Terms and Conditions of SET Membership
By joining, re- joining or renewing your membership, you are agreeing to abide by the terms and conditions as set out below. Members who are applying to undertake or have achieved Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills and/or Advanced Teacher Status are also be bound by the terms and conditions for QTLS and ATS. The membership terms and conditions should also be read in conjunction with our guidance on Suitability for Membership.
We reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time but members will be given 14 days’ notice of any changes.
Last updated: February 2025
1.0 Introduction
1.1 The Society for Education and Training (SET) is the professional body for teachers, trainers, managers and leaders plus other FE and Skills professionals in roles related to post 14 learning (referred to as ‘teachers and trainers’ throughout these terms and conditions).
1.2 SET is part of the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) which is a registered charity (charity number 1153859).
2.0 Membership
2.1 All members, irrespective of grade, must satisfy the prescribed eligibility criteria, as published on the website.
2.2 There are five grades of membership – Student, Affiliate, Associate, Member and Fellow, who are referred to throughout the terms and conditions of membership as "members".
2.3 Individuals can apply at any time and will be admitted into the appropriate grade of membership on meeting the published eligibility criteria and following payment of the relevant membership fees, as applicable.
2.4 It is important that accurate and true information is provided during the initial application and when renewing, re-joining or upgrading. Your application for membership or renewal may be delayed if we need to clarify any information provided.
2.5 Any deliberate attempt to supply misleading information may potentially be regarded as a breach of the Code of Ethics and Conduct which may result in an investigation into the suitability of membership or continued membership.
2.6 Members who are subject to a Prohibition Order granted by the Secretary of State for Education, are under investigation by the Police, Teaching Regulation Agency, Ofsted, the local authority, the Disclosure and Barring Service or any other regulatory authority, must notify us immediately. (Applicant members must contact us before completing their online application). Depending on the circumstances this may impact continued membership or the applicant’s suitability to join.
2.7 Individuals who are permanently excluded from membership, following an investigation into their conduct will not be eligible to rejoin at any time.
2.8 Members who are suspended for a defined period of time, following an investigation into their contact, must not attempt to rejoin during the period of suspension. Members who are temporarily suspended whilst an investigation is live must also not attempt to rejoin. An attempt to do so would likely constitute a further breach of the Code.
2.9 Current members may upgrade their membership, at any time, on satisfying the eligibility criteria for the higher grade of membership and paying the prescribed membership fees for the new grade.
2.9 An application for membership, including re-joining and upgrades, shall be determined by the Membership and Accreditation team, whose decision shall be final.
2.10 A percentage of all new members in the grades of Associate and Member will be selected for audit every six weeks and will be required to evidence their highest teaching qualification to confirm they have been admitted into the correct membership grade.
2.11 Members who do not meet the membership eligibility criteria and/or are unable to comply with the audit requirements may be notified of a change of membership grade (i.e. from Member to Affiliate).
2.12 All Fellows will be required to provide evidence that they meet the eligibility criteria at the point of application, which will be considered by the Membership and Accreditation team. The outcome of the application will be notified within 5 – 7 working days.
2.13 Individuals can raise an objection if they are unhappy with the outcome of a membership application or audit decision. Please see our Objections Policy for more information.
3.0 Professional conduct
3.1 The Code of Ethics and Conduct (referred to as the Code) sets out the professional behaviours and conduct expected of all members.
3.2 By joining or renewing your membership, you are agreeing to adhere to the Code. This is a very important statement of what it means to be a member, and the levels of professional conduct that are expected.
3.3 Alleged breaches of the Code may lead to an investigation and possible sanctions being taken if the allegation is upheld, in line with the Investigation and Disciplinary Policy and Procedures.
4.0 Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
4.1 We strongly recommend that all members but specifically those in the professional grades of membership, Associate, Member and Fellow, commit to undertaking regular CPD, to develop their professional skills and competencies and to further enhance their teaching, training, management and leadership practice. By joining, re-joining or renewing, members are therefore agreeing to commit to their own CPD. For further details please refer to the full CPD policy.
5.0 Membership details
5.1 Members should take all practical steps to keep their membership information up to date specifically personal contact details, teaching, and training qualifications, and employment details. Members can update their details at any time through their MySET dashboard.
6.0 Member benefits
6.1 Benefits and services provided are available to members whose have a current membership.
6.2 The full list of member benefits can be found on the website.
6.3 Some benefits will only be available to specific grades of membership e.g. the QTLS professional formation programme is only available to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for Member or Fellow.
6.4 Some benefits and services may be made available to individuals who are not members for a fee or a higher charge.
6.5 inTuition the quarterly members’ magazine will be made available to members in digital format. In addition, members who are in the grades of Affiliate, Associate, Member and Fellow and who are paying the full annual membership fee (i.e. are not on a concessionary rate), will also receive a printed version of inTuition. Members can opt out of receiving a print copy at any time via their MySET dashboard.
6.6 We reserves the right to alter, amend, change, modify or withdraw the benefits and services that comprise the membership offer. It is the member's responsibility to keep up to date with any such changes. However, every attempt will be made to communicate changes in good time to the membership.
6.7 Members in the grades of Associate, Member and Fellow are eligible to use the post nominals ASET, MSET and FSET, whilst in current, paid-up membership.
6.8 Members who have achieved QTLS and/or ATS, and remain in current, paid-up membership will also be eligible to use the designations QTLS and or ATS and will be listed in the public online Professional Status Register. Members can choose not to be listed in the register and can opt out by contacting the Helpline on membership@etfoundation.co.uk
6.9 Members who are in current, paid up membership and who hold QTLS will also be issued with a Teacher Reference Number (TRN), through an arrangement we have with the Teaching Regulation Agency, and will appear in the Department for Education’s Database of Qualified Teachers as a Qualified Teacher. Members can opt out of this arrangement – see section 10.0 below - Personal data and data security.
7.0 Membership term
7.1 For Affiliates, Associates, Members and Fellows, the membership year runs between 1 April and 31 March.
7.2 New members, in the above grades can join at any time, and their membership will be active until 31 March.
7.3 For students, the membership term is determined by the join date and the anticipated completion date of their Initial Teacher Education (ITE) qualification.
7.4 All current paying members will be issued with a renewal notice approximately four to six weeks before their membership is due to renew except for:
7.4.1 Members whose membership is linked to a Corporate Partner. In such cases the membership will be auto renewed and will remain active whilst your organisation remains a Corporate Partner.
7.4.2 Students will be contacted 30 days prior to their qualification completion date, with an invitation to upgrade to the next, relevant grade of membership. (Students who choose not to upgrade will have their free student membership lapsed, 30 days after completion of their qualification).
7.5 Members who pay by Direct Debit will be auto renewed each year; notice of the renewal and new payment plan will be sent no later than 14 days prior to the new membership year starting i.e. 01 April.
8.0 Membership fees
8.1 Membership fees vary depending on the grade of membership. Details of the current membership fees can be found on our website.
8.2 Membership fees are reviewed annually and may be subject to change. All changes will be considered by the ETF Executive and will come into force at the commencement of the next membership year (01 April). Changes to the membership fees will be communicated to members as part of the annual renewal campaign and will also be published on the website.
8.3 To renew, current members must pay or decide to pay (i.e. set up a Direct Debit payment plan) before the renewal date each year i.e. 01 April. Renewal fees not received by this deadline may result in the membership being lapsed and all services being suspended, including the right to use designatory letters and/or to appear on the Professional Status register.
8.4 We reserve the right, to charge an administrative fee to renew membership which is renewed after the renewal date i.e. post 01 April.
8.5 New members are required to pay fees for the remaining membership period, at the point of application or within 14 days of their initial application being approved (30 days if an employer invoice has been requested). Membership fees will be prorated accordingly for the remainder of the year.
8.6 We do not accept liability if payment is refused or declined by the credit/debit card supplier, for unsuccessful or cancelled direct debits, or unpaid employer invoices. To ensure continued membership, it is the member’s responsibility to ensure that payment is made and an alternative payment method is provided if there is a problem with the original payment method. Delayed or non-payment may result in your membership being lapsed.
8.7 Members whose employer is paying for their membership fees are responsible for ensuring the invoice is paid within the payment terms. Delayed or non-payment may result in your membership being lapsed.
8.8 A concessionary rate is available to members who are working but on a low income and to members who are retired. Criteria applies, please read the current Concessionary Rate policy for more information.
8.9 Members who are not working due to ill-health, unemployment (but seeking work), on parental leave or a career sabbatical can also apply for the concessionary rate, once they have been in membership for a minimum of 12 months. Please refer to the current Concessionary Rate policy for more information.
8.10 Student members in active membership, who upgrade following successful completion of their Initial Teacher Education qualification will also be entitled to benefit from the concessionary rate, for a maximum of two years. Please refer to the current Concessionary Rate policy for more information.
8.11 The concessionary rate is normally 50% of the full annual membership fee and will only be applied for a maximum of two years except for members who are retired or on a low income where there is no maximum time period.
8.12 All members on the concessionary rate must inform us if their circumstances change so that we can update our records and ensure that the correct membership fee is applied.
8.13 If members are experiencing difficulties in paying their membership fees, they should contact the Helpline by email membership@etfoundation.co.uk or by phone 0800 093 9111 as soon as possible to discuss their situation. We are committed to supporting members and will assist wherever possible.
9.0 Resignation, cancellation, termination or suspension of membership
9.1 A member shall cease to be a member if:
9.1.1. the annual renewal fee is not paid within the stipulated timeframe or arrangements to pay by Direct Debit or employer invoice have not been set up.
9.1.2. their Direct Debit fails or is rejected and no alternative method of payment is provided for the full or remainder of the membership term.
9.1.3 the annual payment is being made by the member’s employer and the invoice is not settled within the stipulated terms of the invoice. In such cases the member will be contacted to discuss their continued, self-funded membership.
