In the first instance IGDF strongly recommends that organisations consider applying for AO status before applying for full membership. This gives an organisation access to guidance and support from a dedicated member of the IGDF Development Committee (DC) who can assist with reviewing or developing policies, procedures and services, and prepare for full IGDF membership. AO status gives access to learning resources, newsletters and networking events.

Membership Criteria

The organisation must be a legal entity and the organisation must have trained 10 (or more) working guide dog and user teams. Training means everything after the puppy walking stage. I.e. all basic and advanced training of the dog and matching with the client.

  • The new applicant organisation must undergo a satisfactory assessment by an Assessor selected by the AC. Upon submitting a completed application form, the organisation will pay an enrolment fee of £500 towards the costs of administration of the application.
  • There will be a further fee of £500 to cover the initial assessment, once the application has been accepted.
  • All applications for membership have to be reviewed at an AC meeting and the AC’s recommendations must be then ratified by the Board.
  • When an organisation, which has already become an Applicant Organisation, has produced 10 guide dog units, an application for Membership should be submitted to the IGDF.
  • Maintaining IGDF membership requires the annual payment of a membership fee and an IGDF assessment every 5 years.

Membership Fees

An organisation applying for membership will be required to pay a membership enrolment fee of £500 upon receipt of an invoice, for registration purposes. Invoices will be sent on receipt of application. Once it is established that the organisation meets the criteria of membership, they will be invoiced £500 for their initial assessment. Should the organisation need a second assessment, they would be required to pay a further £500 to cover costs. No further fees will be required until the organisation has become a member. Once the organisation is granted membership they will not have to pay their annual fees until the January of the next year. Please refer to the ‘Becoming a Member’ page for a breakdown of membership fees.

Membership Information Dowload

Application Form

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