CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION FOR UKRCB MEMBERSHIP

Applicants for UKRCB membership come from all kinds of backgrounds and experience. The ultimate goals of UKRCB affiliation are Members who are fully conversant with the scientific knowledge and up to date research appertaining to canine behaviour, have considerable communication skills and hands on experience with a large variety of dogs. This takes time and application which is why we have structured the UKRCB criteria for affiliation to encourage education, experience and growth.

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP:

Applicants may be accepted as student members after they have embarked on the Academic Course of A.DipCBM
(Compass) or a course of equivalent standard. Those interested in student membership will complete a UKRCB application form, provide proof of courses enrolled upon, a detailed c.v. and receipt of references from two referees. Applicants may be interviewed by the Board of Managers prior to an offer of membership. Student Members will be invited to UKRCB in-house education days, receive a discounted rate to the annual UKRCB Symposium, have the opportunity of joining our very active website forum, and receive the UKRCB Newsletter, normally six issues a year. The annual fee for Student Membership is £30.00. While Student Members are completing their academic courses, advice will be available through the UKRCB if they have not yet reached the high standard of hands-on dog training and consultation criteria necessary to apply for full membership.

PROBATIONARY MEMBERSHIP: Applicants for Probationary Membership will have successfully completed their A.DipCBM course or course of equivalent or higher standard. Application will be considered upon the completion of an in-depth application form, a detailed c.v and varification from two referees. Applicants for Probationary Membership may be interviewed by the Board of Managers prior to being accepted for Probationary Membership. It is expected that during their Probationary Membership they will continue advancing their dog training, counselling, history taking and observation skills, observing behavioural consultations with established behaviourists. Probationary Members will be expected to complete the UKRCB's recommended reading list. They will also be invited to the UKRCB in-house Education Days, receive a discounted rate to the annual UKRCB Symposium, have the opportunity of joining the UKRCB website forum and receive the UKRCB newsletter, normally six a year. They will also have access to advice and guidance in the advancement of their education from Members of the UKRCB Board of Managers to tailor the programme to augment areas of competence which may need implementing. The annual fee for Probationary Membership is £150.00

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP: Applications for Associate Membership are required to fulfill the same criteria as Full Members. The purpose of the Associate Membership level is to allow the Board of Managers to familiarise themselves with the work of Associates. The work of the Associate Members is closely monitored and guided where necessary by our Education Officers who review their written reports to clients which are submitted on a regular basis for feedback and discussion. Both Education Officers, in addition to their extensive experience in the field of canine behaviour, are also certificated teachers approved by the Ministry of Education. Application is initially by completing an in-depth written application form which is reviewed by the Board of Managers. If the experience of the applicant seems appropriate, then an interview with the Board of Managers is arranged. Associate Members will be practising as behaviourists and as such must carry their own professional indemnity and third part insurance. Associate Members benefit from being part of a working network of UKRCB behaviourists, access to the UKRCB website forum, regular in-house Education Days and newsletters, discounted tickets to the Annual Symposium. The fee for Associate Membership is £150.00 per year.

FULL MEMBERSHIP: is rarely offered before a minimum period as an Associate. Associate Members are only accepted as Full Members after satisfying both Education Officers of their suitability, which includes at least one consultation observed by a Board Member. Application for those not progressing from Probationary Membership is initially by an in-depth written application form which is reviewed by the Board of Managers. If the experience of the applicant seems appropriate, then an interview with Board of Managers is arranged. Applicants for Full Membership shall have a minimum of five years practical dog training experience with a variety of dogs as a main source of income on a full-time basis or seven years comprehensive part time experience. The applicant must have an understanding of scientific knowledge and up-to-date research appertaining to canine behaviour. The successful applicant must employ kind and positive methods, evidencing a commitment to continuing education, counselling and teaching skills. Applicants are required to hold a high academic accredited qualification such a ADipCBM, designed to be a definitive course on canine behaviour or one of equivalent standard.

Candidates for Full Membership must be able to evidence they have had at least 100 consultations over a three year period. The annual fee for full UKRCB Membership is £50.00.

Full Members are entitled to join the UKRCB Professional Indemnity Insurance Scheme. All Full Members must carry professional indemnity and third party insurance. Full Members benefit from a very interactive network of UKRCB behaviourists, referrals from the UKRCB website and telephone link; access to the UKRCB website forum; regular education days; discounted tickets to the Annual Symposium; regular newsletters.

Full Members are entitled to use "UKRCB" after their name. Use of "UKRCB" is personal to them, must only be linked directly with the Member's name and cannot be used by any other organisation of which the UKRCB Member is a part.

All Associate and Full Members are bound by the strict UKRCB Code of Practice and Constitution. Third Party and professional indemnity insurance are mandatory for all practising behaviourists. Associate and Full Members will normally request clients to take their dog to the veterinary surgeon for a health check before attending a consultation and work closely with the client's veterinary surgeon whenever necessary.

Members at all levels of UKRCB affiliation must be willing to participate in the running of the UKRCB. This will entail accepting suitable jobs in the administration of UKRCB work from time to time. Regular attendance of educational days and the AGM, as well as proof of continuing professional development is necessary to maintain UKRCB Membership.

If you feel your experience and interests are commensurate with the UKRCB Criteria for Application for Membership and you would like to apply, please write to: Robert Alleyne,UKRCB Applications Officer, 10a Ringstead Road, Catford,London, SE6 2BT, enclosing your c.v. Tel: 020 8355-4836 Email RobAlleyne@aol.com