Author Topic: IFSM Membership  (Read 45721 times)

Offline Fire Monkey

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IFSM Membership
« on: October 20, 2015, 05:30:48 PM »
Hello,

Would it be worth my while (professionally speaking) to be come an associate member of IFSM if I am already GIFireE?

Thanks,

Offline JT

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Re: IFSM Membership
« Reply #1 on: October 20, 2015, 06:12:54 PM »
What do you do? What are you looking to do?

Offline colin todd

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Re: IFSM Membership
« Reply #2 on: October 20, 2015, 06:33:55 PM »
Why would you want to be?  That may then answer your own question.
Colin Todd, C S Todd & Associates

Offline kurnal

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Re: IFSM Membership
« Reply #3 on: October 20, 2015, 10:50:56 PM »
You benefit from joining a group of peers with a mutual interest, there are opportunities for CPD and you get a post nominal which will look good on your CV and might bring a slight marketing advantage.

Offline William 29

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Re: IFSM Membership
« Reply #4 on: October 22, 2015, 11:52:15 AM »
Why would you want to be?  That may then answer your own question.

Why would you not want to?  ;)

Offline Fire Monkey

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Re: IFSM Membership
« Reply #5 on: October 22, 2015, 12:31:45 PM »
Thanks every one to the replies so far,

I ask if membership is suitable becasue I would like to know if it is any better than having GIFireE or is it to the same standard. I don't want to waste my time or my employers money. Since I work in the non-private sector I don't need it for business reasons - but only for professional reconition and job security, but have no idea if it is worth it. Would I be better going for MIFireE?

Offline kurnal

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Re: IFSM Membership
« Reply #6 on: October 22, 2015, 04:56:35 PM »
MIFireE is generally held in higher esteem by fire service people because for most of its life fire service types were the huge majority of its members. iFSM came about as a result of a bust up between some characters in the IFE which if I recall correctly was connected with the setting up of the FRA register, correct me if I am wrong. My honest view is that the IFE generally carries more weight nationally and certainly internationally but I think the IFSM is also worth the subscription. I would go for both, but if you can only go for one its got to be the IFE. IFPO also worth a look. MIFSM is much easier to achieve than MIFireE so cannot hold the same value?
« Last Edit: October 22, 2015, 05:00:07 PM by kurnal »

Offline Fishy

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Re: IFSM Membership
« Reply #7 on: October 23, 2015, 09:33:06 AM »
Depends what your job is.  If you're an engineer then IFE is far more relevant and useful to your career than IFSM so if it's one or the other then it's a no-brainer.  If you're a fire safety manager or fire risk assessor then it's less clear-cut - but I think you'll find that IFE qualifications are more often sought in the job ad's.

Don't know what the cost of membership of the IFSM is, nor what their CPD programme is like, but as others have said why not give them a try in addition to GIFireE?

Offline nearlythere

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Re: IFSM Membership
« Reply #8 on: October 23, 2015, 07:18:17 PM »
I  know someone who, despite having no fire safety background, went on a 4 1/2 days fire risk assessmwnt course and now has it on his CV that he is a qualified fire risk assessor.
Would this be a better qualification  you to have?
We're not Brazil we're Northern Ireland.

Offline colin todd

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Re: IFSM Membership
« Reply #9 on: October 23, 2015, 09:34:20 PM »
Simon, what is the basis for going straight into IFE at member grade?  It is not necessarily as simple for most folks as your posting may imply.  The members exam is a good standard and direct entry is not a doddle.
Colin Todd, C S Todd & Associates

Offline Fishy

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Re: IFSM Membership
« Reply #10 on: October 27, 2015, 08:52:01 AM »
Simon, what is the basis for going straight into IFE at member grade?  It is not necessarily as simple for most folks as your posting may imply.  The members exam is a good standard and direct entry is not a doddle.

It's my understanding from the OP that we're talking about Associate grade, rather than Member?

Offline kurnal

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Re: IFSM Membership
« Reply #11 on: October 27, 2015, 12:22:20 PM »
Well spotted Fishy I missed that in my usual haste.....AIFSM brings all the  CPD and membership benefits and indicates to the outside world that you are involved and interested, can only help on the CV for career advancement especially if part of a progression plan but perhaps has little clout for those marketing their skills. My opinion only of course.

Offline Fire Monkey

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Re: IFSM Membership
« Reply #12 on: November 03, 2015, 11:55:02 AM »
Thanks every one - your insight has been very helpful.