Benefits of membership

As a member of the Chartered Institute of Journalists, you…

- Are recognised throughout the world as a professional journalist or business communications practitioner

- May apply for the National Press Card, accepted by every UK police force and government department. The Institute is authorised to issue the card and is represented on the National Press Card Authority which runs the scheme

- Receive the CIoJ Journal, which reports the activities of the Institute and industry developments, and can join Journa-List, our on-line mailing list

- May attend the Institute’s Annual Conference and other events

- Have a voice through the Institute’s representation on the British Copyright Council, the British Photographic Liaison Committee, the Creators Rights Alliance, and relevant Royal Commissions and other bodies

- Have access to a comprehensive legal insurance scheme. The Institute has an enviable record representing members before courts, industrial tribunals and similar hearings

- Are eligible to use the postnominal letters MCIJ.

The Chartered Institute of Journalists produces a number of publications and forms designed to keep you in the know about your profession, including...

- The Journal - this is the official organ of the CIoJ and has been in publication since 1912. It reports the activities of the Institute and industry developments.

- Freelance News - this keeps freelance members updated on areas of interest pertaining to the precarious world of freelancing.

- The Freelance Directory - a publication which helps members gain work. It contains the details and specialities of all freelance members and is sent to editors and other media personnel who may employ freelance journalists.

- Freelance Rates - a guide to rates which may be charged for supplying various forms of journalistic services.

- Commission of Sale Forms - a form which will help you safeguard your copyright.

- Student Information - a handbook which directs students and those entering the profession to the best courses to study.

As your representative on a number of national organisations, we are able to supply you with other helpful publications. For example...

- The ABCD of UK Photographic Copyright - produced by the British Photographic Liaison Committee, this book is an essential source of copyright information for photographers.

The Chartered Institute of Journalists often seeks and negotiates special offers on goods and services which we think may be of use to our members, including...

- FREE Legal Advice - Institute members have access to a FREE legal advice line 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Legal advice can be sought on any subject at any time from a team of Legal experts and it is completely confidential.

- Discounted publications - you can take advantage of discounts that the CIoJ has negotiated on behalf of its members, including Hollis and Willings Press Guide

- London Press Club - you may join the London Press Club for half the normal joining fee. A saving of £25

- Discounted Medical Insurance and Hospital Cash Plans - you may benefit from discounts on medical insurance and hospital cash plans through the Hospital and Medical Care Association.

- ALCS & DACS - as a member of the CIoJ you will be able to register with Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society and Design & Artists Copyright Society free of charge. Both these organisations collect secondary copyright fees on behalf of creators - YOU!

The Institute also runs a number of charities specifically for the benefit of its members. Click here for more details