1. Using the Membership Model
Membership Engineering…
Using the Membership Model
to find Solutions
Mervyn Pilley
Not For Profit Business Services

2. Using the Membership Model
A story - 1966 and all that!
A ten year old boy with an Engineer Father –
showing interest in his membership application
Pack for the British Institute of Management
Many a discussion about Professional Body
Membership and the reasons people join things
And so began a lifetime interest in all things
Membership
MEMBERSHIP ENGINEERING

3. Using the Membership Model
Starting with two definitions:
Membership
The state of being a member, as of a society or club
Engineering
The application of scientific and mathematical principles to
practical ends such as the design, manufacture, and
operation of efficient and economical structures, machines,
processes, and systems
MEMBERSHIP ENGINEERING

4. Using the Membership Model
The Membership Model
Evolving usage of the membership model
• Virtual vs. Real
• Part of the caring/sharing society?
• Can the Membership model meet today’s challenges?
• Political/Economic/Social/Technical
• Finding solutions?
• Let’s start the debate…
MEMBERSHIP ENGINEERING

5. Using the Membership Model
So how can Membership Find Solutions?
Sharing of knowledge and information
Sharing of common problems
Sharing of understanding and resources
Co-operating in the finding of solutions
MEMBERSHIP ENGINEERING

6. Using the Membership Model
MEMBERSHIP ENGINEERING
A growing number of membership models:
CIC
Co-operatives
Voluntary Organisations and Community Groups
Charities
Credit Unions
Trade Unions
Professional Bodies
Trade Associations
Federations
Confederations

7. Using the Membership Model
The Professional Body – an Alternative to University?
Another way of gaining qualifications
The Primary and Secondary Engineering model
This model could potentially be expanded into other sectors
MEMBERSHIP ENGINEERING

8. Using the Membership Model
The Professional Body
Is there a disjoint between apprenticeships and the world of work?
Vocational Training has struggled to gain traction
Can membership provide the link?
MEMBERSHIP ENGINEERING

9. Using the Membership Model
The Trade Association
The traditional models still exist
There is still the advantage of sharing resources and knowledge
SME advantage
Political lobbying – new challenges
Hybrid model – effective?
MEMBERSHIP ENGINEERING

10. Using the Membership Model
The Commercial Membership Model
Are the smart businesses now saying “join us” instead of “buy from us”?
• Buying clubs
• Newspaper subscriber clubs
• Homeware and Clothing Catalogues
• Wine Clubs
• Travel Clubs
• Loyalty clubs
• Digital communications – Netflix
MEMBERSHIP ENGINEERING

11. Using the Membership Model
The Co-operative Model
Certainly not new
Building the capacity of small and micro businesses
Sharing best practice
Financial advantage on procurement
Getting the ground rules right
Competition issues
MEMBERSHIP ENGINEERING

12. Using the Membership Model
The Co-operative Model
Collective Buying – a new type of co-operative movement
The energy market “Big Switch” - a good example
Collective purchasing – getting the best price
Spreading to other areas?
The membership model adapting to austerity
MEMBERSHIP ENGINEERING

13. Using the Membership Model
MEMBERSHIP ENGINEERING
The Co-operative Model - Community Energy Projects
Numerous community energy projects across the UK, with at least 5000 community groups
undertaking energy initiatives in the last five years:
• Community-owned renewable electricity installations
• Switching to renewable heat sources
• Supporting energy saving measures
• Working in partnership to pilot smart technologies
• Collective purchasing of heating oil for off gas-grid communities
• Collective switching of electricity or gas suppliers

14. Using the Membership Model
MEMBERSHIP ENGINEERING
The Political Membership Model
The Jeremy Corbyn/Labour Party model
How to create 600,000 members in (almost) an instant
Has the Political party membership model changed forever?
Giving a voice to the masses?

15. Using the Membership Model
MEMBERSHIP ENGINEERING
The Culture Perspective
Widening the appeal of our heritage
Replacing entry fees with ‘Friends of’ and supporters
Income generating, knowledge enhancement

16. Using the Membership Model
MEMBERSHIP ENGINEERING
The Niche Association
Enables issue versus sector focus
Aided by social media and virtual communication
Growth area
Can be local or National

17. Using the Membership Model
MEMBERSHIP ENGINEERING
To Conclude…
Membership first referenced in 1643
Now adapted to meet today’s challenges; political, economic, social, technical
What does the future hold?

18. Using the Membership Model
MEMBERSHIP ENGINEERING
And Finally
A personal crusade…
Making Membership Management a profession in its own right
Enabling a career path
Time for a debate!

19. 2 Old College Court, 29 Priory Street, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0DE
For more information,
contact us at:
03707 369 369.
mervyn@n4pbs.co.uk
www.n4pbs.co.uk
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