The CIBSE Benevolent Fund offers support to members, former members and their dependants who are experiencing significant need, hardship or distress. It offers grants – one-off or regular payments – to those who might be impacted by illness, bereavement or financial hardship.
CIBSE Past President and chair of the fund committee Kevin Kelly highlights the essential role of the fund and how CIBSE members can help.
Who and how does the Benevolent Fund help?
It helps members, former members and their dependants, who, for any one of a large number of reasons, end up in distress. Current or former members, or their dependants, who paid subscriptions for at least three years can apply for funds.
How do people apply for help and support?
Application can be made by contacting regional committees, societies or CIBSE directly. There is a lot of information on the Benevolent Fund web pages, including details of all the regional almoners.
What happens when someone makes contact with the fund?
Sometimes we get direct contact with the fund, or it comes through CIBSE or regional representatives. We follow up as promptly as we can with the person. Usually, I make contact to understand the issue and then ask the local almoner to make contact in person. They can help fill in a claim form.
We give claimants a sympathetic hearing. Sometimes it is advice that is needed, but often it is financial help that is provided. Only the chair and almoner know the person’s name. Payments are made through bank transfer, so these details of the beneficiary are held confidentially by CIBSE Finance.
Beneficiaries’ identities are never disclosed online or at management meetings, where decisions are made. We have high ethical standards when it comes to protecting the anonymity of beneficiaries.
I would urge people to be aware of any member who may be in distress and could benefit from the help of the fund
Where does the fund get its income?
Income comes from four main sources. The first is a voluntary £10 contribution from members when they renew their subscriptions – currently about 25% of members make this payment, but we would love to see this increase.
There are also returns from investments and contributions from CIBSE regions, which can come from donations at events or sponsorship from events.
More support comes from voluntary one-off contributions from members, which may come through legacy donations and includes members donating their interview fees.
How can CIBSE Members help the fund?
I would really encourage members to consider adding the £10 contribution at renewal time – it really can make a difference to members if they find themselves in changed circumstances, and we are grateful for each and every donation.
I would also urge people to be aware of any member who may be in distress and could benefit from the assistance of the fund. Encourage them to get in touch to see if we can be of help.
How many trustees and almoners are there?
There is one almoner in each CIBSE region, appointed by the regional chair and fund chair. They act as a liaison between each region and trustees, and they are the main contact for members needing assistance in their region. There are currently 10 trustees, some of whom have been nominated by the CIBSE Board and others who are almoners.
How much work is involved for almoners?
They meet quarterly and are expected to liaise with each client in their region before each meeting, so they can give an update on cases. Some regions have up to three clients, while others may have fewer.
Who can contact the CIBSE Benevolent fund?
Anyone can contact the fund for themselves or on behalf of another member, or former member, or their dependants. They can contact me directly at kevintkelly54@gmail.com or through CIBSE or regional committees. For more on the fund, or to contact an almoner, visit bit.ly/CJBENF25