Improvements to the RICS renewal process prompted a positive response from you
The membership renewal process has significantly improved over the past year, following the introduction of an online system which has created greater ease and efficiency for RICS and its members.

As of 18 June 2007, 97% of members had renewed their RICS membership to retain their professional standing and access to a wide range of services.

“We really appreciate the support shown by the vast majority of members who pay their subscriptions on time", said Alex Baird, Honorary Treasurer.

"This responsible approach helps RICS to ensure services continue to be provided to a high standard.”

The trend set in 2005 of mailing renewal packs in early November to avoid the inevitable Christmas post rush was repeated in 2006, with renewal notices starting to land on doorsteps by 7 November – one week earlier than in 2005.

This triggered a positive response from members with over 11 000 members renewing by the end of December 2006 (4 000 more than the same time in 2005).

Online renewals
There is a consistent focus when it comes to membership renewals, which is to continue to improve efficiency for all RICS members.

The launch of the online renewal service in January 2007 was a significant process improvement.

Members who paid their subscription online benefited from:

• faster processing times
• 24/7 access from the secure member zone on www.rics.org
• local currency payment options
• payment by debit/credit card or the easy set up of a direct debit
• downloadable or printable receipts
• making an online donation to their benevolent fund, LionHeart.

The online system will become available to members later this year in time for the 2008 cycle.

Early payment
Renewing promptly brings advantages to both members and RICS. Not only does renewing before the 1 January deadline mean earlier receipt of the annual membership pack containing the new membership card, it also means less time and money spent by RICS in chasing outstanding payments.

At present, chasing overdue payments costs RICS £150 000, equivalent to 30% of the subscriptions renewal budget.

Income received through membership renewals supports the benefits and services of RICS activities, including:

• developing professional knowledge and standards
• protecting the public interest
• providing technical and professional information
• raising public awareness of the profession.

Cut the chase
"Every year a considerable amount of money is spent reminding members to renew their subscriptions.

"As a member you can help keep this cost to a minimum by renewing on time to avoid receiving additional notices and, more importantly, avoid the risk of your membership lapsing,” said Alex Baird.

"With 30% of our renewals budget spent chasing late payers, members are wasting funds that could be deployed into member services, if only they paid on time.”

"Looking forward, RICS will continue to evaluate and review the subscriptions process, including the penalty position, expungement dates and ways in which we can tackle the small minority who cause us unnecessary costs."

Improvements for 2008 include:

• enhancement of the online service to make transactions instantaneous
• researching new cost-effective mail-sort postal systems
• the introduction of weekly distribution of the membership renewal packs
• more localised mailings.

Further info
If you would like to set up a direct debit for renewing your membership in future visit www.rics.org/membershiprenewals to download a direct debit mandate or call +44 (0)870 333 1600

Members can also assist in the smooth running of future campaigns by ensuring membership details remain up-to-date. This can be done online or by getting in touch with the RICS Contact Centre (contactrics@rics.org)

 Highlights of the 2007 membership renewal campaign include:

• It was the first year that the renewal packs for members based in Europe and China were mailed out locally to enhance speed of delivery
• 32% of members have renewed by direct debit. Members renewing by this method receive communication automatically confirming renewal of their membership
• Email reminders have proved to be the most effective and efficient chaser method both in terms of speed and cost, with members positively responding to a personalised prompt. Online renewals almost doubled after an email reminder went out
• The LionHeart benevolent fund benefited from the generosity of over 29 000 members with donations reaching £435 000, 20% of which were by Gift Aid. All donations will provide advice, counselling and financial support to members and their families at times of need
• 10% of the membership had their say in the 2007 member survey. 100 winners of the prize draw have since received their complementary copy of the 2007 RICS Directory.
• £50 late payment fee was applied to over 3 300 members —  3.1% of members.