Frequently Asked Questions

 What is PARN?

Non-profit
Established in 1998, PARN is a non-profit organisation.

Membership based
PARN has around 120 members in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia and Kenya.  Sample members include:

• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales
• The Law Society
• British Medical Association
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

Focused on the professions
PARN is dedicated to the development of professional associations.

What does PARN do?

Research
Our research raises the profile of issues relating to the professional body sector, with an aim to determine and promote good practice.

We conduct a wide variety of research for professional bodies and are the source of knowledge on key issues such as:

• Continuing Professional Development
• Diversity, equality & inclusion
• Governance
• Membership
• Professional ethics
• Regulation & professional standards
• Strategy, management & operations

Consultancy
Over the past 10 years PARN has worked with a wide range of professional bodies in the UK and abroad to carry out a variety of research programmes. Through this work we have developed a unique combination of research expertise, strategic thinking and specialist knowledge of the professional bodies sector.

Networking
Our members are part of a unique and growing network of professional bodies who are able to share and learn from each other's experience and good practice through our events, communications and Member Enquiry system along with our online community PARNPeople. 

Events
PARN holds several conferences each year on specific research-related topics.  Not only do these give you the opportunity to hear highly informative presentations and participate in thought-provoking workshops, but they give you the invaluable chance to talk to representatives from other professional bodies facing similar problems.

Training
Following feedback from our members, PARN now offers new one-day training courses; the courses involve presentations, workshops, group work and case studies with an aim to help staff of professional bodies to better understand areas of the sector.

Publications
PARN publishes two books each year based on our current research into issues relevant to the professional body sector.

Why get involved with PARN?

We are unique
Through our specialist knowledge of the professional body sector, we have a unique perspective on the issues that affect the professions and their professional bodies.

We cover all professions
Unlike organisations that focus on only one field such as health or engineering, we engage with a wide range of both established and emerging professions.

The topic is relevant
Professional scandals have put the spotlight on the professions (e.g. Enron, Equitable Life, Shipman). Government is becoming more involved in regulation of professions (e.g. legal services reform) and through Sector Skills Councils and new qualifications frameworks, is also becoming more involved in professional training.

What policies does PARN have?

We have a Diversity Policy and an Environmental Sustainability Policy.