities through annual conferences, discounted training courses, and professional indemnity insurance. IPW members have access to professional resources, regular industry updates, networking events, and professional indemnity insurance.
Industry Recognition and Reputation
The standing of these organisations within the industry reflects their commitment to professional excellence. It is important to find members in your local area to ensure trustworthy will writing services.
SWW is recognised as one of the largest trade bodies within the will writing profession, known for its rigorous standards and consumer-centred approach. Meanwhile, IPW is respected for its commitment to professional standards and quality assurance, with a strong emphasis on education. The IPW is also recognised in Northern Ireland as well as in England and Wales, further highlighting its geographical reach and importance in protecting clients.
Consumer Protection and Client Assurance
Ensuring client satisfaction and protecting consumers are paramount for both SWW and IPW. Appointing guardians is also a crucial aspect of the will writing process, especially for individuals with young children.
SWW ensures a 14-day cooling-off period, adherence to a comprehensive complaints procedure, and mandatory professional indemnity insurance for members. IPW provides a robust complaints handling process, requires members to hold adequate professional indemnity insurance, and regularly monitors members for compliance with standards.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Ongoing education is essential for maintaining professional competence and standards. SWW requires a minimum of 24 hours of CPD annually, offering a wide range of training options to support continuous learning. IPW mandates ongoing training to keep members updated on industry and legal changes, ensuring they remain competent and knowledgeable.
Professional Insights
Industry professionals have expressed a strong preference for the Society of Will Writers (SWW) over the Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW).
SWW is widely praised for its exceptional support, comprehensive training programmes, and vibrant community. Members particularly value the quality of SWW’s courses, the expertise of its technical support, and the helpfulness of the membership team. The overall consensus is that SWW offers superior comprehensive support and fosters positive long-term relationships, making it a preferred choice among will writing professionals.
Software Recommendations
Members of the Society of Will Writers (SWW) often utilise Will Suite, a highly intuitive software solution that simplifies the will writing process. Will Suite is designed to be user-friendly and efficient, supporting professionals in delivering high-quality estate planning services.
Conversely, members of the Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW) frequently recommend Sure Will Writer. This software is renowned for its robust features and strict adherence to industry standards, ensuring compliance and enhancing the efficiency of professional estate planning. Both software options provide valuable tools to streamline and professionalise the will writing process.
Comparison of SWW and IPW
| Criteria | Society of Will Writers (SWW) | Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW) | Which is Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costs |
Annual membership fee: £275 Initial application fee: £75 Training courses: £200-£1,000 |
Annual membership fee: £225 Initial application fee: £50 Training courses: £150-£800 |
Costs are relatively similar, but IPW is slightly cheaper |
| Number in each organisation | Over 1,700 members | Approximately 1,000 members | SWW has a larger membership base, offering more networking opportunities |
| Which is best | Larger network and extensive training opportunities | Rigorous entry standards and quality assurance | Depends on individual needs for training, networking, and cost considerations |
Choosing the Right Organisation
Both SWW and IPW offer substantial benefits, including high professional standards and ample training opportunities. The decision should be based on personal and professional needs, such as the importance of global reach versus entrance rigour and the size of the membership base.
Conclusion
Both SWW and IPW play crucial roles in enhancing the professionalism and standards of the will writing industry. SWW, with its larger membership and broader reach, offers extensive networking and training opportunities. IPW, known for its rigorous entry standards, provides robust educational support and quality assurance.
Choosing between them depends on individual preferences for specific training programmes, networking opportunities, and perceived reputation within the industry.
