ACS launches advocacy program

Stan Beer
Tuesday, 18 October 2005 10:00

IT People - People

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has established a membership advocacy program to provide professional services and legal advice to members for matters that may arise in their working life, in attempt to boost its flagging membership.

ACS membership has fallen to 14,000 after being as high as 16,000 just two years ago.

'The ACS is continually looking at ways to improve its overall service offering to its members and the creation of this program will enhance the professional service capabilities that we can provide to our members,' said ACS president Edward Mandla. "We would like our members to consider the ACS as their prime resource for professional advice and options.'

A key aspect of the program is that it will be available to ACS members who are employers of twelve people or less. 'About a third of our members are contractors or in their own business and such people will be able to obtain timely and professional advice on any legal issues they may have, including all aspects of employment law.  This advice is given via a free initial consultation," Mandla said. 

The service will include one hour of free legal advice per annum per issue category.  Advice will be available for such things as wrongful dismissal, contract disputes, divorce, will preparation, sexual harassment and discrimination, disputes over entitlements, as well as hiring and firing procedures.
 
The ACS has appointed legal firm, Maurice Blackburn Cashman, an industrial law specialist, to provide the service to its members. The ACS believes the program will be attractive to ICT workers and small ICT business owners and provide additional incentive for them to join the society. The program will commence this month. Mandla said his vision is to create a service that supports members both in good times and bad. 

'While few professionals ever envisage legal issues arising in their careers, it is an insurance policy that the ACS will be there to see that members have access to sound advice in those difficult times," said Mandla.

Over the last few months the ACS Membership Advocacy Program has been in a pilot mode and, according to to the ACS, has been a hit with members. Mandla said that a number of members rang in asking for referrals to professional organisations and were delighted when the ACS informed them they could help. 

'These personal case studies are moving and what struck me is how difficult it can be for a professional to deal with a problem they have never confronted before.  Such issues affect professionals and their partners deeply," Mandla said. "The last thing they want is big bills from strangers when all they need initially is information and empowerment by having options presented to them.'