Supporting members effectively requires creativity, insight, and a commitment to delivering meaningful benefits. The Best Membership Support category celebrates organisations that have developed services, tools, and resources that empower members and strengthen professional communities.
This year’s shortlisted entries for the Best Membership Support Award showcase the breadth of support available across sectors:
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants launched NEDSpace, a dedicated programme for long-standing members seeking to transition into Non-Executive Director roles or portfolio careers.
Designed through direct member consultation, the initiative combined education, skills development, networking, and access to live opportunities in one tailored hub. By blending digital and in-person engagement, partnering with experts, and delivering strong professional outcomes, ACCA has strengthened support for experienced members and reinforced its role as a lifelong career partner.
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
BACP launched its Member Support service to provide confidential emotional support for practitioners facing professional conduct complaints. Developed to balance regulatory responsibilities with member care, the service connects members with independent support practitioners, offering up to six sessions within a year.
By creating a safe, impartial space, responding quickly to requests, and embedding support into core membership services, BACP has strengthened wellbeing for affected members, helped maintain confidence in practice, and reinforced its commitment to supporting members through all stages of their professional journey.
Builders Merchants Federation
The BMF has delivered exceptional support to its 1,020 members across the UK’s building materials supply sector through initiatives spanning sustainability, skills development, diversity, and health & safety. By launching programmes such as CO2nstructZero, BMCareers, the Young Merchant Group, and the Construction Inclusion Coalition, BMF has driven meaningful industry change, enhanced member efficiency, and created clear career pathways.
These innovative initiatives have boosted member engagement, satisfaction, and retention, reflected in record growth and strong survey ratings, demonstrating BMF’s commitment to helping members navigate challenges, develop talent, and shape the future of the sector.
Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation
CIHT’s CLIMATES initiative equips highways and transportation professionals to tackle climate change through research, engagement, and skills development. Between September 2024 and February 2025, 333 members participated in regional workshops, online sessions, and surveys, exploring four possible 2035 futures. Led by Prof Glenn Lyons, the programme shares best practice, builds career resilience, and prioritises climate action. The freely available report informs CIHT policy, supports professional development, and guides stakeholders across the sector.
By combining rigorous research with member-focused engagement, CLIMATES strengthens members’ impact, reinforces CIHT’s leadership on climate action, and shapes the future of sustainable transport.
National Residential Landlords Association
The NRLA Landlord Support Team provides expert guidance to landlords across the UK, handling 150,000 contacts annually via phone, chat, email, web enquiries, and WhatsApp. With over 30 experienced advisors, the team achieved a 97% positive response rate and exceeded service targets for ten consecutive months. A £1.5m omni-channel software upgrade reduced average call wait times from 55 to 36 seconds and written request responses from 28 to 5.5 hours.
Combined with ongoing professional development and high employee engagement, the team delivers rapid, consistent, and highly valued support, empowering members to manage properties effectively and compliantly.
Royal College of Occupational Therapists
The RCOT Learner Ambassador scheme engages OT students, building connection, representation, and peer-led support. In just seven months, 41 ambassadors across 55 UK universities have driven recruitment, helping achieve 96% of the annual student membership target and increasing student membership by 33%. Ambassadors, reflecting the diversity of the profession, receive tailored training, free membership, and resources to champion RCOT on campus.
Through peer advocacy, social media, and events, students feel supported and empowered, while RCOT gains early, lasting engagement, strengthening the OT community and shaping the next generation of members and leaders.
A huge thank you to our judging panel who had the difficult task of selecting finalists from such an outstanding pool of submissions. These organisations illustrate how excellent support initiatives can make a real difference for members and the wider sector.
The Memcom Excellence Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday 25 September at the Royal Lancaster London.
Tickets are now available book now to celebrate with us in style.
