Published: 10 Aug 2022
Although the American comedian Groucho Marx once said, “I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member”, there’s a lot to be said for joining professional organisations. The benefits of becoming a member of The Survey Association are numerous and each category of membership covers a different part of the survey profession. Here, we take a look at the various packages we have to offer and what each one offers to prospective members.
Stronger together
There’s strength in numbers and our members extol the virtues of becoming associated with TSA. They find it’s great to be part of a wider trade association, with its own network of experts and access to a huge informational resource – both in person and online. Whether you represent a long-established company, or a new arrival just starting out, there will something beneficial of joining TSA – from advice on human resources and business, to developments in technology, equipment and legislation.
TSA is always keen to expand its membership. Businesses that become TSA members will be joining a large and welcoming community that reflects the high standards of the profession and also the association itself. Membership application forms can be requested from our office and there is a separate application form for each of the five categories of membership. Whatever the nature of your surveying business, there is a level of membership that you will be eligible for.
Five great ways to come on board
There are five categories of TSA membership. Full Membership is the category that is for businesses with a proven track record in spatial data management over more than three years – and whose day-to-day operation complies with our stringent entry criteria. Associate Membership is ideal for those businesses that meet all the requirements outlined in Full Membership, with the exception of their period of trading. Supplier Membership is the category for companies that supply a service or a product to the survey profession – this will include equipment manufacturers, for example, or IT or insurance provision in the profession.
An Academic Membership can be taken on by any establishment that provides training or learning skills relating to surveying or a related industry subject. To become an Affiliate Member, you have to be any organisation which – by virtue of their composition or location – is unable to apply for full membership. Perhaps the biggest prohibitive reason for full membership is for companies where spatial data management does not form the core activity of the business operations, nor contributes the majority of the company’s annual turnover.
By joining TSA, you will enjoy a range of benefits, including attendance of our annual AGM and TSA Conference, along with other seminars and workshops throughout the year. TSA also runs an industry accredited Surveying Course at the Survey School in Worcester, with members receiving up to a 50% discount on courses.
If you think you are eligible and would like to explore becoming a member, take a look at the application criteria on our website – or get in touch via email today, to begin your surveying journey.
