To Join or Not to Join a Professional Association – Is that the Question?

Towards a greater appreciation of the meaning of membership

BY EARLE ABRAHAMSON

The past three years have been fraught with difficulty, challenge, and opportunity. Covid has taught us to reflect and connect in new ways. It taught us to ask different questions and encouraged co-operation. Whilst the ill-effects of the pandemic crisis took centre stage, a more direct concern was emerging. This concern stemmed from observing changes to practice but equally from answers to questions around entitlement and regulation of practice. Whilst we acknowledge the past, we must work together to shape the future of our practice and industry.

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he soft tissue industry has rapidly evolved to incorporate a range of practices and philosophies. These diverse practices and philosophies can be troublesome, not in the way they are designed, but how they are perceived and regulated. At present there is growing debate around regulating this largely unregulated industry. There is a move to revisit and reframe educational and practice standards. A clarion call to protect those who give, and those who receive, massage therapy. A recent channel 4 documentary exposed the darker side of massage and soft tissue therapy practice. The documentary reported on how practitioners prey on clients and use the industry for criminal activity. Although many of the reported incidences appear isolated and disconnected, there is still significant concern over the number of reported cases and consequences within and beyond the industry. During the documentary, questions were raised around who gets to practice and how the industry operates.

As chair of the General Council for Massage Therapies (GCMT), I am tasked with connecting and representing our industry professionally and ethically. Central to the council’s work are the key relationships it holds with professional associations. A professional association (PA), commonly referred to as a professional body (PB) or in some circumstances, professional, statutory, and regulatory bodies (PSRBs) although this classification is reserved for organisations who play a regulatory role within a profession, is a member organisation responsible for guiding, supporting, and representing its membership.

The GCMT in its efforts to define key terms and concepts argues that a professional association is concerned with connecting individuals within a common profession. In doing so the PA provides an infrastructure for practice and has set rules and regulations to

Joining a reputable professional association (PA) is highly recommended as it ensures support and guidance as you progress through your professional career. It is also your go to place for expanding your knowledge and skills with approved and accredited CPD courses in the field of health and wellbeing. The PA often works with subject matter experts, councils and governing bodies to bring you the latest guidance on modalities and information pertinent to your industry.”

Kush Kumar, Think Tree Hub

which all members must abide. These include, but are not limited to, codes of practice or conduct, professional practice etiquettes, minimum standards of education, and a requirement to continue learning through continued professional development (CPD). To enable and support members in becoming lifelong learners, many PAs host annual conferences that provide their membership with a focus and discussion around current topics within, and beyond, the industry. PAs are generally governed by an elected board who decide on key strategies to enhance the operation of the PA.

Should we, as an industry, encourage practitioners to join Pas, and if so, how best do we support PAs in representing their members and promoting the industry?

This article aims to provide some critical insight into the benefits of joining a PA, and why membership of a PA is considered an important professional and developmental move. It attempts to do so, by presenting an overview of the soft tissue industry and a summary of key and current debates relevant to joining and leading professional associations.

As emphasised above, the pandemic crises forced the industry into new ways of working. These often involved adjusting to on-line consultation with minimal physical contact. During the height of the pandemic, many members of PAs grew increasingly concerned over lack of earning, support, and clear communication around future developments. These uncertainties signalled changes within PAs and conceptual benefits of being a member of a PA. Taken in isolation, each PA, had to balance current vs future development and work to rethink and reshape how best to communicate messages of support and purpose. Globally, however, there was a much greater move for many practitioners (especially those dispersed from their country such as Ukraine), to find a home and re-establish their practice within a foreign land. The need to practice and earn outstripped the need to join a PA and an established community of practice and support.

Within the UK there is currently no statutory requirement for practitioners to join a PA. In fact modes and method of practice differ significantly and so do training courses. Without definitive guidance on practice and protection there appears to be multiple loopholes that serve to confuse and retard the growth within the industry. Despite the fact that regulation is vague, many practitioners choose to join, and often lead a PA, as they recognise the collective importance in being part of a professional community of practice.

What does membership of a PA offer and why is being a member important?

Human evolution reveals that humans are social beings. We construct identities and purpose by working with others. There is a need for us to be part of a group and develop our practices, our influence, and our futures, collaboratively. PAs are important places for practitioners to shape their philosophies, connect with colleagues and influence policy and practice. By being a member of a PA, we give voice to our cause and recognise that strength in numbers can lead to change. Amanda Gorman, poet laureate, summarises this in her poem “the hill we climb”.

She argues ‘It is not what lies between us that matters, but rather what lies in front of us.’ The juxtaposition of poetic verse and purpose serves to recognise the influence of union when individuals design together their future objectives. This in a nutshell is the purpose of a PA.

The question is not simply whether to join a PA or not, but rather which PA is best to join. Here the decision to join is bypassed by carefully and strategically considering which PA is best to join. It is important to research each PA, scrutinise the code of conduct and make a decision based on evidence and facts. Consider how being a member of a PA adds value to your practice, but equally how your philosophy of practice, expertise and experience align with the constitution of the PA. Table 1 below, (The list below) [if writing this as a list instead of a table] taken from the GCMT guide to benefits of joining a PA, identifies key considerations when deciding to join a PA. Please note that not all PAs offer these benefits, therefore careful consideration of benefits is critical in formulating opinions about joining a PA.

Benefits of membership

Enhanced credibility and confidence for clients. This could be illustrated through the use of the PA logo. If the PA is an affiliate member of the GCMT for example, this could provide further reassurance that you are a member of a PA that protects standards and works actively to uphold these standards in practice and education. Employment opportunities

Provides networking opportunities Marketing and directory listings – promotes your business and work – this may be through free website space on the PAs website

Organises and curates professional development opportunities

Offers insurance coverage Negotiated discounts for industry products

Subscription to industry publications

Access to professional advice in case of dispute Opportunities to contribute to industry publications

The massage industry uses its PAs to support collective campaigns and align difference with commonalities. Working within the soft tissue industry is rewarding but equally challenging. It is important for practitioners to carefully consider their individual and collective role in not only pursuing their field of practice and expertise, but equally using their expertise to shape necessary changes for the future. Perhaps one way of working smartly is to rethink and reimagine the questions we ought to ask to fully understand the issues we face and will continue to face as we become the instruments for change.

EARLE ABRAHAMSON is an Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching at the University of Hertfordshire, National Teaching Fellow, Principal Fellow of Advance HE and inaugural ISSOTL fellow. He is an internationally published author, scholar, registered therapist and psychologist. Born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Earle gained qualifications and expertise in sport science and sports therapy, clinical psychology and educational practices. He is a registrant board member on the CNHC, and former course leader for sports therapy at the University of East London and chair of the MTI. Together with Jane Langston he has authored two texts on anatomy and muscle testing. Earle is a practising musculoskeletal clinician. He has worked at major sports events including London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, 2017 World Athletics Championships and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.