New Membership Structure
As you are aware, one of the goals of the IoCP is to improve commissioning standards. After the recent Parliamentary Health Committee's report on Commissioning, we held a workshop to discuss the new draft National Occupational Standards from Government Skills. This innovative approach allows for the creation of a membership examination which will help to improve commissioning standards.
This will have an effect on the types of IoCP membership. Up till now, the only class of membership has been as a Founder. We have a number of proposals for changes to this arrangement tied to an entrance examination.
The National Committee agreed to an annual membership fee but this has not been charged as we had not developed a robust exam process. It is essential that we have an income stream to develop the Institute as all development work has so far been provided by members.
Membership
New members:
From the 1st July, full member entrance into the IoCP will be subject to passing the Accredited Commissioner award or through holding approved qualifications. Full details of the portfolio approach and exemptions for existing qualifications will also be published. This will involve student members submitting examples of their own work with reflective pieces linked to the skills and knowledge requirements of the National Occupational Standards.
Recognition for Approved Qualifications
Prospective members who have existing Commissioning Qualifications over NVQ5 can apply for exemption on payment of the appropriate fee.