Joining IPSE+

[tarbera]

Perhaps the level of professionalism isn't always there precisely because it's run by contractors; having a ragtag group of people that care, but don't always have the necessary insight or discipline, is a double-edged sword. You also raise an important point about the election process; everyone here that has expressed skepticism about how IPSE is currently run needs to get involved in that process (by voting if not standing).

Sorry the professional staff implement the BOD policy (not a ragtag group of contractors who care)

https://www.ipse.co.uk/about-us/ipse-structure

Over 30 staff at last count

[unixman]

Funny all the cc meetings I've attended everyone appears to be contractors, programmers , test managers like you

Never met any insurance salesman yet at a meeting - just contractors

Ohh and the CC don't get paid

You're right. It is less naggy that I remembered. Check out 2006:
Professional Contractors Group - Home

A thoroughly sensible front page - and it shows us wearing ties! Still, there is some advertising, and a "feature" that promises: PCG has joined forces with LogBuy and Nexus Cars to offer members discounts on a range of goods and services...

[mudskipper]

I had thought about it, but recent (personal) events are pretty much occupying 100% of my free time, and a fair bit of my invoicing time too!

So unless things change very soon, I'll stick to whinging from the sidelines for now.

Actually, I'm not a member at the moment, so probably ineligible - will renew when I get home (although I still seem to have access to the forums - is that a bug?)

One question though - are the CC meetings held at a time when normal people are generally not going to be working, or do CC members forgo a day's billing to attend?

[tarbera]

<pedant>Until the governance changes, certain members of the CC did get paid, by virtue of being on the board. And you get expenses paid, no? Which hotel was it that you stayed at for the last meeting?</pedant>

Only the BOD get paid, to compensate for missed billing time for work done during the week (No one makes a profit - I expect Gilmour for example loses loads as paid at blended rate)

Travelling expenses are paid (you do not get paid 1p for giving up 6 weekends a year)

Grosvenor hotel at Victoria station is not nice, just better than a travelodge and noisy as hell. - some BOD members actually prefer to stay in a dorm room across the road to save members cash - iggy I kid you not

No bar bill expensed for cc members

In fact it's cost me about £1000 a year to attend these !!!!! On drink alone

Thank god I won a few grand at the casino last time to pay for it

[tarbera]

I had thought about it, but recent (personal) events are pretty much occupying 100% of my free time, and a fair bit of my invoicing time too!

So unless things change very soon, I'll stick to whinging from the sidelines for now.

Actually, I'm not a member at the moment, so probably ineligible - will renew when I get home (although I still seem to have access to the forums - is that a bug?)

One question though - are the CC meetings held at a time when normal people are generally not going to be working, or do CC members forgo a day's billing to attend?

Saturday, now only 3 a year - I will look out the dates

Give up a days rate - are you new here ?

[tractor]

...

Move along nothing to see here....

[malvolio]

..

[psychocandy]

I looked at PGC shortly after becoming a contractor and decided not to join. It seemed they were just insurance brokers, with a site offering a LOT of insurance ads and free "advice". I assumed they got a cut. Sorry if that is innaccurate, it was a long time ago (2006).

Just looked at IPSE. The site looks very bland, corporate and the first thing you see is an invitation to win a free iPad. Not exactly the buccaneering spirit, is it. There are 4 heads at the top (models?) advertising the fact that professional engineers all wear fleeces. Half way down, IPSE is defending the doctors now revealed as charging the NHS £1760 per day. I don't want that defended, I want it stopped.

okay, where are those tablets...

Why do you want it stopped? If market conditions dictate that doctors can charge this then good luck to them!

I contracted with NHS once and mates of mine used to have a dig saying I was screwing the NHS (rate was crap mind) and I should be ashamed. Bollacks to that - I aint a charity.

By this rationale, people should work for free for the love of the NHS.

[flipFlop]

There are obviously lots of advantages of joining but before I do, is there any reason why I shouldn't join?

Please name one "advantage" "of joining".

You "shouldn't join" if you don't want to waste your money.

There are all manner of parasites hanging off contractors.

[tarbera]

Please name one "advantage" "of joining".

You "shouldn't join" if you don't want to waste your money.

There are all manner of parasites hanging off contractors.

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