Become a member of the BGS

The British Geriatrics Society is the association for professionals working in the healthcare of older people across the UK. We are the only society in the UK offering expertise in the health care of older people, and providing a national voice for specialists working in this field. 

Our membership is truly multidisciplinary. It includes consultant geriatricians, nurses, GPs, old age psychiatrists, allied healthcare professionals, and researchers. Everyone specialising in the healthcare of older people is welcome to join!

Your membership fee depends on where you are in your career, how you pay for membership and if you are overseas.

Joining the BGS gives you access to a range of professional support and benefits, including:

  • Discounted fees for BGS events (saving up to £240 for a single conference in 2024, compared to non-members)
  • Accreditation for CPD (continuing professional development) at almost all of our events
  • Online subscriptions to our scientific journal Age & Ageing (available with most membership categories) - worth £433.00 on the open market
  • The chance to network with other specialists and experts in the care of older people face to face and via our members' directory
  • Membership of various Special Interest Groups within the society that focus on specific conditions, at no extra cost
  • Access to best practice guidance on topics such as diagnosing and treating frailty or commissioning services for care homes
  • A regular newsletter, e-bulletin and blog to keep you updated on the latest news and events
  • Entitlement to apply for a grant for relevant educational activities for eligible members.

Membership Rates 2024

Category

UK based membership

Fee

Overseas membership

Fee

A

Senior Doctors – Post CCT or CESR CP

Covering - Consultants, GPs, Professors, Senior Lecturers etc.

£215.00

Senior Doctors

Equivalent to Consultants, GPs, Professors, Senior Lecturers etc.

£108.00

B

Pre CCT or CESR CP

Covering SAS Grade (including those not on CESR route), Specialist Registrar, GP Trainees, IMT, Clinical Fellows etc.

£113.00

Pre CCT or CESR CP

Equivalent to SAS Grade, Specialist Registrar, GP Trainees IMT, Clinical Fellows etc.

£57.00

C

Healthcare professionals

Covering all other eligible members - Nurses, AHPs, Researchers, Physician Associates etc.

£91.00

Healthcare professionals

Nurses, AHPs, Researchers, Physician Associates etc.

£46.00

D

Students/Preceptorship Nurse and AHP and Foundation Year Doctors

Covering all eligible free categories of Undergraduate Medical Students, Undergraduate Physician associate students, Student Nurse and AHPs, Preceptorship year Nurse and AHPs and Foundation Year doctors in UK

£0

Students

Overseas Medical Student

£46.00

*Membership fees are reviewed annually and subject to increase

Eligibility for fee reductions

UK based membership

Reduction in applicable fee

Overseas membership

Reduction in applicable fee

Reduced rate for LTFT or LTFE (60% of standard working week)

40%

Reduced rate for LTFE

No further rate reduction

Parental leave - all categories

50%

Parental leave - all categories

50%

Retirement Rate

50%

Retirement Rate

No further rate reduction

Opt out of journal (online only) - Category C only

50%

Opt out of journal (online only)

No further rate reduction
 
Many of our members are hospital consultants specialising in the care of older people, but you don't have to be a doctor to join.

If you are a nurse, old age psychiatrist, advanced clinical practitioner, allied healthcare professional or GP with an interest in the healthcare of older people, you are welcome to join.

Membership is free for undergraduate medical students, student AHPs, student nurses and Foundation Year Doctors.

Frequently asked questions

How much does membership cost?

Membership Rates 2024*

Category

UK based membership

Fee

Overseas membership

Fee

A (Standard Fee)

Senior Doctors – Post CCT or CESR CP

Covering - Consultants, GPs, Professors, Senior Lecturers etc.

£215.00

Senior Doctors

Equivalent to Consultants, GPs, Professors, Senior Lecturers etc.

£108.00

B

Pre CCT or CESR CP

Covering SAS Grade (including those not on CESR route), Specialist Registrar, GP Trainees, IMT, Clinical Fellows etc.

£113.00

Equivalent to SAS Grade, Specialist Registrar, GP Trainees IMT, Clinical Fellows etc.

£57.00

C

Healthcare professionals

Covering all other eligible members - Nurses, AHPs, Researchers, Physician Associates etc.

£91.00

Healthcare professionals

Nurses, AHPs, Researchers, Physician Associates etc.

