Wednesday, 23 May 2007 | Levent OZLER
CSD Puts a Hold on New Membership Applications
CSD puts a hold on new membership applications until 1st July due to unprecedented demand
A recent surge in membership applications has meant that the Society has put a freeze on accepting any more membership applications until 1 July 2007. Rather than disappoint those applying online, the Society has decided to only accept membership enquiries once the current list of applicants have been assessed for membership.
CSD Chief Executive Frank Peters MCSD said "I am not exactly sure what has created this unprecedented increase in applications; we are conscious that we have been heavily promoting the benefits of membership to designers through our own PR communications, Minerva Speaks (eNewsletter) and the website; but there also seems to be a growing desire within the industry for professional recognition.
CSD has of course championed this for many decades and recently extended a rigorous accreditation criteria to design consultancies, but I suspect that the demands placed upon the sector by clients means that designers need to demonstrate their design professionalism as well as their creative abilities in the portfolio".
Mr Peters added, "The requirement for PI cover is being cited more and more as a reason for joining as well as access to training for design business best practice. It is also possible that the generous discounts given for training and CPD modules within the DA Diploma and the offsetting of membership costs towards DA Accreditation fees may also have a lot to do with this increasing demand.
Whatever it is, we have had to react urgently and as a result have put a hold on any new applications until 1st July in order that we can process the many applicants who have applied.
There is no point in denying that this has taken us by surprise; but it is a pleasant surprise that means we are now in the process of appointing further staff to assist with the increased demand.'
The demand for designers wanting to get MCSD after their name is testament to the value of the affix which indicates to clients a recognised degree of professionalism. This is why we are constantly reminding and encouraging members to make full use of the affix on every occasion. When asked what it means you can then explain how professional you are".
The Chartered Society of Designers (CSD)
Founded in 1930, CSD is the professional body for designers.
It is the world's largest chartered body of professional designers and is unique in representing designers in all disciplines.
CSD is governed by Royal Charter and as such its members are obliged to practice to the highest professional standards. The Society is also a registered charity and adheres to best practice as a membership organisation.
Membership is only awarded to qualified designers who must also prove their professional capability during an admission assessment. The Society exists to promote concern for the sound principles of design in all areas in which design considerations apply, to further design practice and encourage the study of design techniques for the benefit of the community.
In so doing, it seeks to secure and promote a professional body of designers and regulate and control their practice for the benefit of industry and the public.
With members in 34 countries around the world, CSD offers a truly diverse and inclusive base of professional designers, each committed to operating to the highest professional standards in whichever field or country they practice.
CSD: http://www.dexigner.com/directory/detail/4330/
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