Samantha Mitchell explains the new simple, secure and sustainable way to share your professional achievements
In the past few months, the PFS has been making significant enhancements to its membership offering, with a focus on putting digital at the heart of membership.
With our latest project in a programme of digital-first activities coming to fruition, we are delighted to introduce digital membership cards as a new member benefit.
Digital cards provide a quick and easy way to prove your membership level and designation to employers and clients. Accessed via your My PFS dashboard, your card can be downloaded and saved to a desktop or mobile device (compatible with Google Pay and Apple Pay).
Replicating the former plastic membership cards, each card features a new member logo and is aligned with the branding of our recently launched digital membership certificates.
A unique QR code has been added to each card and links to an authentication page that enables digital verification of credentials by employers and clients when scanned. We have also created a personal URL that can be added to your email signature, signposting to a digital authentication page that validates your status – a simple and effective tool that can help with building client trust.
There are several advantages to having a digital card over a physical card, but here are our top six:
1 You can share your achievement (almost) instantly
Digital cards can be downloaded to a desktop or mobile device within 24 hours (usually sooner) of joining or renewing your membership. This means it is quick and easy for you to share your achievement with employers, clients and peers.
2 Access on the go
Accessing your membership card has never been easier. By downloading your card to your files or mobile wallet, you can keep it conveniently close by, wherever you may be.
3 Update your details easily
If your personal information or membership level changes mid-term, you can quickly update your details online, refresh your card and simply download it again.
4 Safe and secure
Your new digital membership card cannot be lost, copied, or stolen, and the digital authentication process performs a live check against our records, quickly proving to clients and employers that your membership is valid.
5 Always easy access to your PIN
Have you ever been unable to log in to your online account, or register for an event, because you could not remember your PIN?
With digital membership cards, your PIN is available at the touch of a button. Just open your mobile and voilà. Never waste time searching for your PIN again.
6 Save the planet
Digital membership cards provide an easy and sustainable way of sharing your credentials with employers and clients. By switching to digital, we can stop producing about 125,000 plastic cards each year – a small step towards helping us save the planet.
This change will also be welcomed by the growing number of clients who are environmentally conscious and seek businesses that can demonstrate sustainable practices.
Inspired by you
The introduction of digital cards responds to increasing demand for a more modern and relevant member experience. A survey carried out in 2020 revealed that eight out of 10 members would prefer a digital membership card. It also showed that the main reason members used their card was to recall their PIN – which will remain on the digital version – but as a reminder, can also be found on our regular email communications.
Evolving membership
This project is part of a broader plan to meet the evolving needs of our members and underpins how we are developing enhanced and tailored digital resources and services to support members.
Recent enhancements to our onboarding and renewal processes have included replacing postal mailings for new and renewing members with a fully customisable digital pack, distributed by email. Each pack will signpost the latest developments, key information and new benefits and services. This switch to digital allows for a quicker, more customised and engaging experience for all members.
Look out for further exciting developments as we evolve our digital membership offering later this year.
Share your thoughts
Your feedback is always welcome. Please get in touch if you have any comments, or if you would like to discuss how we can help you make the most of your membership, please email: samantha.mitchell@cii.co.uk
For more details and information about digital membership cards, visit our FAQs: www.ciigroup.org/digital-cards-FAQs
Samantha Mitchell is membership marketing executive of the PFS
