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Membership options

The reformed Government Procurement Service (GPS) offers three membership levels that reflect the different professional status gained during a procurement specialist's career.

  • Member - available to those with MCIPS, who also have a continuous professional development plan agreed with their commercial or procurement director.

  • Associate - for those with a certificate of competence or equivalent.

  • Affiliate - for new students and those with a general interest in procurement issues.

GPS members are expected to become members of CIPS before they can join the reformed GPS. To avoid duplication, the new GPS shares the CIPS membership database and the three GPS membership options are closely algned with the CIPS membership grades (shown in the table below).

Joining the new GPS

GPS membership is free. Membership at the highest level includes a requirement that your commercial director or head of procurement has agreed your continuous professional development (CPD) plan, so for that level you should contact your director before submitting an application to join. Your agreed CPD plan can be in any format, so long as it is written.

If you are not yet a member of CIPS, you will need to join, through the CIPS website's membership link. Your department can pay your CIPS fees. Remember to select the GPS and Public Sector Faculty options when completing the membership form. 

Join CIPS

If you are already a CIPS member, you will need to have your CIPS membership number to hand. The CIPS website also offers to remind you of your password if necessary. If there are any problems you can call CIPS on 01780 756 777.

Join GPS through the CIPS website's membership link 

GPS Definition CIPS Definition
Affiliate
To cover those described by CIPS as affiliates, students or certificate members.

Affiliate = CIPS grade where the member receives CIPS member benefits but carries no membership certificate as they have chosen not to study for any of the qualifications.

Student = CIPS entry grade where the member is studying a CIPS or CIPS accredited qualifications programme, including NVQ levels 3 & 4.

Certificate = CIPS grade where the member has completed the level 2 or 3 certificate stage. This is a lower level qualification than Foundation Diploma

Associate
To cover those described by CIPS as associates or diploma members.

Diploma = CIPS grade where the member has competed the level 4 Foundation Diploma.Associate

Member = CIPS grade where the member has completed the level 5 advanced diploma professional stage having completed the foundation diploma.

Member
To cover those described by CIPS as Members or Fellows. In addition members of the GPS must show evidence of up to date CPD to their commercial director.

Fellow = CIPS grade who have achieved MCIPS and reached the highest level in the profession.

Member = MCIPS, full member having evidence of three years' experience in a position of responsibility as well as either:(a) completing the level 6 graduate diploma, or(b) completing the NVQ level 4 in supply chain management.

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