Melanie’s Experience at the SWW Conference: A Commitment to CPD and Industry Progress
Melanie, a distinguished Fellow Member (FSWW) of the Society of Will Writers (SWW), recently attended the SWW Conference, underscoring the importance of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in her field. CPD is a crucial aspect for professionals, especially in the dynamic and evolving sector of Will writing and estate planning. It involves engaging in learning activities to develop and enhance abilities, ensuring practitioners remain competent and effective.
Day 1: Engaging Discussions and Industry Updates
The conference kicked off with an innovative format, hosting the first-ever SWW Regional Group Open Forum. This initiative allowed delegates to connect with their regional chairs and peers, fostering a community spirit and encouraging new memberships.
Melanie highlighted the significance of regional groups in her closing remarks, acknowledging their voluntary support for local members and the Society. The day progressed with the Society’s annual update, revealing membership trends, plans for the College, and a comprehensive overhaul of the Society’s image.
Antony Brinkman, Chairman of the SWW Professional Standards Board (PSB), addressed the conference next. He detailed the PSB’s completed, ongoing, and future projects, including best practice guidance, an affiliate membership review, and the launch of a mentoring scheme pilot. These initiatives reflect the PSB’s commitment to maintaining high standards within the profession.
Nick Ash’s presentation delved into the proposed governance and compliance measures for the SWW Code of Practice, a timely response to the CMA’s investigation into the sector. These measures aim to empower the Society and PSB to address allegations of bad practice effectively.
Richard Orpin from the Legal Services Board provided insights into the LSB’s Reshaping Legal Services project and the unregulated sector, followed by an extensive Q&A session. This interaction with key industry stakeholders was invaluable for attendees.
The day concluded with engaging talks from Neil Denny and the team from Meridian Private Client LLP. Neil’s talk on pricing strategies was both experimental and evocative, while the roleplaying session by Mark Abrol, Mark Terrar, and Emma-Louise Green offered practical insights into contentious probate scenarios.
Day 2: Interactive Workshops and Practical Learning
The second day was designed for hands-on learning, with delegates participating in interactive workshops. These sessions aimed to provide practical knowledge and business development skills.
Mike Roberts’ workshop, “Igniting Your Online Presence,” explored LinkedIn strategies and the use of AI tools like ChatGPT for content creation. Simon Dyer’s session on crypto assets was particularly timely, given the increasing number of clients possessing such assets.
Chiwi and Cindy’s workshop, focusing on estate planning in Asia, was a highlight. It addressed the complexities of estate administration for British individuals in Singapore and guidance for Asian clients in the UK. This session underscored the growing need for expertise in handling international estate matters.
Melanie’s participation in the SWW Conference not only exemplified her commitment to CPD but also highlighted the evolving nature of the Will writing and estate planning profession. The conference served as a platform for learning, networking, and staying abreast of industry developments, ensuring that professionals like Melanie continue to provide top-notch services to their clients.