Governing Bodies

AoFA The Association of First Aiders

AoFA is an association formed out of the membership of The First Aid Cafe website, the UK's largest independent community of over 14,000 first aiders and first aid trainers. The AoFA complements the FirstAidCafe by being able to represent its members.

The Association of First Aiders has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2004. Over the last 12 months they have been working hard on various initiatives in many aspects of both training and business areas.

Some of the features of membership are:

• FREE first aid insurance to all AoFA members
• Endorsed and supported by the HSE
• Directory of Training Providers
• Discounted first aid books and materials
• UK's best known first aid association etc.

For further information, please visit their website www.aofa.org

BILD British Institute For Learning & Development

The British Institute for Learning and Development (the BILD) is the UK's leading individual and organisational membership organisation, representing the interests of learning & development professionals.

BILD addresses the needs and raises the status of all those involved in learning and development (both organisations and individuals). With a focus on professionalism and performance improvement, it provides coherence to a sector that embraces corporate, work based and lifelong learning and vocational training.

Some of the features of membership are:

• A professional membership grade
• Networking opportunities through the BILD forum
• 6 free member events per year
• Online event opportunities
• Access to web resources

For more information, please visit their website www.thebild.org

Chartered Management Institute

CMI are a chartered professional body in the UK dedicated to promoting the highest standards in management and leadership excellence with more than 86,000 members.

Management and leadership development means enhanced productivity and reputation. With 60% of the UK's managers unqualified, there's plenty of scope for getting ahead of the competition through effective training. CMI are the only Chartered body specialising in management and leadership.

Some of the features of membership are:

• Member discounts
• Accreditation and qualification options
• Practical support and advice
• Sector specific news
• Regional event information

For further information, please visit their website www.managers.org.uk

The Chartered Institute of Building

With over 42,000 members the CIOB is the international voice of the building professional, representing an unequalled body of knowledge concerning the management of the total building process.

CIOB members are skilled managers and professionals with a common commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible standards. Chartered Member status, represented by the designations MCIOB and FCIOB, is recognised internationally as the mark of a true professional in the construction industry.

Some of the features of membership are:

• Recognition for the CIOB qualification
• Various publications
• Access to local events and activities
• Use of The CIOB's library that hosts the UK's largest collection of construction-related material
• Careers Advice
• Member Offers

For more information, please visit their website www.ciob.org.uk

CIEH Chartered Institute of Environmental Health

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) is a registered charity and the professional voice for environmental health. It sets standards, accredits courses and qualifications for the education of members and other environmental health practitioners.

It provides information, evidence and policy advice to local and national government and environmental and public health practitioners in the public and private sectors. As an awarding body, the CIEH provides qualifications, events, and support materials on topics relevant to health, well being and safety to develop workplace skills and best practice.

Some of the features of membership are:

• Online member only website
• Money saving members only benefits
• Free subscription to publications
• Networking opportunities
• Advice, courses & workshops leading up to qualification
• CEIH library etc.

For more information, please visit their website www.cieh.org

Construction Skills

Construction skills are the Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board for the construction industry, working to deliver a safe, professional and fully qualified UK construction workforce. They work with construction companies to help them improve skills to increase their competitive edge.

The government gives them powers to collect a levy from industry every year and return the money collected, back in training grants. They also have a network of Company Development Advisors who visit employers across the country, providing advice on how to get the best from their workforce.

The Constructions Skills website provides information, features and advice on a multitude of areas. For example:

• Construction apprentices for employers
• Health & safety test
• Order publications online
• Training & development plans
• Assistance with grants etc

Please visit their website for further information www.cskills.org

HSE Health & Safety Executive

Health and Safety Executive is the national watchdog for work-related health, safety and illness. They are an independent regulator and act in the public interest to reduce work-related death and serious injury across Great Britain's workplaces.

The HSE website provides information, features and advice on a multitude of areas. For example:

• Online/telephone information helpline manned by HSE experts
• Information by industry
• Prevention and treating health issues
• New Companies free tools and advice
• Asbestos Health and safety
• Electrical safety at work
• Health and Safety in the manufacturing, storage, supply, carriage and use of chemicals in the workplace
• HSE news update etc.

For further information, please visit their website www.hse.gov.uk

ICAEW The Institute of Chartered Accountants

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales has more than 134,000 members in over 160 countries.

ICAEW provide members with knowledge and guidance based on the highest ethical and technical standards. They shape opinion, understanding and delivery to ensure the highest standards in business and in the public interest.

Some of the features of membership are:

• Develop your career with a range qualifications that are offered; the ACA, CFAB, CFQ and IFRS
• Relevant support at your fingertips
• eLibrary - Fast online access to full text online resources 24 hours a day
• A range of value added or discounted member benefits
• Free and confidential advice, whether you have a technical or ethical query, a question about your membership or need counselling on a personal issue etc.

