BEST Membership – FAQs
As the world of estate planning evolves, so do we. From 1st October 2025, we are updating our membership categories to better reflect the breadth of professionals in our sector. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about these changes.
Why is BEST updating it’s membership categories?
Estate planning is a collaborative profession. Alongside Will writers, many of our members work in associated services such as probate, accountancy, capacity assessments, and genealogy. By updating our categories, we can:
- Provide clearer recognition for every type of professional in estate planning.
- Create a membership pathway for early-career will writers.
- Strengthen BEST’s voice as the inclusive home for the whole profession.
What are the new membership categories?
From 1st October 2025, BEST will offer six membership types:
- Development Pathway – a 12-month program for those wanting to grow their career.
- Affiliate Membership – Affiliates can use the BEST name and logo to demonstrate their commitment, though they are not yet eligible for our Client Guarantee.
- Independent Membership – for experience Will writers running their own practice.
- Corporate Membership – for larger Will writing firms with multiple instruction takers.
- Associate Membership – for professionals working in estate planning offering associated services e.g. probate specialists,accountants, capacity assessors, genealogists etc).
- Trusted Suppliers – for businesses offering services that benefit those working in the industry.
What will happen to existing members?
Most members will remain in their current category. However:
- Some Independent and Corporate members whose primary role is not Will writing will move into the new Associate Membership category.
If your membership needs to change, this will not affect your benefits of fees – it simply ensures your membership type more accurately reflects your professional role.
Will fees change as part of this update?
No. Your membership fees will remain exactly the same. BEST remain committed to remaining a cost effective way for estate planners to represent themselves as part of a supportive organisation.
Will membership benefits change?
No. All members will continue to receive the same services, support, and recognition they do now. The change is about clarity, not reducing benefits. Those members who will move to Associate membership, will have a new logo to use that represents their new membership.
What does this mean for clients and the public?
By creating clearer categories, we make it easier for clients and the wider public to understand the expertise of our members. Affiliates, for example, are recognised as part of BEST while they build their experience, and Associates are acknowledged for the vital services they provide alongside the Will writing community.
When do the changes take effect?
The new categories will launch on 1st October 2025. Any members moving into Associate Membership will be notified directly.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
If you’d like to discuss your membership or these changes, please contact us at admin@bestfoundation.org.uk.
