Join Us
Join the Leading Association for Information Professionals
The IRMS is the foremost association for records and information management, with over 1,000 members in 30 countries across public, private and voluntary sectors.
Our mission? To lead the way in information management—supporting professionals, promoting best practice, and driving advocacy and collaboration.
In today’s digital age, effective information management is essential. Join IRMS to tap into shared knowledge, stay ahead of industry changes, and connect with a global network of experts.
Why Join IRMS?
We’re renowned for our inclusivity and commitment to professional growth. Membership benefits vary by level, but full membership gives you access to:
Develop as a Professional
- Professional accreditation of skills and experience—open to all members
- Eligibility for our annual industry awards, celebrating excellence
- Contribute to sector development, including new resources and standards
- Use of the IRMS logo to showcase your expertise and commitment
Access to Knowledge
- The Bulletin – our thought-leading magazine, link delivered to your mailbox, every two months
- Off the Record – monthly e-newsletter with the latest news and events
- Extensive online resources: webinar recordings, conference presentations, toolkits
- Exclusive discounts on training courses and events from leading suppliers
Be part of a Community
- Free or preferential access to 30+ events annually via regional and special interest groups
- Discounted rates for our annual Conference – Europe’s premier IRM event
- Access to our exclusive online member community
- A strong network of peers and mentors for advice and support
Ready to Join?
Be part of a vibrant, inclusive community shaping the future of information management.
Summary of Benefits
Benefits of membership vary for each type of membership you have. We have summarised this below for you.
| Feature | Individual | Corporate | Affiliate | School Affiliate & Multi-School |
Student / Apprentice | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memberships | 1 | Up to 5 | 1 | 1 per school | 1 | ✘ |
| Member profile | Full | Full | Limited | Full | Limited | ✘ |
| Access to member directory | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| IRMS Bulletin | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Off the record newsletter | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Join regional groups | Multiple | Multiple | ✘ | 1 | 1 | ✘ |
| Join Specialist Groups | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Schools group only | Any one group | ✘ |
| Group events | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Schools group | ✔ | Payment may be required |
| Training discounts | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Conference discount | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Use IRMS logo | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| IRMS resources | Full access | Full access | Limited | Schools Toolkit | Limited | Where publicly available |
| Free Mentoring | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Apply for Accreditation | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Eligible for Fellowship | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ (Honorary) | ✔ (Honorary) | ✘ | ✔ (Honorary) |
| AGM votes | ✔ | ✔ (One) | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Eligible to sit on Exec | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Eligible for Association award | ✓ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Join | Join | Join | School Affiliate Multi-School |
Join | Join |
Tax Relief
Claim Tax Relief on Your IRMS Membership
IRMS is listed on HMRC’s Approved Professional Organisations register, meaning you can claim tax relief on your membership fee under the Income Tax (Earnings & Pensions) Act 2003—provided you pay for your membership yourself (not reimbursed by your employer).
If your employer covers your membership, they may also claim tax relief—just let your payroll team know we’re on the register.
The amount you can claim depends on your personal tax position with HMRC and varies by member. Please note: this does not apply to student or honorary members, as they pay no fees.
For details and how to apply, visit the GOV.UK website. For IRMS-specific queries, contact us. For application questions, please reach out to HMRC directly.
Types of Membership
Individual Membership
The Best Choice for Information Management Professionals
Why Join:
- Flexible payment plans designed to suit all budgets
- Comprehensive benefits to support your professional development
What’s Included:
- Discounted rates at our annual Conference
- Unlimited attendance and preferential access to Groups and partners’ events
- Emailed link and access to our thought-leading magazine, The Bulletin, with new editions every two months
- Monthly email newsletter with industry updates
- Exclusive access to online resources and networking tools
- Eligibility for professional accreditation, regardless of formal educational attainment
Corporate Membership
Invest in Your Team’s Growth
Why Join:
- Enhance employee benefits with access to IRMS specialist professional development resources
- Demonstrate commitment to staff development and organisational excellence
What’s Included:
- Up to five individual accounts under one corporate subscription
- Each nominated team member enjoys full individual membership benefits
Why It Matters:
- Supports professional growth for your team
- Strengthens organisational capability and compliance
Student/Apprentice Membership
Start Your Professional Journey – For Free
Why Join:
- A great opportunity for full-time students and apprentices to access professional resources at no cost
- Build knowledge and connections in information, records management, or archives
What’s Included:
- All the benefits of Affiliate Membership – completely free
- Access to online resources and networking tools
- Monthly email newsletter and link to IRMS Bulletin
- Opportunities to engage with Groups and events
Requirements:
- Provide details of your course and student status when applying and renewing
Affiliate Membership
Stay Connected Wherever You Are
Why Join:
- Ideal for those living outside the UK and Ireland, or who are retired or unemployed
- Maintain access to key resources and networking opportunities
What’s Included:
- Attendance at online Group events
- Access to our thought-leading magazine, The Bulletin, with new editions every two months
- Monthly email newsletter
- Selected access to valuable online resources and networking tools
School Affiliate Membership
Supporting Schools in Information Management
Why Join:
- Specially discounted membership
- Designed for single schools seeking specialist resources and guidance
- Equip your school with tools to manage information effectively and in a compliant manner
What’s Included:
- Licensed access to and use of the IRMS Schools Toolkit
- Alerts when changes in records management requirements are made
- Unlimited attendance at Group events
- Access to our thought-leading magazine, The Bulletin, with new editions every two months
- Monthly email newsletter
- Access relevant online resources and networking tools
Multi-School Academy Trust
Extend Membership Benefits Across Your Academy
Why Join:
- Highly discounted Subscription covering each school in your group
- Equip your whole group with tools to manage information effectively and in a compliant manner
- Ensures consistent access to resources across your trust
What’s Included:
- Licensed access to and use of the IRMS Schools Toolkit
- Alerts when changes in records management requirements are made
- Unlimited attendance at Group events
- Access to our thought-leading magazine, The Bulletin, with new editions every two months
- Monthly email newsletter
- Access relevant online resources and networking tools