New membership categories at BEST Foundation are designed to recognise the diversity of the profession say the estate planning training and membership body; recognising the way in which the profession has changed over the past decade.
BEST say it recognises this change brings with is challenges for representative bodies and to that end has conducted its own review of who it serves, and how it can ensure every role within the profession is properly recognised. One of the key groups it feels it underrepresented it those starting their careers, acknowledging since its inception in 2022 the organisation has focused on experienced Will writers, with Independent Membership designed for those running their own practice and Corporate Membership available to larger firms.
To recognise those new to the profession, and many of what are described as allied specialists, BEST is introducing a series of new memberships providing access to the same network, resources and professional community as Will writing colleagues but recognising their own contribution to the sector and creating a membership pathway for early-career will writers
Affiliate Membership is a starter membership giving those qualified 12-24 months access to the BEST Foundation resources; and Associate Membership welcomes accountants, probate professionals, genealogists, and others all play a crucial role in contributing to the sector, but are not will writers themselves.
“These changes reflect the real diversity of skills and expertise that make estate planning work. By widening the tent, we are not only giving more professionals a home at BEST but also strengthening the voice of the profession as a whole.”
explained Philip Pamment, BEST’s Advisory Board Chair.
The new structure, which offers six membership types in total will be introduced from 1st October 2025:
- Development Pathway – a 12-month program for those wanting to grow their career.
- Affiliate Membership – Affiliates can use the BEST name and logo to demonstrate commitment, though they are not yet eligible for the Client Guarantee.
- Independent Membership – for experienced Will writers running their own practice.
- Corporate Membership – for larger Will writing firms with multiple instruction takers.
- Associate Membership – for professionals working in estate planning offering associated services e.g. probate specialists, accountants, capacity assessors, genealogists etc.
- Trusted Suppliers – for businesses offering services that benefit those working in the industry.
Concludes Pamment,
“BEST has always been about raising standards and supporting professionals. Now, with a membership structure that includes everyone, it is better placed than ever to do exactly that. For BEST, these changes are about more than new labels. They represent a conscious decision to make membership more inclusive, more representative, and ultimately more effective at supporting the profession. Estate planning requires collaboration and by welcoming allied professionals, BEST is taking an inclusive step that mirrors the reality of how estate planning actually works.”
