Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If I hold the DCA or DTS, can I be a Student member?
A: The Trading Standards Institute membership categories are based on Trading Standards qualifications. The full DCA and DTS are still recognised Trading Standards qualifications, and entitle the holder to Full membership. The DCA part one is the equivalent of the new FCATS qualification, and both qualifications entitle the holder to Associate membership.
Q: Can TSI help me with a problem I have, such as a faulty item, or poor service provided.
A: We are afraid not, TSI is the professional body for trading standards officers, we do not have any qualified officers. Consumer queries should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040 506 or via http://www.direct.gov.uk/consumer/
Q: Should I send payment with my application form?
A: No, membership fees for the first year are calculated on a pro rata basis. Branch fees are not charged in the first year of membership. If your authority is paying for your membership, please ensure that a purchase order is attached (if required) and the invoice authority form (PDF 48KB) is completed.
Q: Is VAT applied to membership fees?
A: No, membership fees are exempt from VAT.
Q: When are Branch fees charged?
A: Not all Branches charge a fee, however for the first year of membership Branch fees are not applied.
Q: How long does the application process take?
A: Approximately one month. Once your application form is received Member Services will contact you with a timetable outlining the dates and processes involved.
Q: What are the differences between a paying and non-paying Student?
A: Employment status is the main factor. If the applicant is studying for 40 or more weeks of the year, they are entitled to free Student membership, for a maximum of four years or until qualifications are gained. Part time students working within a local authority are expected to make a contribution to their membership. Fees are calculated at one third of a Full membership.
Q: Should I send in my membership application form before my framework entry forms?
A: We prefer to receive the membership form before the framework entry forms. However they can be sent at the same time. If we receive entry forms before your application form, there is a possibility that you may be charged framework entry fees at a non-member rate.
Q: What is the introduce a friend scheme?
A: A chance for existing members to benefit from introducing a new member. Categories eligible for the scheme are Full/Associate/and Affiliate. Introduce a new member for one of these categories and receive a £15.00 voucher. Choose from Marks & Spencer, Argos or Amazon. Application forms and flyer must be sent at the same time. Not applicable to Student members.
Members can also introduce businesses to the Corporate Affiliate category. The same vouchers are available, up to a maximum of £75.00 (Dependent on the size of the company). This can be claimed by the member or passed directly on to the member's Branch coffers.
Q: Can I pay by direct debit?
A: Yes. This is the most convenient method of paying your fees. We offer annual, quarterly, or monthly direct debit options, all at 0% APR Representative. Depending upon the timing of your application and the payment option you choose you may be required to pay a larger first instalment. Please note we can not accept faxed or electronic returned forms. We can also take payment over the phone via debit/credit card. TSI is unable to accept American Express. You can also pay by bank transfer, using the information on your invoice, or by contacting accounts on 0845 608 9503 for further information. Please use your membership number to help us identify your payment.
Q: Do I receive any discounts?
A: Yes. Once you receive your renewal notification, if payment is received before 29 February or you agree to pay by annual direct debit by 29 February the discount shown on the renewal notice will be applied. Payments after these dates are not eligible for discount. New memberships are charged on a pro rata basis, and no discounts are applied to this fee.
Q: How do I apply for tax relief?
A: You can get tax relief for professional fees and subscriptions. For full definitions please follow the link: Tax relief definitions. Complete the form that is included with your membership renewal notice, or download from the website, and return this to your local tax office. For previous amounts paid, email or post your request to Member Services at TSI, or membership@tsi.org.uk. TSI will supply your payment records for up to a maximum of six years. If you have not been a member for this length of time TSI will only supply you with the relevant amount of data we hold.
Use this information to complete the tax relief form and return it to your local tax office. Do not return the form to TSI. Please note that we are unable to supply information about your tax office.
Q: What happens if I was previously a member and wish to rejoin?
A: We look to encourage members back to the Institute. The circumstances involved in your leaving will be considered, and you may be required to pay any previously outstanding membership fees, as laid out in the Institute Bye-Laws.
Q: What happens if I retire and wish to retain my membership?
A: Retired membership is open to members who hold either Full or Associate membership. The member retains all the rights and privileges of their previous category at a reduced rate (currently £36.00 for 2012 subject to approval at the 2012 TSI AGM).
The definition for this category is: The Executive Board prescribe the condition for acceptance into Retired membership shall be retirement from all paid employment, unless undertaking 16 hours or less per week of paid employment, in a field unrelated to trading standards.
Updated 21/11/2011
