How we regulate and what we do:
The Society of Will Writers is a non-profit making self regulatory organisation which seeks to Protect the Public and serve the interests of those men and women who are active professionals in our field.
The Society has set itself two main tasks:
- To promote to the Public at large the real need and sense in having a valid Will
- To act as a self-regulatory body by vetting practitioners through stringent membership requirements, proficiency standards and on-going training.
Our requirements:
If someone wants to join the SWW then they are expected to meet our entry requirements:
- Applicants should provide us with proof of proficiency. This can be demonstrated by taking our Will Writing Course and the accompanying exam. Applicants with prior experience may only need to take our entrance exam. Professionals that can demonstrate adequate experience may be admitted without examination (subject to approval of the SWW).
- Applicants should provide us with proof of professional indemnity insurance to our minimum level cover of £2 million.
- SWW members should sign a declaration stating that they agree to be bound by the SWW Code of Practice (rule book).
In short, we regulate an individual and not a company.
What is expected:
Once admitted as a member of the Society of Will Writers members are expected to keep us up to date with their contact details, storage information, and CPD. This is done by way of an annual audit submitted at the end of each membership year.
Complaints:
If a client or prospective client ever has trouble with an SWW member and is dissatisfied then they are welcome to raise their concerns with the SWW directly. We will then process the complaint in line with our complaints procedure. If the person is not regulated by the SWW then we may be unable to assist. The SWW provides a structure for handling complaints and has a strict complaints procedure which members are expected to understand and adhere to.
