What is an EBPO?

An EBPO is any organisation that exists, wholly or in part, to enable employers to work in partnership with education as a contribution to young people’s education and their journey to a successful adulthood.

For IEBE, that includes schools, colleges and businesses themselves, as well as Local Authorities.

What’s the connection between NEBPN and IEBE?

NEBPN was a membership network mainly representing a small number of organisations that play a particular role in local education business partnerships.  By 2009 it had got as far as it could in raising the profile of its members and helping them to improve quality.

In order to really make a difference Declan Swan and the team knew the membership had to be broadened, focusing on professional standards for individuals and bringing people together to develop new ideas and approaches.

June 2009 saw the launch of the Institute for Education Business Excellence, a professional body, dedicated to raising standards across the whole range of education business partnership work.

The big difference is in the membership.  The IEBE welcomes individual and organisational members from broker organisations, delivery organisations, schools, colleges and businesses.

Who can join?

IEBE membership is open to any individual or organisation with a professional interest in education business partnership work.

There are no entry criteria for individuals at affiliate level or organisations, but all members are encouraged to strive to improve quality of provision.

How much does membership cost?

ORGANISATIONS:

Up to 3 employees*  £240

4-8 employees £530

9-15 employees £650

16-25 employees £775

26-35 employees £940

36-50 employees £1,250

50+ employees £1,500

* This refers to the number of employees working in the education business partnership space

INDIVIDUALS

2009-10 £25

CONSULTANTS

Will need to decide whether to join as an organisation or individual. 

Joining as an organisation will give you access to the logo, the Directory and to networking groups.

Joining as an individual will give you the professional status and networking opportunities.

How long does membership last?

Membership lasts for 12 months annually from 1^st April to 31^st March.

If I join as an organisation – do I get individual membership?

No.  You need to nominate a contact, who will then receive all information and communication from the IEBE on your organisation’s behalf.  If that person, and any of their colleagues, would like to be a member of the IEBE in their own right, and benefit from individual professional support, they need to join as an individual.

Can schools be members?

Yes.  IEBE welcomes school and colleges members.

Will conference prices still have special rates for members?

Yes.

Does my organisation need to be a member to register for the AEBE?

No.

As an individual member, how do I progress up the ladder?

In October IEBE will publish an online test for those who want to become Associates.  The test will cover the basic knowledge and skills we would expect anybody working in the business for at least two years to have gained.  There won’t be any specific entry criteria.  If you pass, you’ll be able to use the initials AIEBE after your name.

In Spring 2010, IEBE hope to publish the standards and criteria for full professional status (MIEBE).  These will be similar to the approach taken by chartered professions, where candidates undertake a full assessment.

All the standards are being set with the help of members of the profession and external experts.

Do I have to ask my Manager if I want to be an Associate, and who pays the membership fee?

You do not have to ask your manager if you want to either join or become an Associate / full Member.  This is about your professional development and status.  However, it would be strange if you didn’t discuss it with them.

It is clearly an advantage to an organisation to have employees who are members of a professional body and working towards professional status.  They may be prepared to pay your membership fee on that basis.

You will definitely need your employer’s help and support if you want to achieve full Member status, and again, they may be prepared to pay the appropriate fees, but that will be their decision.

How do I become a Fellow?

IEBE have not yet finalised criteria for Fellowship.  It may be by invitation only, or by submission.

Either way you will be expected to have made a real contribution to the profession.

Do I need to be a member in order to have access to the CPD opportunities?

IEBE’s charitable status means that any courses run by IEBE must be open to non-members as well as members.  However, non-members may have to pay more.