Join the Society

The Society of Bereavement Practitioners is a professional membership organisation (a "learned society"), with members drawn from many areas of bereavement care and support - including funeral care professionals, nurses, midwives and carers, counsellors, ministers and celebrants, registrars, monumental masons, artists, doctors and others. Although we are based in the UK, we do welcome new members from around the world, and are proud to have a small number of members in Canada, Malta and Australia.

If you meet our eligibility requirements and would like to become a Member of SBP you can submit your application via our online form. Once it has been evaluated by our Membership Council, we will inform you if your application has been successful, or contact you if we need more information. In the meantime, please check our Membership FAQs or email us at membership@socbp.uk

Membership of the Society of Bereavement Practitioners (MSBP)

This is the grade of membership for applicants supporting our aims but who do not work directly with or for bereaved people. Likewise, this grade of membership is suited to professional applicants working towards Licentiate status.

Membership criteria:

1: Applicants must NOT be eligible for a higher grade of membership, but may be working towards eligibility.
2: Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to good practice in bereavement care and support.
3: Applicants must support the Aims of the Society

Licentiate of the Society of Bereavement Practitioners (LSBP)

This is the grade of professional membership for applicants working in any way with or for bereaved people.

Membership criteria:

1: Applicants must support the Aims of the Society.
2: Applicants must hold a recognised professional qualification. For example: RN, RM, DipFD, MBIE, CQSW, MBACP (this list is not exhaustive, and all qualifications considered).
3: Applicants must be working in any area of bereavement care or support (paid or voluntary).
4: Applicants without formal professional qualifications, but with verifiable professional experience of at least FIVE YEARS, may also apply for the Licentiate grade of membership.

Fellow of the Society of Bereavement Practitioners (FSBP)

This is our highest grade of joining membership.

Membership criteria:

1: Applicants must support the Aims of the Society
2: Applicants must demonstrate a major career commitment to bereavement care and support.
3: Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to good practice in bereavement care and support.
4: Applicants must hold a recognised professional qualification. For example: RN, RM, DipFD, MBIE, CQSW, MBACP (this list is not exhaustive, and all qualifications considered).
5: Applicants without formal professional qualifications, but with verifiable professional experience of at least TEN YEARS, may also apply for Fellowship.
6: Licentiates of the Society, in good standing for more than three years, may apply to upgrade to Fellowship.

HOW TO APPLY

1: select the appropriate grade of membership from the drop-down menu below

2: read and carefully complete all sections, then submit the form

3: forward first annual subscription fee by 'PayPal' via the relevant listing on the 'Subscriptions' page of this website.