UK Professional Societies

The Law Society

In England and Wales the Law Society is a professional association which governs solicitors. The society provides services to support practicing and specialised training to solicitors as well as an orgaisation for law reform. When Parliament is discussing important issues in the law world, the Law society members are often consulted. The original birth of The Law Society was 1825. The society was first initiated in 1834 against deceitful practitioners, changes took place by 1907 the society boasted a statutory disciplinary committee and was awarded power to explore Solicitors who had accounts and handed out an annual practicing type of certificate. The next step in the Society came in 1983 when the society put in place a Supervision of sorts, which allowed the populace a way to alert the committee about the solicitor’s habits in practice, a complaint department was created within the Society. Continuing its growth, the society created its own law school called Law Society School of Law, which later merged with another Law firm to become College of Law.

The Chartered Institute of Taxation

To gain acceptance to gain membership into the CIOT one must be able to provide three years of practical UK taxation experience and be able to successfully completing the Institutions examination. The idea behind the CIOT is to instill education in the study of the administration and practice of taxation. One rather important part of this institution is to achieve better and more efficient taxing system for everyone affected. The CIOT accepts fellowships based on thesis statements being submitted to the Institute, if no thesis is able to be supplied, the Institute will also accept a portfolio of previous work. Members gaining fellowship status in the Institute may use the letters FTII which stands for (CTA Fellow).

The British Psychological Society (BPS)

The BPS; the society that represents psychologists and psychology in the United Kingdom is a registered charity as well; however there are constraints in place as to how the society is able to help people in general. The BPS must remain impassive to political party venues as it is one attributed disadvantage of being a charity organisation. The organisation was created at UCL, commonly known as the University College of London in 1901. The organisation originally only allowed teachers who taught in the field of psychology to join. The newer name was established in 1906 to avoid any confusion with another group similarly titled. In 1919 a few changes occurred to the society, where under one of their directors Charles Myers, the society was opened to medical field practitioners. Furthering the advantageousness of this society it was incorporated in 1941. The tides of this society have changed greatly in the last few years; they now hold an annual Conference in various cities and countries, this year the conference is heard to be scheduled in Birmingham. The current practice of this Society is to raise the knowledge level and standards in the field of practicing psychology and to raise the public awareness of all aspects of the psychology field, in the end hoping to influence enough of the college students to enter into this field.

The Royal Economic Society

Economic Science is a professional organisation which promotes the encouragement of the study of economics in the government service, banking industry, public affairs, academic life and industry. This society originated in 1890 and was incorporated by Royal Charter in December of 1902. RES has publications in two areas, one is called The Economic Journal, its first debut was 1891 and The Econometrics Journal which first found its way to people in 1998. In today’s digital era, you may find both journals online at the RES website. RES is a registered charity under the Charity Commissions in the UK. Their number is 231508 respectively. Aside from the publications RES is also a member of a few committees including the Women’s Committee and Conference of Heads. The society like many others also holds an annual conference. This society is governed by an executive committee, which are leading economists from across the UK. After a few months and some delays the BEA was established at the University College of London in November of 1890.

The CIPFA

More commonly known as the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy is an institute for accountants who are working in public services. Auditors who are members of CIPFA work in national audit agencies, major accounting firms and in other organisations where public funding needs to be managed. The CIPFA is the only organisation in the UK that has a specialisation in the area of public services. Some qualifications include but are not limited to postgraduate diplomas for people already working in a leadership position as well as the traditional professional qualification. The CIPFA is also responsible for promoting public finance responsibilities in a global manner; they stand up for ideal public financial management and good governing. To support its finance Professionals, CIPFA works with governing bodies all over the globe, working with public entities and organisations who deal with public money all over the world. CIPFA is a member of the International Federation of Accountants and is the member of the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies.