The client base at Bay Tree VA has never been so diverse. One thriving sector is Membership Associations. Here’s why it works so well.
In the UK, this sector comprises over 8,000 membership associations that we, as individuals, may care to join such as The National Trust, or profession related (The Royal College of Midwives for example). There are then approximately 450 professional and chartered bodies that organisations join, such as the British Chamber of Commerce, as well as trade unions. With another 50,000 smaller clubs and associations, often local and run by volunteers, it is fair to say that this sector touches the lives of most of us in some way.
For 9 years, Bay Tree VA has been providing outsourced operational support to membership organisations based in the UK and Europe. For larger requirements, a small Bay Tree team provide the secretariat support, skills and cover that is needed. For smaller organisations, just one of the team will manage all that is required to keep things operating smoothly. All of this comes with an additional layer of support provided by our Bay Tree client services team, who manage the partnering relationship.
What makes Bay Tree VA a good fit for the membership association sector?
“We offer continuity and stability as associations grow and leadership changes. Our flexible support model is not only cost-effective, but also scalable which is ideal for organisations in the current financial climate. We bring a fresh, tech-savvy approach that can modernise even the most traditional boards, helping them operate more efficiently without losing their identity. What draws us to this sector is its passion, every association is deeply committed to its cause. We match that passion with a calm, professional presence, especially around governance, while tailoring our support to help each board achieve its unique goals.”
Jane Cattermole, founder of Bay Tree VA
Here are the three key challenges facing UK Membership Associations and Clubs and how Bay Tree VA can support:
1. Economic Pressure and Financial Sustainability
Associations are grappling with rising operational costs, inflation, and reduced public funding. Bay Tree VA can build an operational team that dials up in busy periods such as renewal, conferences and ad hoc projects and dials down to make way for improved tech and streamlined processes.
2. Digital Transformation and Technological Integration
The shift towards digital platforms has accelerated, yet many associations struggle with outdated systems and fragmented data. Keeping up and implementing new tech whilst ‘doing the day job’ is a problem. Working with the Bay Tree team gives the initial expertise in choosing the right software (we are recognised partners with JustGo for example) and then the resource to project manage the integration and training needed before reassessing the resource needed to run efficiently.
3. Member Engagement and Retention
Maintaining and increasing member engagement is the top priority. Member expectation has never been higher. The member life cycle needs a formal engagement strategy in place, with personalised communication. Bay Tree has worked closely with some great organisations that champion membership engagement. We are a recognised supplier of MemberWise, a membership organisation itself that provides outstanding support to its members.
We would love to know more about your membership association and discuss how we could work with you. If you want to find out more, contact Katie or Brigette at standingby@baytreeva.co.uk. To stay in touch, subscribe here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/Y8gD67N/signup
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