In case you didn't know, there is a wide range of
support organisations out there, offering everything from a chance to
share your problems with a colleague who understands, to fully accredited
professional qualifications. We asked nine major support organisations
in the secretarial field, what they can do for you…
Founded in 1979 the association brings together
senior secretaries to discuss current matters of interest
to its members and to promote goodwill. Branches cover Aberdeen,
Ayrshire, Birmingham, Central Scotland, Glasgow, Leeds, Sheffield,
Tayside, and Tyne & Wear. The association hopes to expand
its network into the southern half of the country in the next
few years. Membership is from £5-20 pa depending on
the number of members and the amount of outside support a
branch receives.
2: Association of Medical Secretaries,
Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR)
AMSPAR celebrates its fortieth anniversary this
year. Established with the aim of creating and promoting appropriate
qualifications for those working in medical administration,
the association is recognised as an awarding body by the Qualifications
and Curriculum Authority - Amspar's diploma courses are included
in the national qualifications framework. Criteria for membership
vary according to qualifications, length of service in healthcare,
and student status. Current membership stands at about 4,500.
Members receive access to a free legal helpline and professional
guidelines, as well as work and non-work related discounts.
Students receive a complimentary copy of the AMSPAR magazine,
published quarterly.
BSMS is a nationwide network of medical secretaries
which provides education courses, professional support and
the opportunity to exchange views, both through local and
national meetings and through the BSMS journal. The society
acts as the professional body representing medical secretaries
and as such advises members, offers continuing professional
development and promotes recognition of the medical secretary
as a professional member of the medical team. Full membership
is £35 pa for medical secretaries; affiliate membership
is available at £25 pa for administrators, etc.
An international network of management support
professionals, EUMA was founded in 1974 and is represented
in 26 countries. It is the only European association offering
members access to a professional pan-European network. It
encompasses a vast range of business cultures, languages and
lifestyles, and has links with other international associations
based in the US, Brazil and New Zealand. Its professional
journal is published three times a year, while national groups
produce their own magazines. With a membership of around 200
in the
UK, EUMA UK is divided into four regions which hold regular
regional and national events.
contact:
One of the Regional Chairmen (see website)
or Gillian Richmond, National Chairman on tel: 07778 867119
5: Institute of Agricultural Secretaries
and Administrators (IAgSA)
With a current membership of nearly 900, IAgSA
is the only professional body to represent those involved
in rural business administration. A network of 30 branches
nationwide meet regularly for seminars and training sessions
and members also have access to an internet forum. Monthly
bulletins update members on current legislation and inform
them about government department deadlines, subsidy changes
and industry news, as well as carrying articles relevant to
rural businesses. Members are also sent annually a professional
journal and directory of members.
The Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs was founded in 1990 to promote the excellence and professional recognition of Legal Secretaries and PAs. We are a professional organisation with Students and Members throughout the UK and overseas.
The Institute provides nationally recognised qualifications and helps people with their legal secretarial careers by giving advice, support and career guidance.
7: Institute of Qualified Professional
Secretaries (IQPS)
With a network of 14 regional branches and around
2,000 members, IQPS members have access to regional, national
and international contacts. The institute has an extensive
library of professional training material and holds regular
conferences, meetings and seminars, both regionally and nationally.
The quarterly magazine "Career Secretary" contains
reports and articles of professional interest as well as news
about products and services.
8: National Association of Administrative
Staff in Schools and Colleges (NAASSC)
NAASSC is affiliated to the Professional Association
of Teachers (PAT) which also has branches for other school
administration staff such as librarians, bursars, laboratory
assistants and caretakers. PAT lobbies for its members locally
and nationally, provides professional and legal support and
advice and distributes a regular journal. Within the umbrella
association, NAASSC has its own committee which organises
an annual conference and regional meetings.
9: Secretaries of Pharmaceutical Industry
Executives (SOPHIE)
Established in 1995, SOPHIE is a forum for directors'
secretaries. Three times a year, around 100 senior secretaries
and PAs from 50 pharmaceutical companies meet to learn about
industry issues. The forum is designed to keep secretaries
informed about matters facing the pharmaceutical industry
as well as aiming to increase understanding of the complexities
of the industry. Members receive three newsletters a year
plus a handy "Jargon Buster".
