As an advisor I hold various qualifications in respect of what I do (http://www.flickr.com/photos/adrianashton/sets/72157624126864575/). In light of: changing standards; awarding bodies; expectations of others; and so on, I recently thought “What’s the point?”.
For the groups, peoples and communities I support, they certainly aren’t bothered. What’s important to them is the relationship I build with them and my ability to get them where they need and want to be.
However, Commissioning bodies, especially public bodies, are keener to see these pieces of paper. I have been involved in both developing and gaining sector qualifications. Based on my knowledge of some of my ‘peers’ who also hold them, they are not a guarantee of true knowledge or ability only proof that you’ve been taught something.
Why then do I have them? As a freelancer I recognise that they offer me a structure through which I can reflect on my own gained knowledge and experiences I have built on them through being ‘forced’ to consider other theories and models. (Not all of which turn out to be that useful, but are a good way to reassure me as to why I take the sometimes unorthodox approaches that I do).
So if the people we support aren’t bothered by qualifications, After all, qualifications don’t offer commissioning bodies the assurances that they should in terms of the quality of the person. Maybe, we need to rethink the place and purpose of them in our movement? What do you think?
Adrian Ashton
Adrian, I think to some extent qualifications are important. I have found that those with better qualifications seem to function better in the more professional non-profits. That is not to say that someone without qualifications can’t. However, in the past, I have worked with some very grassroots organizations and I have found that the transition from grassroots to formal non-profit organizations to be a trying one. It is even more trying if those involved in those grassroots non-profits do not have the capability or want to learn the new professional ways involved in running a formal non-profit structure. So maybe that comes down more to the personalities and capabilities of those involved, rather than their qualifications. Good question, thanks for asking it.
Ingrid
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