£46.00

D

Students/Preceptorship Nurse and AHP and Foundation Year Doctors

Covering all eligible free categories of Undergraduate Medical Students, Undergraduate Physician associate students, Student Nurse and AHPs, Preceptorship year Nurse and AHPs and Foundation Year doctors in UK

£0

Students

Overseas Medical Student

£46.00

 

UK based membership

Reduction in applicable fee

Overseas membership

Reduction in applicable fee

Reduced rate for LTFT or LTFE (60% of standard working week)

40%

Reduced rate for LTFT or LTFE (60% of standard working week)

No further rate reduction

Parental leave - all categories

50%

Parental leave - all categories

50%

Retirement Rate

50%

Retirement Rate

No further rate reduction

Opt out of journal (online) - Category C only

50%

Opt out of journal (online)

No further rate reduction
*Membership fees are reviewed annually and subject to increase
 

Your membership fee depends on where you are in your career, how you pay for membership and if you are overseas. 
If you work for a corporate entity, outside the NHS or academia, then the standard membership fee is applicable (Cat A). For example, a pharmaceutical or medical device company.

 

How do I join?

The quickest and easiest way to join is online. Please complete an online application for BGS membership here. For any further questions, or difficulties completing your membership application, please email membership [at] bgs [dot] org [dot] uk.

How to renew

If you have been a BGS member and wish to renew, please log into your BGS website account. On the landing page for your account there is a renew function. If this is not available or you don't have access to your BGS account please contact membership [at] bgs [dot] org [dot] uk

I'm not on a training pathway, where do I fit?

For those medics and health care professionals not on a training pathway, we welcome your membership and recognise the valuable roles undertaken in these posts. For simplicity, we have grouped members into four bands and your fee level is determined by your professional job title. For example, SAS Grade doctors, not on the CESR pathway membership fee would be in Category B.

For a Foundation Year Doctor whose training continues beyond FY2, you would still be eligible for free membership in Category D. If you are employed in a clinical fellow or SHO role, you would be eligible for membership in Category B.

Please do reach our membership officer with your individual queries via membership [at] bgs [dot] org [dot] uk.

Do I need to live in the UK to join?

No, we welcome members from all over the world. Overseas membership fee is calculated respectively from your profession and extended a 50% discount off the UK annual membership fee for the membership category you are aligned too. You will receive all the membership benefits, including a online subscription to the Age and Ageing journal.

Am I eligible to join?

Many of our members are hospital consultants specialising in the care of older people, but you don't have to be a doctor to join.

Our membership is truly multidisciplinary so if you are a nurse, advanced clinical practitioner, pharmacist, occupational therapist, or any other allied healthcare professional with an interest in the healthcare of older people, you are welcome to join.

All healthcare staff groups involved in direct patient care or services and professionals who have a high degree of autonomy, able to provide care in complex situations and who may also lead services for older people are also welcome to join.

If you are a lecturer, academic or researcher into ageing and ageing related processes, you would be eligible to join.

If you work for a corporate entity, outside the NHS or academia, then the standard membership fee is applicable (Cat A). For example, a pharmaceutical or medical device company.

Am I eligible for free membership?

Free membership is open to all undergraduate medical students, student nurses and AHP students at a UK medical school. It is also open to Foundation Year 1 – 2 and Academic Foundation Year 1 – 2 Doctors as well as Nurses and AHPs in their Preceptorship year.

Medical student and Foundation Year Doctors - Members in this category must be undergraduate students based in the UK, at a UK medical school or a UK based foundation year doctor. Postgraduate students are not included.

Nurses and AHPs - Members in this category must be on an undergraduate course leading to a clinical career in health and based in the UK, or in their Preceptorship Year. Postgraduate students, or those studying for advanced qualifications such as ANPs, are not included in this category.

Do you offer a discount for those on parental leave?

Yes. For members currently on, or about to take parental leave, a 50% reduced rate of the annual membership subscription is applied for all paying categories of membership.  This rate is applied to one year of membership,  which will be the year in which the greatest part of the member's parental leave falls. To apply for this discount, please select this option during your application or renewal. When applying for this discount, you will need to upload supporting documentation to confirm your eligibility. This can be a letter or email confirming your parental leave dates.

Do you offer a discount for those working Less Than Full Time (LTFT)?

Yes. Those working 60% Full Time Equivalent (FTE) or less are extended a discount. To apply for this discount, please select this option during your application or renewal. When applying for this discount, you will need to upload supporting documentation to confirm your eligibility. This can be a letter or email from your employer confirming your 60% LTFT post or a copy of your contract.

Please note, you will need to re-apply for this discount each year.

