SWW Professional Standards Board

03/02/2026

The SWW Professional Standards Board are thrilled to welcome our newest member joining the board Rob Newman. Rob's experience will bring a fresh perspective to out mission at the PSB of raising the standards within the industry and our The Society of Will Writers members.

Please join us in welcoming Rob on board and reading Rob's background and reasons for wanting to join the PSB.

How long have you been an estate planner?
I have been advising on estate planning matters since 2002 and have worked as a tax adviser since 1996.

Brief profile
I am a long-established accountant, tax adviser and estate planning practitioner with nearly three decades of professional experience supporting individuals, business owners and families. I am the Managing Partner of a firm of accountants and also act as a forensic accounting partner, undertaking investigative, valuation and dispute-related assignments alongside my advisory work.

My day-to-day work covers tax planning, estate and succession planning, business structuring, shareholder and partnership matters, valuations, and complex advisory cases where tax, legal and commercial issues overlap. I regularly assist with business sales, reorganisations, dispute support and financially sensitive situations where clear analysis and practical judgement are required.

Alongside my advisory work, I am a Fellow member of several accounting, tax and management professional bodies, together with a number of other professional organisations. I place a high value on continuing professional development and maintaining strong technical standards across both tax and estate planning disciplines.

My approach combines tax efficiency, estate structuring and practical implementation, ensuring that planning is not only technically correct but workable in real life. I regularly work with other professional advisers where appropriate to ensure joined-up outcomes for clients.

Why you joined the PSB?
I believe professional standards, technical competence and ethical practice are essential in estate planning and related advisory work. Being involved at a standards level allows me to contribute experience, judgement and practical insight to help maintain and improve the quality of advice delivered across the profession, and to support public confidence in the work we do.

30/01/2026

The SWW Professional Standards Board is pleased to announce a new suite of template documents designed for the appointment of Locums.

Under Section 2.13 of the The Society of Will Writers Code of Practice, maintaining a succession plan or locum arrangement is a mandatory condition of membership. While this has always been a requirement, we are now providing a standardised format to help members comply more easily.

What’s Included?
The following templates are now available for download from the Best Practice Resources section of the Members Area:

🔹Locum Agreement
🔹Terms of Business Wording
🔹Client Communication Templates: Ready-to-use letters for your locum partner to send to clients if the agreement is activated, including options for clients who may choose an alternative provider.

Why This Matters
The SWW deals with an increasing number of cases each year where members pass away or become incapacitated without a locum, or successor in place. This creates significant distress for clients and places an avoidable burden on us and other members to resolve outstanding matters. Establishing a formal locum arrangement ensures a seamless continuation of service and fulfils your professional responsibility to your clients.

From the Board
“This has been a persistent issue for years. We are pleased to finally offer a template agreement that helps firms comply with this vital membership condition.” — Sara Sheppard, Vice-Chair of the PSB

“Having to step in where members leave clients with nowhere to turn has long been a pain point of mine. While the SWW Public Indemnity Fund (PIF) exists for emergencies, utilising a locum is far more effective for the client and ensures the fund isn’t needlessly depleted.” — Anthony Belcher, Managing Director of the SWW.

The SWW Professional Standards Board is pleased to announce a new suite of template documents designed for the appointment of Locums.

21/08/2025

Lasting Power of Attorney registration fees are increasing.

From 17 November 2025 fees for registering LPAs with the Office of the Public Guardian increase by £10. So for a single person, both LPAs will be £20 more and for a couple a total of £40 more.

Perhaps contact your client to talk to them about getting LPAs submitted before that date!

24/02/2025

Our board met for their AGM and voted Sara Sheppard as our new Vice-Chair from 2025, replacing Simon Brimage who has held the position for several years. Simon will continue to serve on the PSB, contributing to the many projects we undertake each year.

Our chair Antony Brinkman says:

"The PSB extends its sincere thanks to Simon Brimage for his invaluable contributions as Vice Chair. His leadership over the past few years has been instrumental, and we are pleased that he will continue serving on the board for the benefit of all members.

We also welcome Sara Sheppard as our new Vice Chair. A highly respected and long-standing board member, Sara has led numerous projects and played a key role in our recent programs. Her experience and dedication make her the perfect choice for this position."

Join us in congratulating Sara in her new position!

16/01/2025

Our first meeting of the new year and loads of exciting discussions about our plans for 2025. Think Best Practice Guides, Lifetime Trust guidance, Safeguarding policies and training and much more. Watch this space!

And best of all, collaboration, collaboration, collaboration … IPW - Institute of Professional Willwriters, Best Foundation, STEP – Advising Families Across GenerationsThe Society of Will Writers of Will Writers! More to SWW Professional Standards Board Standards Board is leading the way on lots of initiatives in our industry. Keep following to find out more.