What is a Professional Body?
A professional body (sometimes referred to as a professional association, organisation, institute, or society) is an organisation that comprises members who are professionals in a specific sector, e.g., Engineering.
In this context, the term ‘professional’ refers to an individual who has achieved certain educational and training standards that provide them with the knowledge, expertise and skills necessary to carry a particular role effectively.
What is the Role of a Professional Body?
Professional bodies typically seek to further the interests of their profession and members. They may also set standards for ethics, performance, competence, insurance, training, and so on, that must be met to remain within the profession. These are typically set out in a code of conduct.
Different Professional Bodies in Namibia?
- HPCNA – Health Professions Councils of Namibia – Determine and maintain minimum educational standards leading to registration of a health professionals set and; maintain ethical standards.
- ICAN – The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Namibia –ICAN is the Institute that promotes the interests of its members and the Accounting Profession as a whole. Membership of ICAN is a requirement to use the designation CA(NAM). Though ICAN is not a regulator, it has the power to sanction members for non-compliance with the IESBA Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants. This power is subject to the investigation and disciplinary role of the Public Accountants and Auditors Board (“PAAB”) where the relevant ICAN member is also registered with the PAAB.
- PAAB – Public Accountants’ and Auditors’ Board – A statutory body, established by an Act of Parliament, the Public Accountants’ and Auditors’ Act No 51 of 1951 (as amended), mandated with regulatory oversight of public accountants and auditors who offer services to the public for a fee.
- ECN – The Engineering Council of Namibia – ECN is the statutory and regulatory body for the engineering profession in Namibia, established by the Engineering Profession Act of 1986. Its core mandate is to carry out the registration of engineers, technicians, as well as candidates for these categories, and regulating the practice of engineering by these persons.
- NTB – The Namibian Tourism Board – a statutory body established through an Act of Parliament, Act No. 21 of 2000. The NTB mandates are to market and promote tourism by encouraging people to travel to and within Namibia and promote the development of the tourism industry and environmentally sustainable tourism by actively supporting the long-term conservation, maintenance, and development of the natural resource base in Namibia. The NTB is also responsible for the following duties: Regulating the tourism industry in Namibia by putting measures in place to ensure that services rendered, and facilities provided to tourists comply with the prescribed standards and promoting adequate training of people engaged or to be engaged in the tourism industry.
- NFC – Filming Commission of Namibia – To create a conducive environment that develops a vibrant and sustainable film industry nationally.
- NCA – Namibia Charcoal Association – formed to formalise and strengthen the charcoal industry, supporting the needs of its role-players in the industry. Formerly known as the Namibia Charcoal Producers Association (NCPA), the NCA is a non-profit voluntary membership association for the Namibian charcoal industry.
- NCRST – National Commission on Research Science & Technology – It to ensure the co-ordination, monitoring and supervision of research, science, and technology in Namibia.
- NASCAM – Namibian Society of Composer and Authors of Music – is a collective Management Organization which administer the rights of those creative artistic works, called in a combination word “MUSIC”. Its main objective is to register Members and their work, to register and license all musical use in the country & to collect royalties, or fees from those using music and distribute royalties to their members and those sister organization, and finally to fight against any form of piracy in Namibia.
- CM – The Chamber of Mines Namibia – The Chamber of Mines is a member-based organisation that is responsible for the stewardship of mining, exploration, and associated activities for the benefit of all stakeholders. Through its active advocacy and leadership, it influences policies affecting the sector, the Chamber works diligently towards sustaining and maintaining a regulatory environment which attracts investment and promotes the growth of the Namibian mining industry.
- CCN – Council of Churches of Namibia – CCN is a reconciling, healing and caring fellowship of Christian churches united in service to society. The Youth Ministry Office provides an integrated vision of the Churches expressing through the following aspects of ministry with youth: Developmentally Appropriate, youth Friendly, Intergenerational, Multicultural, Community-wide Collaboration, Leadership, Flexible and Adaptable Programming.
When planning to set up a business or look for a job in Namibia, before applying for the relevant work permit, do make sure that you register with the Namibian Professional Board/Council or Association, if your profession requires that.
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Written by Uaaruka Kandjii
Edited by Simon Carletti
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