Institute of Veterans' Advocacy Memberships

Advocates already holding CiMA qualifications, who are up to date with their CPD obligations, and whose Organisation has joined the IVA may apply for membership and accreditation. The levels of accreditation able to be applied for are:

• Associate Advocate – For those who hold a current basic qualification (Wellbeing or Compensation Level 1) and provide advocacy services under supervision.
• Accredited Advocate (MIVA) – For advocates holding a CiMA Level 2 qualification in Wellbeing or Compensation. 
• Senior Accredited Advocate (SMIVA) – For advocates holding a CiMA Level 3 qualification in Compensation.
• Principal Accredited Advocate (PIVA) – For advocates of high standing who have successfully completed the CiMA Level 4 Course with demonstrated experience in providing advocacy services to veterans.

Advocates who do not hold CiMA qualifications, or who have not undertaken the required Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to be ‘current’ for the purposes of the ATDP, can apply for Individual Membership. IVA will support access to the ATDP and provide a pathway to accreditation. Accreditation may be gained through:

• ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ (RPL). This is for those with existing advocacy experience. IVA will facilitate access to an assessment against the relevant level of CiMA, with the first step being an RPL for Level 2, enabling a person to be an Accredited Advocate.
• Participation in the ATDP Course. This is for those who would like to undertake the course and is generally suitable for new and emerging advocates. On completion of Level 1 of the course, a person will be entitled to operate as an Associate Advocate providing services under supervision whilst also undertaking further training with the support of their organisation.
• Undertaking CPD activities to refresh currency for ATDP purposes.

Advocates joining this category should note in the Application Form what pathway to accreditation they are seeking.  Advocates joining the IVA in this category will become IVA Individual Members, though they will not be IVA Accredited Advocates until qualified and current under CiMA and current ATDP rules.

A person who is a member of a profession that provides services to Veterans and their families associated with veteran advocacy may join as a Professional Member. This category of membership is open to a person who holds a recognised professional qualification relevant to veteran welfare, compensation, or legal representation including law, psychology, social work, rehabilitation, or other allied professions.

Professional Members are listed according to their profession and are not described as IVA Accredited Advocates unless they separately meet the requirements for advocate accreditation.

The IVA Board may approve a Member as a Fellow where the Member is an advocate of good standing, who has completed (including by RPL) Level 4 Compensation of the CiMA, and the Member has a demonstrated and substantial history of providing exceptional services as an advocate.

This award cannot be applied for. It will be awarded based on nominations from the Membership and consideration by the Board.

For Individuals who intend to join the IVA as an Accredited Advocate or Professional Member and who are undertaking basic professional training relevant to veterans’ advocacy. Individuals who are updating non-current qualifications or awaiting recognition of prior learning may also join as Affiliates.

No membership fees are payable. As Affiliates are not formal Members, they have no voting rights until they join in one of the other Individual Membership Categories 

IVA has two options available for F4S Providers:

• F4S Provider: $2,750 per annum
• F4S (Low Capped Fee) Provider: $550

For a F4S (Low Capped Fee) Provider is a provider that charges no more than $1,000 in total for the client’s entire advocacy engagement, regardless of the number of conditions claimed or agencies involved.

IVA may request the provider’s standard cost agreement, fee schedule or other supporting information to confirm eligibility for this category.

F4S Providers must give clients a clearly explained written cost agreement setting out the basis on which fees are charged. They must not charge fees on a percentage, commission or contingency basis, except where expressly permitted by IVA’s By-Laws.

IVA recognises federated ESO structures. Principal ESOs may join at the principal rate, enabling their affiliated branches (including sub-branches), clubs and groups to access the discounted rate described below.

Standalone ESO: $275 per annum

For an Ex-Service Organisation that is not part of a larger federated structure.

• Select “Standalone ESO” when joining.

Principal ESO: $550 per annum

For a national, state, territory or other principal entity within a federated ESO structure.

Membership by the Principal ESO enables its affiliated branches and sub-branches to access the discounted organisational membership rate.

• Select “Principal ESO” when joining.

Affiliated ESO: $55 or $275 per annum

For a branch, sub-branch, club or group affiliated with a national, state, territory or other Principal ESO.

The annual fee is:

• $55 where the relevant Principal ESO is a current IVA Organisational Member; or
• $275 where the relevant Principal ESO is not a current IVA Organisational Member.

Each branch or sub-branch joins IVA in its own right.

• Check with your Principal ESO before joining and then select “Affiliated ESO” and the appropriate fee, based on whether your Principal has joined the IVA.
• Note: If an Affiliated ESO joins at the higher rate and the Principal subsequently joins, refunds are available.

Service Organisation: $275 per annum

For a not-for-profit, charitable or community organisation that provides or supports veteran advocacy or related services but is not an Ex-Service Organisation.

• Select “Service Organisation” when joining.