Do you have a retired member rate?

Yes. As our retired members form a key part of our membership, the BGS offers a 50% reduction in membership fees against their current membership category.

Continuing as a retired member allows you to still be an active part of the Society, and receive all of the membership benefits it has to offer. These include reduced rates for attendance at conferences and online subscription to the Age and Ageing journal.

How can I access the Age and Ageing journal?

We have now moved to a sustainable, flexible option of providing access to the Age and Ageing journal online only. This is included in your membership and can be accessed via the BGS and OUP website using your login details for your BGS account.

When you sign into your BGS account, scroll down your account page to find the pink button which reads 'View journal'. Once you click on this button, a new browser window will open to the OUP website where you can search all new and past journals/articles. Please note, you must use this new window rather than any previous windows that you may have previously had opened. The window that opens following your BGS account will be synced with your membership so that’s how you will be able to view full articles.

Category C memberships can continue to opt out of receiving the journal digitally.

Can I subscribe to Age and Ageing without becoming a member?

Subscriptions to Age and Ageing are available for Institutions and Corporate Subscribers. Individuals are encouraged to access the journal with a BGS membership. Further details are available online here.

 

Membership of the British Geriatrics Society costs no more than £195 and includes online subscription to the journal for most membership categories.

Informing us of a member's death

It is sad to hear when BGS members have died. But please let us know, so that we update our records, and can ensure no further membership payments are collected or unnecessary communications sent. You can notify us by emailing Disha Rabadia at membership [at] bgs [dot] org [dot] uk with the following details; full name of the person who has died, date of birth, home address and the date of death. We would need this information confirmed and verified to allow us to update our records.

BGS are keen to pay tribute to the life and work of our members who have worked so hard to improve healthcare for older people. We invite any family members, friends or colleagues to share their memories of the professional by writing an obituary which we would publish on our website and/or in our Newsletter. We also welcome tributes for those who are not members of the Society but have contributed to the BGS mission of improving healthcare for older people. For more information on this or to send your contribution, please email Mark Stewart at m [dot] stewart [at] bgs [dot] org [dot] uk.

Are there any other benefits to being a BGS member?

We can offer a 20% discount on the Open Access fees when publishing in Age and Ageing journal for members of the British Geriatrics Society. If you are a BGS member and would like to apply this offer, please email Katy at aa [at] bgs [dot] org [dot] uk with your membership number.

What options are there for Group membership?

We are keen to strengthen the BGS’s multidisciplinary ethos and to enable nurses and AHPs to take advantage of lower membership fees if they join as part of a group. Group membership is available to teams and organisational units, providing a cost-effective way to sample the majority of benefits available to individual members. 

If you are interested in finding out about a Group membership for your team or workplace, please contact membership [at] bgs [dot] org [dot] uk

Some benefits available to individual members are not included in this category.

Group membership package

Number of members in the group

Annual membership fee

Annual cost for individual membership for package size

Saving for the organisation

Package 1

<10 members

£525

£910

£385 compared to 10 individual members

Package 2

11-20 members

£1050

£1820

£770 compared to 20 individual members

Package 3

21-30 members

£1575

£2730

£1155 compared to 10 individual members

Group Membership

We are keen to strengthen our multidisciplinary ethos and to enable nurses and AHPs to take advantage of lower membership fees if they join as part of a group. Group membership is available to teams and organisational units, providing a cost-effective way to sample most benefits available to individual members.

The key benefits of BGS group membership are:

  • Discounts on event registration costs, access to e-Learning modules, and online access to the BGS journal Age and Ageing
  • Networking opportunities via the BGS Forum and the Members directory.
  • Opportunities to showcase projects related to research and quality improvement at our events.
  • Regular blogs, e-bulletins, and the BGS Newsletter
  • Automatic membership of the Council of Nurses and AHPs
  • Peer assistance, networking, and informal mentoring opportunities for professional development

The quickest and easiest way to join is online. Please complete an online application for BGS group membership here. For any further questions, or difficulties completing your group membership application, please email membership [at] bgs [dot] org [dot] uk.

The following information is designed to make the joining/renewing process as straightforward as possible. Please read the FAQ before completing the form.

Group Membership

Who is eligible for BGS group membership?

Only the following healthcare professionals are currently eligible for group membership:

  • Nurse
  • Physiotherapist
  • Pharmacist
  • Physician Associate
  • Advanced Clinical Practitioner
  • Clinical Fellow
  • Corporate Representative
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Researcher
  • Other HCP role

If you're not sure if you qualify, send an email to membership [at] bgs [dot] org [dot] uk.

