Articles

What are professional bodies?

Professional bodies are organisations that represent and regulate the professions in South Africa. They are established by law or by voluntary association of professionals in a specific field. They aim to promote the interests, standards and ethics of their members; to provide opportunities for professional development and recognition; and to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice in their field.

Why are professional bodies important?

Professional bodies are important for various reasons:

• They protect the public interest by ensuring that professionals adhere to codes of conduct and disciplinary procedures.
• They enhance the credibility and reputation of professionals by granting them designations, titles or status that indicate their competence and qualifications.
• They facilitate the mobility and employability of professionals by recognising their qualifications and experience across different contexts and jurisdictions.
• They foster collaboration and networking among professionals by providing platforms for communication, information sharing and peer support.
• They influence policy and legislation by providing expert advice and advocacy on matters relating to their field.
• They support innovation and excellence by conducting research, developing standards and curricula, and offering training and development opportunities.