Although it is operating under a new name, the Employer Partner Scheme is a continuation of our existing organisational membership scheme. In common with most other professional associations, CILIP maintains organisational membership alongside our individual membership offer to ensure that we continue to be informed by and to be able to work with sector employers.

There are 61 Employer Partners with approximately 120 old organisational members being transitioned into the new scheme.

We are clear that organisational membership of CILIP does not mean that we endorse everything a particular employer does. It does, however, provide us with a sustainable ongoing platform to engage employers with the aim of improving conditions for CILIP members.

We do have an assessment process for all new applicants to the Premium Employer Partners Scheme which includes a ‘3-part assessment’ – essentially, due diligence, followed by an assessment against the CILIP Commercial Principles, followed by a discussion about any potential perceived issues with the partnership.

Ultimately, our Workforce Strategy commits us to working with employers in all sectors to secure better conditions for and recognition of the work of librarians and information professionals. This is a key part of our work in securing a better long-term future for our profession.

Any organisation is eligible to apply to join the Employer Partner Scheme on the proviso that they:

• Are a legal entity in good standing
• Are engaged in the provision of, or activities relating to the provision of, library, information, knowledge or data services
• Share CILIP’s mission to “put library and information skills and professional values at the heart of an equal, democratic and prosperous society”
• Support the values and ethics of the library, information and knowledge profession as set out in CILIP’s Ethical Framework