WELCOME
Below you will find information on joining the SWA as well as basic information on our competitively priced insurance. You will also find our Code of Conduct for you to view before deciding whether or not to join the SWA as a full Guild member or simply to become a friend. Once you have set up your friend membership you will then need to download the application pack available in the guild members section under the button "Membership pack". Simply download the form from there.
If you have not joined before you will need to first join the SWA as a friend by clicking on the "Join now" button at the bottom of this page before the code of conduct. You will then receive your friend's membership number and will then be able to download the membership pack as stated above.
Because we aim to ensure the highest standards of our members, we reserve the right to suspend membership of anyone who brings the SWA Guild into disrepute. We also reserve the right to refuse membership of the Guild. Although Friends of the SWA are not members the above also applies.
MEMBERSHIP INFO.
Join today from just £5.88 per month and enjoy the following benefits:
- The support of a large organisation that fights for your recognition in the spiritual industry in the eyes of the law
- Access to our very competitive insurance premiums
- The use of the organisation's letters after your name MGSW Member of the Guild of Spiritual Workers
- A full colour professional monthly trade Ezine magazine
- Legal Advice Helpline
- Membership Card/Badge
- Accountancy Advice Helpline
- Various guides to self employment, sample disclaimers and updates on the law
- Discounts over non members on forthcoming products and services still being negotiated on your behalf
Individual membership
Prices for individual membership are £60 per year if paid upfront by cheque, cash or postal order or it can be broken down into more manageable monthly payments and paid by Direct Debit. An additional cost of £10.56 is charged when taking the monthly payment option. This is to cover administration fees. This means the initial deposit will be £5.88 followed by 11 further monthly payments of £5.88. Making a total of £70.56.
Direct Debit
If you choose to pay using Direct Debit, please be sure to complete and include the Direct Debit mandate, printable from this website, with your application. Alternatively, we are able to take your details over the phone.
Insurance Premiums
The Insurance Premiums are a separate cost to actual SWA membership but still represent exceptional value for money. We have managed to secure a low rate on your behalf because as a member of the SWA you are agreeing to adhere to the Code of professional Conduct.
Please Note: you have to be a member to take advantage of these low insurance prices and if paying by standing order you will need to maintain the monthly premiums or run the risk of not being covered. If you cancel your SWA membership or let the payments lapse you will not be covered by the insurance company and any premiums paid will be forfeit. You do not have to have insurance with us and are welcome to shop around, we are however sure that you will see that like for like policies of the same standards as the one we offer, at the price we are offering are very hard to come by.
Insurance
The SWA offers its members the opportunity to purchase insurance through the West of Scotland Insurance brokers (motor and general) Ltd. The policy is underwritten by Royal Sun Alliance and is a block policy that runs from May to May. This means that this year, it runs from May the 6th 2010 to May the 5th 2011. If you were to join in say January 2011 you would still need to pay the full premium but only be covered up to May the 5th 2011. this is the nature of the Block policy and is one reason why the policy is so competitive.
This insurance is extremely competitive when compared with other ‘like for like’ policies. As with any purchase individuals should check carefully to make sure they understand exactly what they are getting when choosing their insurance cover. Cheaper cover does not always mean better cover as you invariably get what you pay for.
NB: If you are paying membership monthly and do not keep up your membership payments your insurance may be invalid. If there are problems with your standing order please contact us immediately. If your membership lapses for any other reason your insurance may also become invalid.
Please contact Barbra Mclaughlin at the West of Scotland Insurance brokers for all enquiries regarding insurance, her number is 01475 888444 after 12.30 Mon to Friday. you can also email her on barbara@wos-ltd.co.uk you will however only be able to get information and will not be allowed to take out the policy until you are a full guild member of the SWA
If you have any general questions about the SWA or It's membership please contact the SWA offices and speak to Simon between 9.15 and 3.15 Mon to Friday on 01656 762299.
Please note if you want to join as a full Guild member you will be expected to adhere to a code of professional conduct as outlined below.
SWA CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
All members of the SWA will:
• Act in the best interests of their clients, the SWA and any other profesional organisational bodies they may be affiliated to.
• Act in the interests of their own personal safety and wellbeing and those of their clients
• Treat clients, patients and members of the public with respect and courtesy.
• Take responsibility for their words and actions when working with the public and act in an appropriate manner.
• Give serious consideration to having insurance. At the moment this is not a legal requirement for all disciplines but given the current uncertainty and the litigious society in which we live, the SWA would advise that all spiritual workers do take out insurance, either through the SWA or through other organisations.
• Always have a chaperone present when supplying spiritual, mediumistic and psychic services to people under the age of 18.
• Always seek parental consent in writing when supplying spiritual, mediumistic and psychic services to people under the age of 18.
• Always have a chaperone present when supplying spiritual, mediumistic and psychic services to those who could be considered vulnerable and people of the opposite sex where appropriate.
• Always seek owner’s written consent when supplying spiritual, mediumistic and psychic services to animals.
• Continually seek to improve and develop their knowledge and abilities through, wherever possible, recognised training and certification.
• Accept that we all have limitations and should therefore be ready to seek advice, help and assistance from those whose experience may be greater than theirs.
• Respect the beliefs, philosophy and creeds of others
• Keep any information acquired in the course of their work confidential unless it is required by law or it is contrary to the public interest.
• Work within the Data Protection Act
• Work within the law of the UK and/or the country in which they are working.
• Use language that can easily be understood by clients and explain anything that they do not understand
Members of the SWA will not:
• Break the Code of Conduct
• Falsify any documentation. This includes, but is not limited to: records, reference forms, membership of organisations, training, awards, certification, and qualifications.
• Make unsubstantiated claims
• Use unacceptable behaviour towards a client, colleague or any member of the public. Unacceptable behaviour includes but is not limited to the following: verbal or physical assault, provocation, threat, profane language or insolence, sexual intimidation, harassment, bullying.
• Discriminate against anyone on grounds of race, politics, religion, creed, age, sexuality, ability or in any other way that contravenes discrimination laws, the Core Values or the seven Spiritual Principles of the SWA.
• Humiliate, embarrass, undermine, belittle or deliberately cause offence to anyone.
• Behave in a way that is likely to bring the SWA into disrepute or reflect badly on themselves or the other members of the SWA.
The SWA would also like to remind members of the public that a contract works both ways. Spiritual workers are also entitled to be treated with respect and courtesy and do not have to put up with unacceptable behaviour from their clients.