What benefits are not included in BGS group membership?

The key benefits to members within the group remain the same as individual membership.

However, the benefits not included in group membership are:

  • Voting rights
  • Standing for officer roles (Group members can’t be appointed, or volunteer to act on committees)
  • Access to grants.
What are the group membership packages you offer?

There are three standard packages for group membership:

  • Package 1 Up to 10 members: £525
  • Package 2 Up to 20 members: £1,050
  • Package 3 Up to 30 members: £1,575

If you require a larger package, please email membership [at] bgs [dot] org [dot] uk.

Can I transfer my current individual membership to a group membership?

No, any individual who is a current BGS member will not be eligible for BGS group membership.

What is the role of the group admin (main point of contact)?

The group membership admin is responsible for managing the group membership on behalf of their organisation or team.

  • The group admin submits the membership application and subsequent membership renewals on behalf of the group.
  • The group admin is responsible for the payment of all membership fees on behalf of the group.
  • The group admin is responsible for adding and removing members from their group membership.
  • The group admin is responsible for an individual group member redeeming their membership.
  • The group admin will receive all email correspondence regarding membership status from membership [at] bgs [dot] org [dot] uk
What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept payments via BACS and credit card payments.

How do I access the group admin dashboard?

To access the group admin dashboard. Please follow the below steps:

  1. Log into Bgs.org.uk
  2. Select “My Account” button.
  3. Locate and select the "Organisation Member" button.
How do I download a payment receipt?

Payment receipts can be downloaded via the group admin dashboard.

  1. Log into Bgs.org.uk
  2. Select “My Account” button.
  3. Locate and select the "Organisation Member" button.
  4. Under “Payment List” click on “View Invoice” button.
I would like to upgrade my group membership package. How do I do this?

Upgrades of a group membership package are available. This can be requested through the group admin dashboard.

  1. Log into Bgs.org.uk
  2. Select “My Account” button.
  3. Locate and select the "Organisation Member" button.
  4. Under “Upgrade Membership” click on “Request Upgrade” button.
I would like to terminate my group membership package. How do I do this?

You can terminate your group membership at any time. This can be done through the group admin dashboard.

Please follow the below steps:

  1. Log into Bgs.org.uk
  2. Select “My Account” button.
  3. Locate and select the "Organisation Member" button.
  4. Under “Terminate Membership” click on “Terminate Membership” button.
An individual has permanently left the organisation/ team. How do I remove this individual from the group membership?

The group admin can remove individuals. This can be done through the group admin dashboard.

Please follow the below steps:

  1. Log into Bgs.org.uk
  2. Select “My Account” button.
  3. Locate and select the "Organisation Member" button.
  4. Under “Member List” click on remove employee.
How do I invite a new individual to the group membership?

The group admin can invite individuals.

This can be done through the group admin dashboard.

Please follow the below steps:

  1. Log into Bgs.org.uk
  2. Select “My Account” button.
  3. Locate and select the "Organisation Member" button.

Under “Member List” click “Invite Members” button

A new individual has joined our team/organisational unit. I have invited them to join our BGS group membership. Will they be granted 12 months of membership?

No, an organisation can add members to the Group Membership, but all individuals under the group membership will hold the same expiration date.

Group membership starts from when payment has been received not from when an individual member accepts an invitation to the group.

How can I find out my group expiration date?

Please follow the below steps:

  1. Log into Bgs.org.uk
  2. Select “My Account” button.
  3. Scroll down and under "My Membership" on the right side, you'll see the group expiration date.

Alternatively, this can be found through the group admin dashboard.

Can an individual within the group membership also be a group admin?

The group admin can delegate the admin role to individuals. This can be done through the group admin dashboard.

Please follow the below steps:

  1. Log into Bgs.org.uk
  2. Select “My Account” button.
  3. Scroll down and click on the "Organisation Member" button.
  4. Under “Member List” click on make admin.
How can I tell if an individual is an active group participant?

This can be found out through the group admin dashboard.

Please follow the below steps:

  1. Log into Bgs.org.uk
  2. Select “My Account” button.
  3. Locate and select the "Organisation Member" button.
  4. Under “Member List” there will be a column “Is active?”

 

 

Please be aware that group membership begins once payment has been received, not once a member accepts an invitation to the group.

 

We advise you to encourage everyone to sign up right away so they can begin maximising the benefits of their group membership.