We recognise that, like the rest of the UK, you may be facing a financial squeeze right now. Soaring interest rates, a cost-of-living crisis and inefficient recovery post Covid-19 have left a lot of us financially uncertain and anxious. When our minds are focused on these concerns, we often can’t bring our best work to the people we’re supporting and offer the same impact.
We can’t solve the UK’s financial predicament, but we want to support our professional members as best we can.
What is the hardship fund?
We have set aside money to support professional, self-employed and associate members currently facing financial difficulties. To access the fund, you must have been a member for at least one year.
Unfortunately, the hardship fund does not extend to student members, associate apprenticeship members or retired members.
This fund is not means tested and is used internally to reduce your membership fees for up to a year.
Applications for the fund will be open between Monday 31 July 2023 and Monday 4 September 2023. The funding is limited however and the scheme ends when the fund's budget is met.
If you are accepted on to the hardship fund it will come into effect from Sunday 1 October 2023.
How do I access the fund?
We have a simple application form for you to submit. As part of the application, you will need to provide:
- your membership number
- your membership category
- contact details
- a short summary of why you’re applying for help with your RCOT membership fees.
Your application will then be reviewed by us and we’ll be in touch.
You will need to meet all the membership criteria and complete the entire form to be successful.
What do I include in my summary?
Your summary need only be a short paragraph (approx. 250 words) discussing how you're currently being affected and how a reduction in your fees would go some way in supporting you.
The current situation is hitting everyone differently and we want all our members to feel able to reach out if they need support.
What else can I do?
If you want to know more about the hardship fund and download the application form you can read our webpage all about it, or email professional.enquiries@rcot.co.uk.
If you don’t think you need support but would like to spread the news about this to those in our profession who might, please consider sharing this story via your preferred social channels. We can be found via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.