Federation Of Family History Societies

How to Join the Federation

 

Who Can Join?

Any society concerned directly or indirectly with Family History which has:

• been in existence for at least 12 months
• an agreed constitution
• a membership of at least 10 members
• a magazine/journal which is published regularly

Why Should You Join?

The Federation offers a number of benefits to members, including:

• FFHS is represented on governmental and national bodies: It is respected as an authentic and audible voice for the many needs and concerns of our member societies and other family historians.
• FFHS provides the latest news and information on family history matters: it publishes a bi-monthly electronic Ezine and offers an opportunity to 'spotlight' member societies. FFHS-Members List (own Internet Mailing List) and News List and the Members’ Section of the FFHS web-site, provide the latest news and developments of interest to societies. 
• FFHS provides Insurance cover (UK Members): Membership includes comprehensive Public Liability Insurance within the annual subscription; low cost Personal Accident Insurance and Assets Insurance are also available to member societies if required.
• FFHS offers general advice and assistance through its Officers and Committees on matters of Archives, Communication, Education, Finance, IT, Projects and Publicity.
• FFHS offers specialist legal advice: it produces guidelines on topics such as Copyright and Data Protection, Charities Act implications and a range of troubling legal issues.
• FFHS provides a model constitution for UK Societies. This complies with the known requirements of both the Charity Commissioners and the Inland Revenue, allowing Societies to obtain the benefits of charitable status should they wish to do so.
• FFHS encourages good practice with the Elizabeth Simpson Award (for best society journal) and the Geoff Riggs Web Award (best website).
• FFHS runs one day seminars for officers and task-holders.
• FFHS, through a franchise with S & N Genealogical Supplies, provides GENfair - a 'one-stop shop' where FFHS members can sell their specialist products and collect subscriptions, at privileged rates. www.genfair.com
• FFHS members have been provided with a means to sell ‘data’ on-line, findmypast.co.uk.  Members receive privileged royalty rates for data submitted.  Researchers are directed to Societies via these online facilities.
• FFHS membership provides the use of the NBI in member society libraries without the need to purchase a library licence.
• FFHS online Membership Directory advertises each member society to a worldwide audience of genealogists / family historians.  Members are also listed, with website addresses in publications delivered to the general public.  Enquirers are directed to Societies at every opportunity.
• Members can have free access to FMP for use at a fair or open day.
• FFHS Officers take all opportunities to support and promote Member Societies.
• FFHS provides a focus for sharing best practice in Family History and Society administration
• FFHS promotes and encourages the work and communication of the independent, Regional Groups and worldwide affiliates
• FFHS provides publicity through events, websites and leaflets to promote its member societies and their activities.
• FFHS MEANS STENGTH IN NUMBERS

What sort of Membership is appropriate?

Categories of Membership are:

Full member

Full Membership is awarded to societies in the British Isles specialising in family history or an associated discipline.
A full member pays an annual subscription of 38p per each of its own members (as at year end), with a minimum of £30 and a maximum of £950 for large societies of 2,500 members or more.

Each full member is entitled to nominate or second a candidate for election to the Executive at the Annual General Meeting to fill those vacancies that occur.

Associate member

Associate Membership is awarded to overseas family history, genealogical and heraldic groups, as well as to other bodies within the British Isles for whom family history is a secondary interest

An associate member pays an annual subscription at the fixed rate of £50.

How Do You Join?

In the first instance contact our administrator at

Memorandum and Articles of Association can be downloaded from here for further information