I'm not one to knock any association and I'm currently a member of FWC, however to be a member of any credible association you need to demonstrate to the public that you are a credible member, ie: proof of training and ability, certification, insurance, H&S awareness, etc.
These should all be asked for and certified before members are allowed to join, this would then demonstrate to the public that the association has some standing.
APWC, what do you need to prove in order to join, other than having a few quid to spare and an £80 public insurance policy? All the rest of the criteria demonstrate nothing.
Joe Bloggs off the street could set up tomorrow with 3 references from mates, a PL policy for £80 and a glib promise to APWC or FWC for that matter, to comply by the holy guidelines, which are totally unenforceable. Next week he is walking along as an associate member. I joined FWC as it is now after only a few weeks cleaning windows.
Both of these associations are concerned with saving money for their members and not about demonstrating to the public that members who hold a card are able to demonstrate their competence at the task they are doing.
Would you use a non Corgi registered engineer on your gas system? I wouldn't. That is one association that carried a lot of weight! Make yourselves of that standing and I will willingly join.
Rant over!