For more information please visit their website www.icaew.com

ICE - Institute of Civil Engineers

ICE is an international membership organisation that promotes and advances civil engineering around the world. ICE is a qualifying body, a centre for the exchange of specialist knowledge, and a provider of resources to encourage innovation and excellence in the profession worldwide.

Their purpose is to qualify professionals engaged in civil engineering, exchange knowledge and best practice, and promote their contribution to society.

Some of the features of membership are:

• Grades of membership are internationally recognised
• ICE Member discounts
• Online member communities
• Access to the library
• Books & journals
• Events etc

For further information, please visit their website www.ice.org.uk

IFST Institute of Food Science & Technology

IFST is the leading independent qualifying body for food professionals in Europe and the only professional body in the UK concerned with all aspects of food science and technology.

Their members are drawn from all over the world from all ages and backgrounds including industry (manufacturing, retailing and food service), universities and schools, government, research and development, quality assurance and food law enforcement. Membership is open to anyone with a professional interest in food who meets their high standards of professionalism.

Some of the features of membership are:

• Access to publications and information resources
• IFST qualifications
• Networking opportunities
• Continuing professional development etc

For more information, please visit their website www.ifst.org

ILM Institute of Leadership and Management

The Institute of Leadership & Management is the UK's largest management body, combining industry-leading qualifications and specialist member services.

ILM is founded on the principle that skilled managers and leaders hold the key to creating productive workforces that deliver organisational success.

Some of the features of membership are:

• Expert learning resources from Harvard Business Publishing
• Online leadership assessment
• Downloadable guide to CPD and an activity planner and log
• Legal helpline
• Professional recognition etc.

For further information, please visit their website www.i-l-m.com

Institute of Certified Bookkeepers

For more information please visit their website www.bookkeepers.org.uk

The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is the largest bookkeeping institute in the world. It promotes and maintains the standards of bookkeeping as a profession, through the establishment of a series of relevant qualifications and the award of grades of membership that recognise academic attainment, working experience and competence.

Some of the features of membership are:

• Access to the 'members only' section on the Institute's website
• Free Technical Advice line covering all aspects of bookkeeping
• Free updates on changes in legislation which might affect bookkeeping
• Free advice and guidance on setting up a private practice
• Professional letters after your name

For more information, please visit their website www.ismm.co.uk

Institute of IT Training

The Institute of IT Training is the world's first professional body for IT training professionals. It was established in 1995 and since then has grown on an annual basis where it is now firmly established as the leading authority throughout the UK and Europe on IT training and development. The Institute helps prepare classroom trainers, designers and developers of learning materials, online tutors, training managers and consultants to equip business for success in the new global economy.

Some of the features of membership are:

• Professional recognition with the Institute Certificates
• Discounted training courses & books
• Discounts & fast track entry to major exhibitions and conferences
• Best practice templates & guidelines for training professionals
• Interactive members only website etc.

For more information, please visit their website iitt.vbnlive.com/pws/home.asp

Institute of Risk Management

The Institute of Risk Management (IRM) is the world's leading enterprise-wide risk education Institute. They are independent, well respected advocates of the risk profession, owned by practising risk professionals. They provide professional qualifications, short courses and events at a range of levels from introductory to expert. IRM supports risk professionals by providing the skills and tools needed to put theory into practice to deal with the demands of a constantly changing, sophisticated and challenging business environment. They operate internationally, with members and students in over 50 countries, drawn from a variety of risk related disciplines and a wide range of industries.

IRM qualified member grades (MIRM, CIRM and SIRM) are recognised worldwide as the sign of a qualified risk management professional and are achieved through examination and recognition of relevant prior learning. Fellowship (FIRM) follows through accredited practical experience.

Some of the features of membership are:

• Participation in the Institute's Continuing Professional Development programme
• Economically priced professional study options
• Internationally recognised, designatory letters for Fellow, Member, Graduate, Specialist and Certificant grades
• Online Resource Centre
• Access to members' only section of website

For more information, please visit their website www.theirm.org

ISMM - The Institute of Sales and Marketing Management

As the UK's only body for sales professionals founded in 1911, the ISMM works to enhance the prestige of sales as a career and improve the skills of its members. The Institute has a commitment to the education and representation of both the profession and its members.

The Institute of Sales & Marketing Management provides sales and marketing professionals with the competitive edge necessary in today's business climate. To prospective employers and clients, membership of the ISMM is an acknowledgement of the capability, skills and experience.

The ISMM is also responsible for establishing benchmarks of professionalism in sales and is the only membership body accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) to award nationally-recognised qualifications in selling and sales management.

Some of the features of membership are:

• Professional recognition and qualifications
• Training, networking and development opportunities
• 24 hour confidential advise on any legal questions, whether of a business or personal nature
• Event discounted tickets
• The British Excellence in Sales & Marketing Awards (BESMA), members can nominate free of charge

For more information, please visit their website www.ismm.co.uk