· Appropriate letters demonstrating professionalism e.g. MIW (Accr), recognised nationally.

· The opportunity to take part in Training/Continuous Professional Development (CPD) events. Events are held around the country and offer all practitioners the opportunity to benefit from combined experiences and ensure good practice throughout their professions.

· Commitment to our Codes of Ethicsand Practice to which members recommit annually.

· Access to Welfare World Journal, the official publication of the Institute, which provides an essential information service. It is published 3 times per year and welcomes contributions from all members, as well as external practitioners.

. E-mail Information Exchange Group.Opportunity to join the Institute’s E-mail Information Exchange Group which is used for circulating information and offers members the opportunity to exchange ideas and request information/feedback from colleagues.

. Professional Accreditation and the opportunity to raise level of membership.

Grades of Membership

Non-professional grade:

Affiliate Member: A person who has not completed a recognized course in welfare/counselling or of health and social care studies and who has less than 2 years relevant experience but who works in the welfare field or who has a strong interest in welfare. The individual may or may not wish to work towards professional membership.  Affiliate membership does not offer the use of 'letters' but the holder may state 'Affiliate of the IoW'.

Professional grades:

Member (MIW): He/she must have been in an appropriate post for at least 2 years and ideally hold a relevant qualification recognised by the Institute.

Fellow (FIW): He/she must have been a Member for 5 years or more and have demonstrated outstanding and exceptional service in their chosen field or to the Institute. No person will be considered until they have been in practice for at least 7 years.

Companion (CIW): This is wholly within the gift of the Institute and is the highest professional grade.

A certificate of Membership will be issued to each corporate Member stating the grade of membership and the date of admission. Duplicates are subject to such fee as the Board may determine.

Member MIW
Fellow FIW
Companion CIW

Annual subscription fees are determined by the Board. (Please note that professional subscription fees are tax deductable.)

2011/12 fees: £50 p.a. for all grades of membership, with the exception of retired Members who pay £25 p.a. and Affiliates who pay £40 p.a. For those eligible for Professional Accreditation (please click) an additional annual fee of £10 is payable.

Corporate Membership:

An organisation may take up corporate membership which would entitle them to access to Institute benefits such as training places. In this case no individual is a full member able to use 'letters'. Individuals of the organisation may, of course, be full members in their own right if they meet the required criteria.

The cost of corporate membership is on a negotiable sliding scale with greater cost benefits applying where larger numbers of personnel are involved.

Course Accreditation

Internal courses of any organisation whether holding corporate membership or not may be accredited by IoW upon request. Fees are on a negotiable sliding scale.

The Institute of Welfare promotes the status of all its members by establishing high standards of knowledge, skills and conduct. It is committed to ensuring high levels of professionalism and competence.

Termination of Membership

In exceptional circumstances membership may be terminated within the provision of the Articles of Association.