No.

How do I become a member?
Submit a completed registration form as well as positive evaluations from three different customers to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (registration forms are available here).

The Edge team will use this information to create your profile. The profile will only go live when all fields of the profile are populated and it is up to members to complete their profile.

Why do I have to submit three evaluations?
The success of the network pivots on the commitment of all members to evaluate their work. Our conversations with consultants illustrated that while many consultants have an understanding of how their customers rate their service, very few conduct comprehensive, or even light touch evaluation. It is also not the purpose of the network to crate criteria through which we could ‘judge’ your capabilities as a consultant, but rather create membership criteria that places value and focus on how your customers and peers rate you.

Why do evaluations have to be submitted on a standard evaluation form?
The central membership criterion is to submit three positive evaluations. Therefore we have created an evaluation form that captures more comprehensively and rigorously the customer’s evaluation of your service. The evaluation form is straightforward and is structured in a way that helps you to reflect on the different aspects of your working practices as well as provide potential customers with information that makes sense and will help them to understand your strengths.

Can other people change my profile?
No, member profiles will only be accessible by the edge team administrator and respective members.

Are there any other requirements for joining?
No, not officially.  However, while there is no obligation to participate in peer-to-peer support, brap do encourage members to seek opportunities to connect with other members and make the most of opportunities to access ‘inside’ support. There is also an expectation that those members that sign up are interested in developing their skills and expertise in culturally capable business support, as well as a desire to create and share learning both on a one-to-one basis as well as across the network.

How long does membership last?
Membership is ongoing as long as consultants are ‘connected’ and provide three evaluations annually. However, membership cards will be issued for two years and every two years there will be a ‘re-registration’ process.

How do we link into other bodies of consultants such as Business Link?
We believe that the critical mass of learning that can be created by progressive professionals, who are connect via common values and working practices is key to the life of the network, and also key to the influence that the network can have at a regional level. The network has the support and interest of business link, who support brap’s desire to establish a more meaningful network, one where its members have a genuine desire to create social impact through the delivery of business support in the third sector.

Will this network accredit members in anyway?
Not currently. However, the network has already been discussed at strategic levels with AWM and business link, as well as the office of the third sector. And senior members of these organisations will be attending the launch in order to discuss business support priorities for the region as well as endorse the network.

Brap is also in the process of developing a cultural capability business support model which we would seek to accredit in 2009.

How will the network be promoted?
Brap already has a huge database of member organisations and has established strong links at a strategic and front line level both locally and regionally. The network will also be linked to social business forums, such as unltd world. The edge web pages will provide potential customers with an easy to use consultant ‘database’ where potential customers can peruse member profiles and establish contact directly with the consultant of their choice.

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