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The Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) is the organisation that represents the franchise sector in Australia. The FCA provides professional support to its members through resources and certified courses. Additionally, the organisation also sets member standards that can give your franchise credibility. Furthermore, the FCA aims to represent your franchise by informing State and Federal Governments on issues relevant to the franchising sector.
This article explains what you should know about the FCA as a franchisor.
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What Are the FCA’s Objectives?
As the peak organisation that represents the franchise sector in Australia, there are several objectives the FCA sets out to achieve.
1. Education
The FCA provides information and education to existing and potential franchisees and franchisors. Furthermore, they develop Certificate and Diploma level courses in franchising, which can provide critical insight into how a franchise business operates.
The FCA Franchise Academy also offers a career path via industry-specific education. This enables franchisors to undergo professional development by drawing on the commercial expertise of experienced leaders in the industry sector.
2. Member Standards
The FCA also outlines a set of best practices for Australian franchise systems. Moreover, industry standards are crucial since they can:
- enhance public perceptions of franchising;
- safeguard franchisors’ investments and franchisees’ businesses;
- protects franchise networks from unethical behaviour; and
- guides those seeking to begin their franchising journey.
These member standards aim to provide FCA members with a guide on acceptable standards of conduct. You can gain significant market benefits by identifying yourself as an FCA member. Some of the standards the FCA expects from its members include:
- complying with relevant State and Federal laws, such as the Franchising Code of Conduct, trade law and trade mark law;
- refraining from illegal, unethical or improper dealings, such as the overvaluation of fees and prices;
- make a reasonable investigation to assess whether a prospective franchisee has the basic skills and resources to fulfil the needs of the franchise;
- provide ongoing training and support to franchisees;
- be reasonably responsive to communications when dealing with franchisees; and
- try to resolve complaints and disputes through direct communications or, if this fails, consider mediation or arbitration.
If an FCA member does not comply with the member standards, the FCA can initiate its investigative and disciplinary procedures. As such, the FCA Board can suspend or expel a franchisor’s membership if they fail to comply with its Member Standards.
3. Policy
Another critical area the FCA works in is policy. The FCA is a representative body that informs State and Federal Governments on issues relevant to the sector. Therefore, the FCA can advance the interests of its Australian members in Australia, as well as the international franchise community, by raising key policy issues with the appropriate government. As such, this organisation helps develop a strong and financially viable franchising sector.
4. Women in Franchising Committee
The FCA has also established the Women in Franchising (WIF) Committee. This special interest group within the FCA aims to promote women’s success in franchising. The WIF Committee’s goals include:
- creating inclusive initiatives for the franchising community;
- influencing FCA policy on key issues relating to women in franchising; and
- providing genuine opportunities for contribution, networking and professional development for franchisors.
Ultimately, a more inclusive industry sector advances the interests of the broader Australian business community.
Membership
It is not mandatory to become a member of the FCA. However, membership is open to any organisation or individual involved in the franchise sector. This includes:
- franchisees and franchisors;
- professionals in other industries, like lawyers, accountants, consultants, academics, and publishers; and
- institutions such as banks.
By becoming a member of the FCA, you can:
- enhance your franchise’s credibility by upholding the FCA’s Member Standards and the Franchising Code of Conduct;
- enjoy professional support through educational programs, networking opportunities and regular events; and
- be heard at a government level on issues that affect the franchise industry.
Key Takeaways
In short, the FCA is the primary organisation representing Australia’s franchise sector. The FCA:
- outlines Member Standards that can enhance the credibility of your franchise system;
- provides educational and professional support to franchisors and franchisees;
- is a representative body that promotes the interests of the franchise industry at the government level; and
- promotes a more inclusive industry.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Franchise Council of Australia is the peak representative organisation for the franchise sector in Australia.
Becoming a member of the Franchise Council of Australia is not mandatory. However, membership is open to any organisation or individual involved in the franchise sector.
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