11th July 2008, 10:54 AM
My view is that if your talking about advocacy then thats a job for every member of the profession - the IFA and the CBA make good organisations to collate whats going on and to wave the flag for some of the great projects being done around the UK. They, along with other organisations like EH etc. also can lead by giving guidance and support to set up advocacy projects.
However, if you are talking about the furture of the profession, professional standards and practice (as I think you are) then that is clearly the remit of the IFA.
Sure Bajr can help, anyone can help, professionalism and standards are the result of a discourse between those in the profession, so input is essential. But you have to agree a body to play referee and decide what the result of everyone shouting their view is. That is why so many people grumble about the IFA - a discourse requires compromise and as the saying goes you can't please all of the people all of the time.
So if the IFA (or more accurately the outcome of lots of members input) don't agree with you on some things - well argue better and more persuasively next time - or reassess your arguement.
However, if you are talking about the furture of the profession, professional standards and practice (as I think you are) then that is clearly the remit of the IFA.
Sure Bajr can help, anyone can help, professionalism and standards are the result of a discourse between those in the profession, so input is essential. But you have to agree a body to play referee and decide what the result of everyone shouting their view is. That is why so many people grumble about the IFA - a discourse requires compromise and as the saying goes you can't please all of the people all of the time.
So if the IFA (or more accurately the outcome of lots of members input) don't agree with you on some things - well argue better and more persuasively next time - or reassess your arguement.