This class of membership enables association to the BCA, but without the complete member benefits package.
The BCA acknowledge that there are organisations who wish to associate with the BCA but for who full group membership is not appropriate. Examples include outdoor activity service providers for who caving may only be one of many facets of that organisation, and thus of relevance to only a very small number of their members/participants. It may not be appropriate for every member of these organisations to become a full BCA individual member, as is required for full group membership.
Benefits
Associate membership provides as a means for these organisations for who full membership is not appropriate to still participate in the BCA, show commitment to underground exploration in the UK, to receive BCA news, and to support the BCA’s aims and guiding principles.
The BCA will support and work on behalf of associate members wherever possible, in accordance with the aims and guiding principles of the constitution. Associate members may receive BCA news and communications, and may, if they wish, also join the BCRA. Associate members may request the use of an appropriate BCA logo to demonstrate their support.
Limitations
Associate membership does not confer for that organisation any full member benefits including member insurance benefits. In addition, associate members should not expect to receive the same prioritisation of resources and funding as full members, and nor do they have any representation on BCA Council in the way full group members do. Associate members may not qualify for access to most access-facilitated UK caves in the way that full group members do, depending on the specific wording of individual access agreements (which are outside of BCA’s control).
Rates
The cost of Associate Membership is £25 per year. There is a supplementary fee for Associate Members who wish to join the BCRA:
| Criteria | Annual Supplement |
|---|---|
| BCRA membership (optional) | £28 / £16 (paperless) |
Join or Renew
To join or renew please complete and return the Membership Application/Renewal Form for Associates. For assistance contact the Membership Secretary.