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Membership

Membership

Membership Categories

Early Career

Someone at the early stages of their leadership and management journey, likely to be managing small teams or projects, working below Head of Service level and interested in starting a journey towards more leadership and management responsibility.

£50 per year

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Established

Someone established leading a team, project or equivalent role, likely to be transitioning from an operational or equivalent role to taking on more strategic role beyond your subject matter expertise.

£150 per year

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Executive

Someone operating in the top two tiers of a local authority or equivalent organization, the Chief Executive or equivalent and all those either reporting into that role or a senior statutory officer (e.g. Section 151, Monitoring Officer)

£350 per year – Chief Executive/equivalent
£250 per year – Others

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Join Solace

The UK's leading network for public sector professionals

Reasons to be a Solace member

Solace is the professional body for current and future leaders and managers working at all levels in and around local government. Individuals join Solace to be part of a safe and supportive network of diverse individuals working hard to improve the places in which they work. The professional body helps its members in their individual professional career development and through the policy and implementation challenges of a career in local public service encounters. It is also an opportunity to support the improvement of the sector as a whole, enabling Councils and the individuals working in them to be the best they can be.

Network

In any single year, Solace members attend a range of national and regional events. From our flagship Summit to the Charity Dinner or regional conferences across the UK, members can learn and discuss issues alongside like-minded colleagues. We also regularly connect members with colleagues or subject matter experts to share insight and provide informal advice or support.

Professional Development

Whether you are new to local government or an experienced senior leader there is always more to learn. Our events are designed by local government, for local government with a focus on supporting individuals through their careers in the best way possible. Solace has a series of professional development programmes for every stage of a local government career. Sometimes individuals are looking for something more personal and bespoke which may suit coaching or mentoring. In contrast, a facilitated action learning set can suit those wanting to share insights and challenges with colleagues. Some members also find talking through career aspirations helpful with one of our recruitment specialists who can help navigate the challenges of taking the next career step.

Policy insight

One of the strengths of local government, and Solace in particular, is its openness and sharing. Our events are packed with insight from around the UK and beyond to help members meet the challenges councils are facing. Be it the insight of our members or the expertise and research of those from outside the sector, we bring it together in a range of forums, targeted newsletters and publications.

Sector Improvement

Beyond support for individuals’ members Solace works alongside sector partners and central government to positively influence the future direction of the sector. From designing specific programmes and projects with partners to influencing Government on emerging policy ideas, Solace members are all contributing to the future health of the sector and the communities we exist to support.

Membership questions and answers

Can’t find the answers here? Contact the membership team



Membership FAQs

When will my membership start?

Your membership will become active from the day you purchase membership.

How can I pay my membership dues?

You can pay by credit/debit card, Bank Transfer/BACS, or by direct debit.

When will I receive my renewal invoice?

Invoices are sent out 30 days before your date of renewal via email.

If I’m self-funding my membership, move to another role and the authority wants to pay my annual fee, can I get a rebate on the months I have paid?

Unfortunately not, however, we can provide you with a copy of your invoice should you wish to be reimbursed by your organisation through an internal expenses claim.

Do you offer Multiple Member Discounts (across all categories)?

One point of contact within an organisation purchasing 5 or more individual memberships at any one time, will receive a discount of 25% on the overall cost of the 12-month group membership. On processing the group membership one invoice will be issued to the nominated contact person who has coordinated the purchase.

What do I do if I no longer want to be a Solace member?

All cancellation requests should be made in writing to membership@solace.org.uk. Please refer to our membership terms and conditions for further information.

What are the terms and conditions regarding Solace Membership?

Registration and Renewal

1.1 Solace membership is for a period of 12 months

1.2 Memberships renew automatically unless cancelled in advance

1.3 All membership subscription invoices become payable 14 days after the invoice date or renewal date, whichever is later.

1.4 New membership registrations have a 14 day cooling off period from the date of invoice, during which time there is the right to cancel at no charge. If membership is cancelled within the 14 day cooling off period any payments already made will be refunded. Please allow up to 14 days for the refund to be processed.

1.5 We will provide 30 days’ notice of membership renewal, during which time you have the right to cancel at no charge. If cancellation is made during this period, any payments already made against the renewal will be refunded. Please allow up to 14 days for the refund to be processed.

Payment

2.1 If you choose to pay online using a credit/debit card, you will be able to save the card details provided, the card details provided will be used to automatically pay your subscription at the time your membership is due for renewal. You can update these at any time in your profile settings.

2.2 If you are paying by international transfer please note that reverse charge rules apply

Cancellation

3.1 There is no repayment of subscriptions for early cancellation and any amounts unpaid at the point of cancellation outside of the cooling off period become immediately due.

3.2 All cancellations must be made in writing to membership@solace.org.uk, and all cancellations will be acknowledged.

Miscellaneous

4.1 By becoming a member of Solace you are agreeing to our code of ethics.

To view the Code Of Ethics please click here

Where can I view your Code of Ethics for Members?

You can view our Code of Ethics for members by clicking here.