DD: Membership Forms

Overview

Handwritten paper records can last for a long time, as the above excerpt from the "Domesday Book" of 1066 shows. The BBC's attempt at a replacement, in 1985, has consistently run into accessability issues as technology has changed - so high-tech is not always for the best!

For those at Lexdrum, and elsewhere, where they have to decipher unintelligable scrawls, or re-key-in printed data, however, it's an altogether different matter.

Many UKIP websites direct potential members to the online form at ukip.org, where they can sign up centrally. On the plus side, you know the form is always secure and up-to-date in terms of branding, legal requirements etc. The problem with this is that membership dues for the first year then end up with UKIP central, rather than the branch, who also have to wait to receive notification of membership details. For those who want the easy route, that's absolutely fine, but for branches and regions who would rather do things "in house", here's our guidance.


Preferred Medthods - in Order

1. HTML membership form with address lookup, send button, and electronic payment. (Similar to how UKIP.org does it).
2. HTML membership form with send button - UKIP contact sender for payment.
3. HTML membership form that new member fills out then prints and sends with a cheque.
4. Paper form printed, filled out by hand, and sent with a cheque. (To be avoided wherever possible.)

NB: Paper forms are also covered by the GDPR regulations.


What to Include?

The following items should appear on your form:

• Name.
• Title
• Forename
• Surname
• Honours
• Address (or address lookup tool - see below.)
• House name/ number
• Address lines
• Town
• County (UK only)
• Postcode
• Country (overseas members).
• Phone numbers.
• Daytime/work
• Evening
• Mobile
• Email.
• Repeat email. (so form can detect typos.)
• Date of birth. (Minors now need a parent's consent.)
• Checkboxes for ways you can help.
• Deliver leaflets.
• Deliver a sign at election.
• Canvass
• Assist local branch.
• Stand at elections.
• Etc.
• Payment details. (This will vary from site to site).
• Optional donation. (Remember to check they are on the Electoral Register, if necessary!)
• Consents - see below
• Signature. (This can legally now be a typed name.)
• Address to send form if printing and posting it.