As the inaugural Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) Communities of Practice Bootcamp (“Bootcamp”) kicks off, AFA National President Deborahh Kent says the Board is looking forward to around 50 practitioner members contributing to the professional body’s future activities.
State and national leaders of Genxt, Inspire, Practitioners, Leaders Forum and the AFA Foundation are coming together in Lancefield Victoria for the Bootcamp.
“The AFA has a diverse membership and the Bootcamp will embrace this as around fifty advisers come together to tell us what they want from being a member of the AFA, and then go about building the solutions over the two days. The AFA has always provided the best member engagement for financial advisers and this is the next step in taking it to even higher levels,” said Ms Kent. “This is the most exciting member initiative ever launched by a financial services association.”
In referring to the possibility of an EGM being called by 5% of the voting members of the AFA, Ms Kent said that the Board doesn’t believe the Constitutional Change being sought is appropriate for a Professional Body.
“If we receive a request supported by the statutory number of members required to call an EGM then naturally we will facilitate that request.”
“As we have throughout the last four years since the reform of life insurance was put on the table in 2012, we continue to listen to our member’s concerns. But, as Directors with a statutory obligation to act in the best interests of the association, we do not support the motion that they wish to bring as it will diminish the political advocacy position of the AFA. Government will not negotiate with us if we have to take each and any proposal to a general meeting of the members – a process that takes weeks. Government would proceed without the AFA’s input,” Ms Kent explained.
“What is vitally important is that the AFA continue to be a highly respected advocate for the value of financial advice. So, we are getting on with what needs to be done including the community of practice Bootcamp.”
The Bootcamp agenda will provide training and development for the 52 participants as leaders of voluntary committees that share a common interest.
At the conclusion of the Bootcamp each state will have built an eighteen-month engagement strategy that incorporates the areas of policy influence, community, quality advice and industry leadership.
