Joining as a member

How to apply, what happens next, and when your membership actually starts.

3 min read Created 26 Jul 2026

Overview

Joining takes two steps. First you create a login. Then you fill in an application form.

Creating a login does not make you a member. It gives you an account, so you can apply and follow what happens.

The form goes in all at once. It is not saved as a draft, so have your address details ready before you start.

You pick a membership type on the form. That is what sets your fee.

A person reads every application, in the order they arrive. If yours is approved, we email you a payment link.

Your membership starts when your payment goes through — not when you are approved.

What you need to do	Create a login, then fill in the application form.
What sets your fee	The membership type you pick on the form.
Joining fee	Paid once, when you first become a member.
Renewal fee	Paid each year after that. It can be a different amount.
Who decides	A person. Approving, holding or refusing an application is never automatic.
What is automatic	Your payment link, your Member ID, your receipt and your card — once your payment goes through.
Honorary and founding members	Become members without paying. There is no payment step.

Create your login

Use your email and a password, or continue with Google. Whichever you pick, use the same one every time — a Google login and a password are not interchangeable.

Use a personal email address rather than a work one. Everything comes to it: payment links, receipts and renewal notices. You will still want it after you change jobs.
Fill in the form in one go

It submits as a whole. If something is wrong it is marked straight away, and the rest of your answers stay as you typed them.

The application form.
Pick your membership type carefully

Each one shows its fee. Changing it before you pay is just an email to us. Changing it after you pay means a refund and a new receipt.

If two types could both apply to you, ask us before you submit.
Watch your dashboard, not only your inbox

Your dashboard shows what stage you are at. The payment link appears there too, so a lost email does not hold you up.
Pay when we approve you

Your membership starts when the payment goes through. That is when you get your Member ID, your receipt and your card.

Apply once. A second application creates a duplicate record for us to sort out. It does not replace the first.

You can keep editing your profile while we are reviewing it. We see the latest version.

If a member told you about us, pick their name from the list on the form. Or use their invite link, which credits them automatically.

Being approved is not the same as being a member. Your payment is what starts your membership.

If the signup page says your email is already registered, you already have an account. Reset the password instead of making a second one.

You applied and have heard nothing for a while.

Why it happens: A person reads each application, in the order they arrive.

What to do: Check that your phone number and email are right, so we can reach you. If it has been a couple of weeks, ask us and give your Member ID.

It says your email is already registered.

Why it happens: You already have an account — often one made and forgotten.

What to do: Use Forgot your password on the sign-in page. Do not create a second account.

Google does not recognise you.

Why it happens: Your account was made with an email and a password.

What to do: Sign in with your password. Reset it if you have forgotten it.

Still need help?

The membership office can look at your record directly.