VSSN membership is for those who undertake research on the UK voluntary sector or who have an interest in using the outcomes of such research. At present the membership includes academics, independent researchers and research managers in UK voluntary organisations, umbrella bodies and government. Membership is open to anyone over 18 who supports the aims and pays the current subscription.
Benefits of membership include:
- Much-reduced rates at our day conferences - see Events
- A free subscription to Voluntary Sector Review - see Journal
- Giving support to VSSN's objects - see About
- An annual vote for in the election of the Steering Group - see Trustees
- An annual vote in the election of the Journal Editorial Board - see Journal
- Eligibility to stand as candidates in the above elections
- Entitlement to appear in the directory and network interactively with others - see Members
- Entitlement to an entry in the courses guide - see Courses
The key responsibilities of membership we ask in return are simply to:
- Engage with other members in a collegiate manner whilst not avoiding critical debate
- Where the services of VSSN carry a price tag (such as the meetings), pay up promptly and cheerfully
- Encourage other researchers doing work about the sector to join
- Communicate any bright ideas or problems relating to VSSN
- Respond to an annual e-mail asking you if you still wish to be enrolled as a member.
Members are also expected to agree to our data usage policy in advance and to support our aims.
For more information please consult our downloadable leaflet on individual membership (PDF)
Organisational membership adds to the benefits that individuals get. It's open to smaller charities or voluntary/community groups and requires the approval of the Steering Group. It allows up to five representatives from the same organisation to receive similar benefits to individual members.
More information including an application form is available from our downloadable organisational membership leaflet (PDF).
TO JOIN VSSN please complete our online application form
