The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)

Overview

The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) is the professional body for practitioners who advise clients on trusts, estates, inheritance and succession planning. Established as the authoritative membership organisation in this specialism, STEP serves solicitors, accountants, tax advisers, financial planners, trustees and other professionals who work in the complex areas of trust administration, estate planning and inheritance matters. Based in London, STEP represents practitioners across the UK and internationally, providing a collective voice for professionals whose work involves guiding clients through wealth transfer, trust structures, tax-efficient planning and the administration of estates. For anyone seeking professional guidance on trusts and succession matters, STEP membership provides assurance of expertise and professional standing.

Who Should Join?

STEP is designed for professionals who advise on trusts, estates, inheritance and succession planning. This includes:

• Solicitors — particularly those specialising in private client work, wills, probate and trust law
• Accountants and tax advisers — professionals advising on the tax implications of trusts, estates and succession
• Financial planners and advisers — those helping clients plan wealth transfer and retirement strategies
• Trustees — individuals and corporate trustees managing trust assets and beneficiaries
• Estate practitioners — specialists in probate, estate administration and inheritance planning
• Barristers and legal professionals — those practising in trusts and succession law

STEP welcomes both established practitioners and those earlier in their careers. The organisation offers routes into membership for qualified professionals, students and those building expertise in the field. Eligibility typically requires professional qualifications relevant to trusts and estate work, such as legal, accountancy or financial planning credentials, though STEP operates tiered membership options to accommodate different career stages and backgrounds.

Why Join?

Trust and estate law is a specialised field requiring deep technical knowledge, awareness of constantly changing legislation, and understanding of complex planning strategies. STEP membership brings several significant professional advantages:

Professional Credibility and Recognition: STEP membership demonstrates to clients, colleagues and regulators that you meet professional standards in this demanding specialism. The post-nominals and professional recognition associated with STEP membership can distinguish practitioners in a competitive market and provide clients with confidence in your expertise.

Technical Knowledge and Professional Development: Trusts and estates work involves frequent legislative changes, evolving tax regimes, and complex planning considerations. STEP provides access to up-to-date guidance, training and continuing professional education specifically tailored to the field, helping members maintain competence and adapt to regulatory change.

Networking with Specialist Peers: STEP creates communities of practitioners facing similar professional challenges and opportunities. Networking through the organisation can lead to peer learning, collaboration on complex matters, referrals and business development opportunities.

Influence Within Your Profession: Members participate in a collective voice that shapes professional standards, influences policy development, and engages with government and regulatory bodies on behalf of practitioners. This means your membership connects you to wider professional influence beyond your individual practice.

Member Benefits & Opportunities

Professional Development and Training: STEP offers courses, seminars, webinars and educational resources covering trusts law, estate administration, tax planning, succession strategy and related areas. These support ongoing professional development and help members stay current with legislative and regulatory changes.

Technical Guidance and Resources: Members access technical publications, practice notes, precedents, case commentaries and specialist guidance that support day-to-day practice and help navigate complex advice scenarios.

Events and Conferences: STEP organises national conferences, regional events and specialist seminars bringing together practitioners to discuss emerging issues, hear from leading experts, and network with peers.

Qualifications and Accreditation: STEP administers qualifications such as the STEP Diploma, which provides formal recognition of expertise in trusts and estates. These credentials enhance professional standing and are valued by clients and employers.

Professional Support and Guidance: Members benefit from access to technical advice, guidance on professional standards, and support from STEP's experienced team on practice-related matters.

Community and Collaboration: STEP creates communities of specialist practitioners through local groups, special interest groups and online networks, facilitating peer support, knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving.

Visibility and Profile: Membership provides practitioners with visibility within the professional community through directories, publications and participation in STEP activities, supporting business development and reputation building.

Industry Role & Professional Standing

STEP occupies a central position within the trusts, estates and succession planning profession. As the pre-eminent membership body for specialists in this field, STEP shapes professional standards, develops best practice guidance, and provides a recognised framework for professional competence and ethics.

The organisation plays a significant advocacy and policy role, engaging with government, regulators and other stakeholders on matters affecting trusts, taxation, estate administration and succession law. This includes responding to legislative developments, contributing to policy consultations, and ensuring that practitioners' perspectives are represented in professional and political debate.

STEP also contributes to public understanding of trusts and estate planning through education and guidance, helping both professionals and the wider public navigate these complex areas. The organisation's work in setting standards, developing guidance, and accrediting practitioners underpins confidence and professionalism across the sector.

For practitioners in this field, STEP membership represents connection to an established, respected professional community with significant influence over the development of their specialism. It provides both individual recognition and participation in a collective voice that shapes the profession's future.