Membership and Professional Standards Framework

Scope

This framework applies, where relevant, to Student Members, Members, Associate Fellows, Fellows, Honorary Fellows, delegates, programme participants and individuals taking part in IILM professional activities.

The Institute operates under TAC International Limited. It is a professional institute and membership body. It is not a university, school or degree awarding body.

Nature of Membership and Fellowship

Membership and Fellowship are forms of professional recognition. They are not an academic degree, a regulated professional licence or a statutory professional qualification.

Membership Progression

The professional progression is Student Member, then Member, then Associate Fellow, then Fellow.

Honorary Fellowship is a separate recognition route. It is not a grade above Fellow.

• Student Member: for people in recognised education, from Year 7 in the United Kingdom or the equivalent secondary school stage internationally, continuing through further education, undergraduate and postgraduate study while the person remains eligible as a student. Student Members have access to quarterly IILM Young Leaders development sessions as part of membership.
• Member: recognises relevant professional, leadership, management, business, entrepreneurial, organisational or other appropriate experience.
• Associate Fellow: recognises experienced professionals who demonstrate meaningful leadership, management, organisational, entrepreneurial or professional responsibility and contribution.
• Fellow: recognises senior and experienced professionals who demonstrate significant leadership, management, organisational, entrepreneurial or professional responsibility, achievement and contribution.
• Honorary Fellow: recognises distinguished leadership, achievement, service, influence or contribution. Honorary Fellowship is not purchased and is separate from ordinary progression.

Routes to Admission

Routes may include direct application, progression from an existing grade, professional nomination, recommendation, introduction or invitation. All routes are subject to the Institute's criteria and approval, and no route guarantees admission.

Assessment

Assessment may consider professional experience, leadership and management responsibility, organisational and business responsibility, professional development, qualifications and training, achievement, continuing professional development, contribution and professional conduct and standing.

Professional experience and demonstrable contribution are recognised alongside formal education.

Delegates, Programme Participants and Institutional Clients

The Institute also serves delegates and institutional clients, including government institutions, public sector bodies, educational institutions, businesses, professional organisations and community organisations.

A delegate or programme participant is not automatically a Member or a Fellow. Attendance and completion certificates are distinct from membership and Fellowship.

Continuing Professional Development

The Institute is committed to continuing professional development and encourages members to keep developing their leadership and management practice.

The Institute does not currently represent its programmes as externally accredited continuing professional development, and will not do so unless and until relevant accreditation or recognition is formally obtained.

Code of Professional Conduct

• Act with integrity and honesty.
• Treat others with dignity and respect.
• Exercise responsible professional judgement.
• Represent experience, qualifications and achievements accurately.
• Maintain confidentiality where appropriate.
• Support inclusive environments.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Commit to continuous learning.
• Use IILM credentials responsibly and only as permitted.

Use of the FIILM Post-Nominal

FIILM means Fellow of the International Institute of Leadership and Management. Only current Fellows in good standing may use FIILM.

Student Members, Members, Associate Fellows, Honorary Fellows, delegates and programme participants are not entitled to use FIILM merely by virtue of those statuses.

Honorary Fellows may describe themselves as Honorary Fellow, International Institute of Leadership and Management. Honorary Fellowship does not automatically confer FIILM.

Fees

There is no separate joining or application fee at launch. Investiture, ceremonial regalia, guest attendance and other optional services are separate from annual membership and may carry separate charges. Robe purchase or rental may be charged separately.

• Student Member: £15 per year.
• Member: £50 per year.
• Associate Fellow: £75 per year.
• Fellow: £100 per year.
• Honorary Fellow: no annual membership fee.

Professional Conduct Concerns

Concerns may include serious breaches of this framework, deliberate misrepresentation of credentials or status, serious unethical or inappropriate conduct, damage to the integrity or reputation of the Institute, or conduct that places another person at risk.

Outcomes

Outcomes are intended to be fair and proportionate. Except where immediate protective action is reasonably necessary, the person concerned is normally informed and given an opportunity to respond.

• No further action.
• Guidance or corrective action.
• Formal warning.
• Temporary suspension.
• Withdrawal of membership or Fellowship.

Appeals

An appeal may be made in relation to significant membership and Fellowship decisions. Where practicable, an appeal is considered by a person or panel who was not solely responsible for the original decision.

Complaints

Complaints are handled fairly, respectfully, with appropriate confidentiality and in a proportionate manner. Safeguarding concerns involving children or young people are handled through the Institute safeguarding procedures.

Young Student Members

The Institute is committed to a safe, respectful and development focused environment for young Student Members. Participation by people under 18 is governed by safeguarding, consent, communication, data protection and online participation procedures.

Records and Review

The Institute maintains appropriate records for membership, Fellowship, progression, renewals, programmes, delegate participation and professional status.

This framework is reviewed periodically.