Member Benefits
Joint membership with PFAA
Normally membership of PFAA would cost you £95. However we have agreed that if you are a full member of FACT you can ‘add on’ membership of PFAA for only an extra £25 making £150 for membership of both bodies.
PFAA as well as other benefits similar to FACT gives you credible status with most local authorities in an area of first aid where there is still no overall authority. Though PFAA have never claimed membership is necessary we have had reports that some local authorities will only place contracts with those who hold PFAA membership.
This could be a useful addition to your portfolio with the required recognition.
European Resuscitation Council
So far FACT has sponsored a member to attend and report on the ERC meetings. Possibly this year we will compromise on this, as we understand that PFAA are running a training day in November to highlight the changes in resuscitation and will offer FACT members the same discount as their own members can obtain.
Training days
As mentioned above there will be a training day run by PFAA in November and the Association (FACT) are planning training days for 2011. If you have suggestions for subjects you would like covered then please let the secretariat know by email.
Web site
Two very useful benefits from the new web site. You will be able to post details of any public courses you are running on the web site. All that will be needed is the date(s) and venue. Those interested by clicking on the course will be taken direct to your own web site where you can supply other details. (This is obviously dependent on FACT having permission to use a link to your web site)
The second advantage is if you need a trainer or assessor you will be able to publish this on the members section and anyone who can help will then be able to contact you.
Also provided you have agreed there will be a direct link on both the member section and the public section from the web site to your own web site
Networking
Obviously at any event we are running there will be networking opportunities. In some cases the events are attended by non members and by companies outside the first aid industry though related to it. In some cases also attend by potential clients. Most members have found these networking opportunities of great value
Moving house
We agreed with a firm of solicitors a fixed rate fee for conveyancing. The Secretariat took advantage of this when they moved and found the service above reproach and in total the cost was just over 60% of the next nearest quotation for the same work saving them over £300 on purchase (They were moving from rented accommodation so no sale involved) The firm will also offer discounted rates for writing a will.
PTLLS
As you probably all know this is the new qualification for any courses where part funding comes from government sources and may become a requirement from HSE. A leaflet on the course offered is being sent out separately and when written will feature in our news section. It is appreciated that if you can spare the time to do the course through a College it can be obtained free of charge but this normally means a longer time commitment and attending on the days the college chooses. The distance learning is mainly done in your own time and the mandatory single day can be arranged both in terms of location and date/time to fit in with your commitments.
Secretariat
As can be seen elsewhere on the site the Secretariat have experience in a wide range of areas of running a business, and can access other members on points of first aid. If you have any questions in any area then contact the Secretariat. Questions that have been asked include:-
- Should I form a limited company rather than continue as a sole trader?
- Do I have to register with the Data Protection legislation
- What do I have to do if I take on an employee
- What are my responsibilities under the Disability legislation
And many others.
Indemnity Insurance
We have agreed that members can have access to the Indemnity Insurance package being offered by AOFA at the same rates as their members. It is obviously important hat you have indemnity and public liability insurance and this is the cheapest we have been able to find ( Or rather that Dave Arnold was able to find)
HMCA Private Healthcare, Travel Insurance, Vehicle Breakdown Recovery & Other Benefit Plans
HMCA (Hospital & Medical Care Association) is a specialist provider of services to membership groups and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. HMCA has been working with membership groups for over 30 years and now provides a portfolio of membership benefits to over 600 such groups.
These arrangements provide AIFAWTO members and their immediate families with a simple means of securing the high quality benefits and services offered by HMCA.
Employment status
One of our members with our full support ahs been fighting the HMRC National Insurance side on the problem of whether your trainers are self employed or employees This fight has been going on for over four years. Full details are on the news page. The point being that as well as the above advantages we do fight the First Aid corner with any government department who tries to put us at a disadvantage.
Representation at HSE
As the longest standing professional body for first aid training we are now consulted by the HSE regularly on any changes they intend bringing in for the industry. While HSE may not always accept our viewpoint they do at least listen