Membership
Membership of the FSSoc enables communication and collaboration with fellow practitioners and entitles you to a range of benefits. The Forensic Science Society is the main Professional Body for individuals working as forensic practitioners, academics, researchers and in related professions in the UK and is considered to be the 'international voice of forensic science'.
The most valued asset of the Society is our members, and we currently have over 2,000 members worldwide. However, we would like to welcome more forensic professionals / students / enthusiasts as members. The larger the pool of forensic expertise, the richer the communication and collaboration , thus leading to effective sharing of best practice and research findings and subsequent progression within the various fields of forensic science.
Membership levels
Prior to becoming a Professional Body, there were two categories of membership: Student and Ordinary Member. On becoming a Professional Body in 2004, we developed four membership categories according to various criteria. At this time, Ordinary Members automatically became Affiliates and were invited to apply for Profesional Membership. Since 2010 we have introduced two further levels of membership (e-student & Accredited Forensic Practitioner). A summary comparison between the different membership criteria is as follows:
| Membership level | Qualifications required? | Occupational experience required? | Other requirements? |
| e-Student | X | X | X |
| Student | X | X | X |
| Associate | √ | √ | √ |
| Affiliate | √ | X | X |
| Member | √ | √ min 2 years | X |
| Fellow | √ | √ min 2 years | √ |
| Accredited F. P. | √ | √ min 3 years | √ |
Full criteria and application procedures can be accessed by clicking on the name of the membership category in the table above.
The administration fee for Professional Membership is currently waived.
Subscription Rates are still applicable
Membership Application
The application requirements are dependent on the category of membership. The criteria above enables you to identify the likely membership category to suit your situation. Please access the web page for that membership category by clicking on the relevant category in the above table or selecting it from the drop down menu to the left. These pages contain more in-depth information on the membership criteria and application requirements in addition to the relevant application form. However, you may also access all application forms directly using the link below:
Please note that two references are required for some membership categories and the referees should ideally be members of the FSSoc where possible. However, if this is not possible references may be accepted from non-members (contact the membership secretary for advice).
Membership benefits
The Vice President of the society has a responsibility to manage the membership and as part of this role, they are constantly seeking new and exciting membership benefits. Click here for a full list of members benefits Membership fees
Membership fees
Membership is granted by the FSSoc memberships and ethics committee (MEC) and on acceptance each member pays an annual subscription fee. The current annual membership year runs from 1 November to 31 Ocotober and any member joining part way through the year will have a quarterly pro rata fee applied. For retired persons there is a reduced fee.
| Membership level | Cost (1 Nov - 31 Oct) |
| e-Student | £25 |
| Student | £40 |
| Affiliate | £75* |
| Associate | £75 |
| Member | £98* |
| Fellow | £120* |
| Accredited Forensic Practitioner | £165 |
| Retired | £40 |
* The fee stated is the annual fee. The annual fee for retired members is £40 irrespective of their membership category. In order to qualify for retired members fees, you must no longer be drawing a salary and should not be undertaking paid work as a consultant
** Not available to e-students
Downloads
Membership Benefits
Size: 31.8k
New Scientist Discount
Size: 135.2k
Membership Flyer
Membership information
Size: 554.7k