Grades of IOR membership and subscription services

See below the different grades and services available from the IOR. The experience and qualification requirements for each grade are explained in more detail when you start completing the on-line joining form. There is a downloadable information sheet about grades, requirements and fees at the bottom of this page.

Technician Members

Technicians have a minimum of three years’ experience in an engineering technician level role such as service, maintenance, or installation of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment.
They benefit from receiving the specialist practical information for service engineers in a quarterly mailing as well as the IOR membership benefits.
Technician Members are entitled to use the initials TMInstR after their name and to apply for Engineering Technician registration with the Engineering Council.

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Full Members

Members have extensive knowledge and experience at a senior management appointment, of at least 3 years.
They come from a wide variety of refrigeration, air conditioning and allied sectors with significant experience and a high level or responsibility.
For example Directors, Senior Managers, Designers, Senior Lecturers, Marketing Managers, Technical Consultants, Food Technologists
Members use the initials MInstR and take an active part in the Institute by voting in Elections and standing for election to the Board of Trustees.
Members may be eligible to apply for Chartered or Incorporated Engineer Registration with the Engineering Council.
In order to full IOR Membership applicants must provide a complete career history and CV detailing responsibilities of all jobs held (including those not related to RACHP) for consideration by the Membership Committee

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Associate Members

Associates usuallly have considerable practical skill with a good level of theoretical knowledge and some management experience.
They usually have at least 3 years experience in a responsible role depending on their level of qualifications.
Graduates achieving a relevant technical degree can apply for this grade on Graduation.
Associates are often at a fairly early stage in their career and dont have quite experience to apply for full Membership yet, but may be invited to apply for Advancement in the future to full Membership.
They can use the initials AMInstR after their name, and vote in Elections and stand for election to the Board of Trustees. They can apply for Engineering Technician or Incorporated Engineer Level at the Engineering Council.
Gain access to our Membership Pathways mentoring service, where you are paired with an experienced IOR member to help plan your career progression to full Member status.

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Student or Pre-Associate Membership

This grade is designed to encourage those new to the industry to get networking and making valuable contacts within the sector. It is offered at a significant discount on the membership fee and carries no joining fee.
It's open to anyone in any role in the sector who does not yet have the necessary experience to meet the Associate member requirements, as well as student apprentices, undergraduates or post graduates.
After three years Student and Pre-Associate Members would normally be expected to apply to advance to Associate or another grade of Membership.
Gain access to our Membership Pathways mentoring service, where you are paired with an experienced IOR member to help plan your career progression to full Member status.

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Affiliate Membership

This grade is for anyone with an active involvement in the industry but insufficient direct experience or qualifications to be eligible for other grades.
It is particularly suitable for anyone who wants to keep up with developments associated with the sector but is in a non technical role.
There are no initials, voting rights or the opportunity to stand for election to the Board of Trustees, vote in election or AGM.
Applications are not subject to the evaluation of the Membership Committee so it can be a quick way of signing up to get immediate access to news and information.

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RACHP Engineering Technician Section

An IOR RACHP EngTech Section subscription is available to anyone who wants to keep up with industry developments and improve their technical knowledge
Once you sign up you will receive four postal mailings a year with good practice guides, tool box talks and newsletters, as well as a free Torque Tool and a Folder to keep your mailings in
In addition subscribers gain access to free downloads of service engineers' section publications on the website
All subscribers are sent an annual CPD Certificate as evidence of their commitment to developing their technical knowledge through the IOR
There is no criteria for joining and you can join on line immediately to start downloading publications and guides as a low cost way of accessing this information.
There are no voting rights or initials after the name and subscribers cannot apply for Engineering Council recognition. If you want to gain initials and become a member of the IOR at a later date you can transfer to IOR Technician Membership.

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Fellow of the IOR

Recognition as a Fellow of the IOR is a substantial honour that distinguishes an individual as an ambassador and technical leader and recognises their unique contribution to the RACHP sector. Fellows are appointed by the IOR Nominations Committee on behalf of the Board of IOR Trustees. IOR Fellows, who can use the designation FInstR after their name, must meet these criteria:

Committed to and involved in the advancement of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps beyond their day-to-day work responsibilities
Leaders at work with a depth of technical knowledge
Involved actively in shaping the IOR and have usually been in membership for at least 10 years

Find out more about how Fellows are appointed here.