Membership

To be eligible for Junior Membership of the Plunkett Institute, individuals must; be members of an Eligible Society, complete an Introductory Training Programme, complete an application, agreeing to abide by the Principles of the Institute and its code of Conduct, to accept its disciplinary procedures, committing to comply with the Institute’s Continuing Professional Development programme, and pay the appropriate annual membership fee.

To be Eligible for Associate Membership individuals must be members of an Eligible Society, be members of an approved outer Representative structure, or newly elected members of the Board, have completed Plunkett Institute Level 2 Training, have completing an application, agreeing to abide by the Principles of the Institute and it’s Code of Conduct, to accept its disciplinary procedures, committing to comply with the Institute’s Continuing Professional Development programme, and pay the appropriate annual membership fee*.

To be eligible for Full Membership individuals must be members of an Eligible Society, be members of Board with at least 2 years’ experience, have completed Plunkett Institute Level 2 Training, have completing an application, agreeing to abide by the Principles of the Institute and it’s Code of Conduct, to accept its disciplinary procedures, committing to comply with the Institute’s Continuing Professional Development programme, and pay the appropriate annual membership fee*.

Existing Full Members of the Plunkett Institute, having completed the ICOS UCC Diploma in Co-operative Leadership (or equivalent), fellows will also have served at least 8yrs on the Board of an eligible** Co-op (ideally having held the role of Chairman). They must be nominated by at least six existing full members. Nominations will include reasons for nomination, citing experience, achievements, and service to the sector. Full members being considered for Fellowship will be subject to Interview by a panel appointed by the Institute Council.

Having served a significant period as a Full member or Fellow of the Institute, on permanent retirement from service as a Director, certain individuals may be offered Honorary Life Membership. The appropriate duration and level of service required shall be at the sole discretion of the Council of the Institute. No membership fee shall apply for this tier.

Corporate Membership will apply to Eligible Co-operatives who agree to comply with the Good Governance Principles of the Institute, and who require all Directors to become Full Members of the Institute within 2 years of election, and to be full members in good standing to be eligible for re-election. The normal criteria for Full Membership will apply to those Directors, including agreeing to abide by the Principles of the Institute and it’s Code of Conduct, accepting its disciplinary procedures, and committing to comply with the Institute’s Continuing Professional Development programme. The Corporate Member (Society) shall pay the individual member’s annual membership fee.