Where has Proficiency come from, and where is it going?

A small group of assessors working together created DCHI, a local association based in the South West that has been able to influence changes at a national level to policy, conventions and EPC software.  

Starting from a few trainee Home Inspectors meeting in a local pub in 2006 it has evolved into a collective voice for energy assessors across the country. Now known as Proficiency it is building relationships that will benefit all Energy Assessors and those working in associated professions. 

The more members Proficiency has the more it can achieve for its members, so building a better business environment for all of us is a collective responsibility. For Proficiency to meet the needs of its members, it needs to be guided by input from its members. To put that into context, the most relevant part of the extensive list of member benefits would appear to be: 

“Premium members can join the Proficiency 'Panel of Members', the steering group which guides the Directors. An opportunity to influence the services and future direction of Proficiency”. 

Proficiency is transitioning from a local association to a national trade body. It is being developed with the specific intention of becoming a fully-fledged National Trade Association run by a board of trustees appointed by and accountable to its members.  

That could be you! 

Proficiency Chaiman Ian Sturt says.. 

“Personally, I get a lot more satisfaction out of working for the collective good than I would out of just running my assessment business and keeping my head down. If you feel the same, you should be on the Proficiency Panel of Members. If you don’t feel the same, then just by being a member of Proficiency you will be helping others to help you.” 

In truth, you will probably save far more than the cost of membership simply by accessing a few of the free CPD sessions and using some of the available discounts. Proficiency membership should be a must-have for most assessors, even if influencing the future is not for you.   

It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that it is cheaper to be a Proficiency member than it is not to be one.