9.1.4 the membership is covered by a Corporate Partner and the partnership comes to an end. In such cases the member will be contacted to discuss their continued, self-funded membership.
9.2 Student members will be invited to upgrade to either Associate or Member on successful completion of their teacher training course. Students who do not upgrade within the stipulated timeframe will be resigned from membership.
9.3 Members can resign from membership by calling 0800 093 9111 or by emailing membership@etfoundation.co.uk.
9.4 If no monies are owed at the point of resignation, the resignation will be processed immediately.
9.5 If monies are owed, at the point of resignation, the member will be contacted to discuss settlement.
9.6 In the event of a member resigning from membership part way through the year, we are under no obligation to refund any annual or monthly membership fees already paid.
9.7 If an investigation into an alleged breach of the Code of Ethics and Conduct results in the removal or suspension from membership, in accordance with the Investigation and Disciplinary Policy and Procedures. In such cases we are under no obligation to refund any annual or monthly membership fees already paid.
9.8 We may temporarily suspend membership in advance of the outcome of an investigation into an alleged breach or breaches of the Code, if the nature of the allegations are deemed to be of a serious nature. In such cases we are under no obligation to refund any annual or monthly membership fees already paid.
9.9 We also reserve the right to temporarily suspend membership if we are made aware of third-party investigations into a member’s conduct.
9.10 Members who are subject of a Prohibition Order made by the Secretary of State for Education may also, depending on the circumstances, have their membership immediately terminated.
9.11 Members shall have the right to cancel their membership within 14 days of payment being made (new members and renewals only). In such cases a full refund will be given minus a 10% administration fee.
9.12 Members who resign, or their membership is lapsed, terminated or suspended will no longer have access to the benefits and services associated with membership. Members in the grades of Associate, Member and Fellow must immediately stop using the designations associated with membership i.e. ASET, MSET, FSET.
9.13 Members who hold QTLS status and or ATS status who resign their membership or their membership is lapsed, terminated or suspended will not be eligible to use the designations QTLS and/or ATS and their details will not be included in the Professional Status Register. In addition, individuals who have achieved QTLS, will no longer appear in the Department for Education’s Database of Qualified teachers as a qualified teacher. Please refer to the Teacher Reference Number FAQs for further information.
10.0 Personal data and data security
10.1. We are committed to complying with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
10.2 Personal data will be collected, stored and used as prescribed in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Usage. Questions about how we store and use your data can be directed to dataprotection@etfoundation.co.uk
10.3 We will not give or sell individual member data to any third party, with the exception of third-party organisations which are contracted on our behalf to fulfil benefits of membership. An example of this is the mailing house we use for the fulfilment of inTuition, the membership magazine.
10.4 Members who achieve QTLS will be eligible to receive a Teacher Reference Number through an agreement we have with the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). To facilitate this, we will share relevant data with the TRA under a data sharing agreement.
10.5 In addition, current members with QTLS will also be added to the Department for Education’s Database of Qualified Teachers. Members can opt out of this arrangement by contacting us on dataprotection@etfoundation.co.uk
10.6 Where data is shared to fulfil a benefit of membership, it will be shared only for the intended purpose and will be subject to a separate data sharing agreement between the Education and Training Foundation (ETF on behalf of SET, the data controller) and the organisation concerned (the data processor).
10.7 We may also provide de-personalised demographic data to analysts, researchers and other third parties.
10.8 Members who are funded by their employer under the Corporate Partner scheme may also have anonymised information on the use of resources and benefits, shared with their employer at department and institution level.
11.0 Communications from SET
11.1. Members will be automatically opted in to receive member related communications when they join or renew their membership.
11.2 Members may opt out of communications highlighting benefits and services, including event invitations, from SET and/or the ETF at any time during their membership.
11.3 To stop receiving emails, members can click on the unsubscribe link which will be included in the email you receive from us. However, we strongly recommend that members remain subscribed, as opting out may lead to missing important updates and not fully benefiting from their membership.
11.4 Throughout the membership year we will need to send you communications relating to the management or administration of your membership, which do not contain marketing content such as the annual renewal notice and membership updates. Members are not able to opt out of receiving these operational emails.
11.5 To opt out of telephone and postal communications or to opt back into any form of communication, please email membership@etfoundation.co.uk.
11.6 We will retain an individual’s membership records, including personal contact data for up to five years, once the membership is lapsed/resigned. (Financial data will be retained for a period of seven years). We will only contact you on the basis of legitimate interest but you will have the right to ask for your data to be removed under current GDPR legislation.
12.0 Behaviour towards our staff
12.1 Members have a right to be heard, understood, and respected. We work hard to be open and accessible to everyone and treat everyone fairly and impartially. We equally expect members to display courtesy and respect when dealing with our staff.
13.0 Feedback and complaints procedure
13.1 We strive for excellence in everything we do. If we do not meet your expectations, please share your feedback with us by calling 0800 093 9111 or by email membership@etfoundation.co.uk.
13.2 Should you wish to make a formal complaint about the service or lack of service you have received please refer to the SET complaints and appeals policy for further guidance.