Whether you are in business or one of the professions, a student or retired, whether you are a manager or beginning your career, a full-time carer or on a career break, there is always something in BPW that will interest you. Membership of BPW UK brings with it many benefits and is a women’s organisation that covers every aspect of your life.

BPW aims ‘To help women develop their potential in all aspects of their lives’. Founded in 1938 by Beatrice Gordon Holmes, a city stockbroker, who aimed for equality of opportunity both at work and in public life, BPW continues as a non-profit making, non-party political organisation run by volunteers and funded by annual subscription. Despite being one of the most outstanding financiers of her generation, her sex denied Beatrice Gordon Holmes access to the Stock Exchange.

Having paid the annual subscription to BPW UK, currently £70, you gain free, automatic membership of BPW International and BPW Europe. BPW UK members who are under 35 automatically join Young BPW too, at no additional cost. There is no joining fee and unlike other women’s groups you join BPW UK directly and receive information from our national office to your home.

In some parts of the UK clubs have formed and you can attend their meetings. Some clubs will ask for additional fees according to their programme of events.

BPW UK members receive free, seasonal copies of the magazine "BPW News" which contains articles and information on local and national issues. Monthly news updates inform members what is happening around the UK.

Business networking is encouraged locally, nationally and even internationally. Members often join for the opportunity to meet potential business clients and stay for the friendships that blossom from a meeting of like-minded women.

Personal Development opportunities exist at local, regional and national level that focus on your needs as an individual, whether you are employed, self-employed or at any other stage of your personal career. This is focussed on your needs rather than that of an employer.

BPW helps young people, male and female, develop important skills with the BPW Public Speaking Competition.

BPW UK offers awards after a minimum of 2 years membership. Our International Award, of up to £1000 can be used to undertake an international project. Past participants have found that the award has enhanced their career prospects and credibility in the workplace. Lynfa Phillips, past International awardee, was voted Welsh Woman of the Year.

There is an annual June O’Dell Training Award for BPW UK Members which provides financial assistance to a member undertaking a course of training that would improve her employment potential or enhance her career prospects.

The Members’ Emergency Fund is available to any current member who has contributed at least fifty pence to the fund for a period of 2 years, subject to the Trustees’ discretion. Members can apply for a grant of up to £500 and/or an interest free loan of up to £4000.

BPW is an NGO or non governmental organisation. As one of the founding members of the Women’s National Commission, BPW continues to have its voice heard at the United Nations, in the European Parliament and in decision making bodies within the UK. As a recognised NGO, we regularly get asked by all political parties for our members’ views on topics diverse as health, finance, education and employment.

BPW members can put forward their views at our annual conference and this then becomes part of our mandate on which all members are encouraged to lobby. Recent topics have included suicide seeds, human trafficking, stamp duty and carers’ pensions.

Alone you are a single voice, but with BPW UK your voice joins 40 000 women across 100 countries. Our consultative status within the United Nations gives us a special status in the public arena and one we have held for over 60 years.

Our annual conference attracts high profile speakers such as Kate Adie, Stella Rimington, Susan Greenfield and this year Professor Alison Murdoch.

Members also gain access to a number of benefits and discounts offered by companies and fellow BPW members. Whether you want to book a holistic retreat or get competitive insurance quotes, have your teeth fixed or receive some personal coaching BPW UK will help you.

Clubs
BPW has a network of local clubs around the UK. Wherever members are based, they can choose to attend clubs as regular or occasional visitors. Each club has its own character and organises its programme around the interests of its membership. Meetings are either once or twice a month, usually on a weekday evening and this gives members the opportunity to network with other working women. Clubs charge an annual fee or ask members to pay per meeting. This is to cover any speaker fees, admin and catering costs they incur.

Regions
In Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales regional teams support members, clubs and the National Board of BPW UK acting as a communication link and also running events of key interest for local members.

Click here to join BPW.