IFE Membership Help

[JasonT]

Hi

I was wondering if anyone could help or provide some pointers, I am trying to become a member of the IFE, whilst I can obtain one reference from a current member I have been struggling to get the 2nd reference. I contacted my local IFE branch but they have asked me to complete a 500 word personal statement and provide evidence of training and experience. Whilst I am comfortable to provide training evidence and experience I am struggling to produce the 500 word statement as I am not sure how to set it out.

Is this normal when trying to gain membership as when checking on the IFE web page this is a requirement for a fellow and I am not going for that level of membership.

any help would be appreciated

Jason T

[John Webb]

I would suggest you need to think in terms, perhaps, of an 'extended CV' in which you give more details about your appropriate training and experiences in fire-related matters. You could do this either in chronological order of training/experiences (most common in CVs) or by subject matter if you've worked in different areas at various times.

Hope this helps.

[Fishy]

What level of membership are you going for, Jason?

[JasonT]

Thanks for the pointer, I will look to go down the C.V type route and list my qualifications and experience.

In terms of membership level, I called the membership team and when I explained my background and experience the lady suggested I go for membership level, however I do not think this is the level for me. My background is 20yrs Health & Safety, IOSH chartered. In terms of fire training I attended an IFE accredited 3 day course in 2006, Fire service fire risk assessor course in 2006 and the Colin Todd 5 day course in 2016, In between I have completed over 50 fire risk assessments for Industry / Local Authority Premises, schools, offices, nursing homes, specialist schools, etc. obviously there is more but I wont bore you.

I thought I would apply and the panel would decide?

 

[Fishy]

The reason I asked is, if you might be up for Member, then go on the IFE website and look for the document "IPD requirements for member grade" - http://www.ife.org.uk/write/MediaUploads/IPD_Requirements_for_Member_Grade_0114.pdf

If you tweak your report so that it demonstrates (so far as it can) compliance with those requirements, then you shouldn't go far wrong...

[Fire Monkey]

Hope the below helps.

I would recommend going for Graduate First - this is not entry level as it is above Student and Technician. Its a great way to get membership and will be a lot quicker than the other grades. You may be hard pressed to get an exception from not having the required referee statements if you go for the higher grades. Member grade may require a Degree depending on which route you take. http://www.ife.org.uk/write/MediaUploads/IPD_Requirements_for_Member_Grade_0114.pdf - this is the requirement for the report you would required to write for membership grade (not easy and quite a report to write and evidence). Quite extensive recent training may be required as well.

also see - http://www.ife.org.uk/write/MediaUploads/Member_IPD_Report_Guidance.pdf

Alternatively try for Associate membership of the IFSM - its cheaper!

Graduate

(i) IFE Level 3 Diploma; or NVQ Level 3 (fire-related); or UK Statutory Officer exams; or Recognised Educational Programme for Graduate grade (www.ife.org.uk) ; or Equivalent (email: membership@ife.org.uk )
(ii) A minimum of 3 years of acceptable fire-related training and responsible experience

Associate
(i) Degree in a fire-related subject; or IFE Level 4 Certificate; or Recognised Educational Programme for Member grade (www.ife.org.uk) ; or Equivalent (email: membership@ife.org.uk )
(ii) Two referees currently holding an IFE corporate grade of membership (AIFireE, MIFireE or FIFireE)

d) Member
(i) Degree in a fire-related subject; or IFE Level 4 Certificate; or Recognised Educational Programme for Member grade (www.ife.org.uk) ; or Equivalent (email: membership@ife.org.uk )
(ii) Two referees currently holding an IFE Member or Fellow grade of membership (MIFireE or FIFireE)
(iii) Two years of relevant and sufficient CPD immediately prior to application
(iv) IPD Requirements for Member (www.ife.org.uk), evidenced through a report

[JasonT]

Hi all

I appreciate your help and comments, I would be happy to join at any level and work my way up, I have a health and safety qualification that is equivalent to a 2:1 degree, completed Colin Todd 5 day course late last year and would be able to provide more than 10 years CPD for fire risk assessment / advice and guidance and already have one reference from MIFireE referee. However I will review the links supplied and contact the membership team again, I think the one for me would be graduate and then work to membership.


 much appreciated

Jason