ETF, the professional body for the FE and skills workforce

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting your professional growth, we are working hard to ensure our members feel more recognised, supported and connected.

To achieve this – in consultation with key stakeholders (including our Practitioner Advisory Group) and the wider sector – we have made the decision that the Society for Education and Training (SET) name will transition to be the Education Training Foundation (ETF), with membership operating under this single unified and recognised name. This will be a phased transition, starting now and continuing until the end of March 2026.

ETF is the professional body that represents the further education (FE) and skills workforce. Our mission is to empower professionalism and enable sector change. Working together, we’re setting the standards, enhancing professional development, recognising progression and impact, as well as building the inclusive and inspiring community of educators and leaders that will transform the sector together – so the power of FE and skills reaches everyone.

This is an exciting time. By unifying under the single ETF brand, we’re creating a stronger, more connected professional community, to deliver more value to you as a member, to help you thrive and organisations excel, so that learners everywhere can achieve more.

What this means for our members

You’re not losing anything – in fact, you’re gaining more than ever before.

As a member of ETF, you’ll have a stronger voice within a unified professional body, inclusive of all parts of the FE and skills workforce. One that truly allows us to represent and champion your tireless work and innovation. You’ll benefit from significant investment in a new digital membership experience, which will give enhanced access to ETF’s full suite of digital tools, CPD, and development resources. Plus, you’ll enjoy priority access to new content, training, events, and services, designed to support your professional journey – helping you make an even greater impact on the students and communities you deliver for, day in, day out.

Transition FAQs

What does this mean for my membership grade and post-nominal letters?

As part of the process, we will be reviewing potential changes to membership grades and post-nominals in consultation with you, our members. No changes will be made during this membership year (ie before 1 April 2026).

Will my membership number remain the same?

Yes. Please continue using your current membership number. No changes will be made during this membership year (ie before 1 April 2026).

What happens to my professional status, including QTLS and/or ATS?

There will be no impact on your professional status. If you currently hold QTLS and/ or ATS or are currently on a programme to achieve these statuses, your status and progression will remain unaffected.

Do I have to change my Direct Debit or payment plan?

No, there’s nothing you need to do. If you’re on a Direct Debit plan, it will continue as usual.

Will I receive a new membership certificate?

Please continue using your current membership certificate. No changes will take place during this membership year (ie before 1 April 2026).

Will I still get inTuition?

Yes, inTuition remains a key member benefit. You will continue to receive it in either print or digital format, depending on your membership grade.

Have any of the terms and conditions of membership changed?

We are currently reviewing our membership terms and conditions to reflect the transition to Education Training Foundation (ETF). Any changes or updates to terms and conditions will be communicated to members by email over the autumn.

If I use ETF and SET websites now, will I still be able to use both? How long will I have access to both?

Yes, you can continue to use both the ETF and SET websites as usual.

We’re currently developing a new ETF (et-foundation.co.uk) website, launching in autumn 2025, which will start to bring everything together in one place, with this new ‘single front door’ making it easier to find what you need. Your SET logged-in membership portal will remain until early 2026, branded as SET. This will be fully replaced by an exciting new and enhanced digital membership experience, under the ETF brand.

We’ll continue to keep members updated on the website development over the coming weeks and months.

Will there be opportunities to change the way grades and post-nominals work? Can I share my opinion?

Yes – we're currently reviewing our membership structure and post-nominals to ensure they meet evolving member needs and align under a unified ETF identity. Your feedback matters, and there will be a number of chances to help shape the future of your membership experience. We’ll be in touch soon.

If you have any questions or feedback, you can get in touch with our friendly team on 0800 093 911 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 5pm), or email membership@etfoundation.co.uk

My employer is an ETF partner and pays for my membership. Will this change anything?

Membership, whether paid for as an individual, or by your employer as part of ETF Partnership, is simply all going to be under a single ETF name. We are investing significantly in adding more benefits and value for both organisations and individuals. We’ll keep you updated on all the new things before they launch.