New IPSE membership categories

As the only membership body for the self-employed in the UK we felt our memberships were not representative of the whole self-employed sector. Our new levels of membership are structured to be more tailored and aligned with how people work and identify.  

Standard was heavily weighted towards Ltd Company contractors and was very similar to our existing Plus membership. To better support our sole trader and freelancer members, we have decided to discontinue Standard to make room for the new Freelancer membership. All of the benefits offered within the former Standard membership can be found in our Director membership.  

While most of the member benefits have remained similar between Standard and Freelancer, we have increased the cover levels for contract failure and jury service and we have added into the membership illness & injury cover to ensure you’re fully protected against possible loss of income.

Freelancer membership is aimed at self-employed members providing services directly to their clients rather than via their own limited company and where IR35 is of little relevance.

Freelancer membership is aimed at those providing services directly to their clients rather than via their own limited company. 

Director is aimed mainly at people operating through a Ltd company or for those where IR35 could apply to their contracts.  

The only difference is the name! The Community membership, formerly Essentials, will remain the same and will include the recent enhancements of: free co-working, the Business Hub, 1-2-1 Success Sessions and a member directory (coming soon).  

This membership is aimed at anyone who is keen to be part of the IPSE community but do not wish to have the protection elements offered in the other levels of membership. It’s also relevant for those that have not yet started their self-employed business but plan to in the future, or who have a side hustle. 

The Director membership, formerly Plus, will remain almost the same and will include the recent enhancements of: free co-working, the Business Hub, 1-2-1 Success Sessions and a member directory (coming soon).  

Director membership is aimed mainly at people operating through a Limited company or for those where IR35 could apply to their contracts. We have removed umbrella default cover as it has been rehomed within the new dedicated Umbrella package. Sole traders are welcome to pick this membership too, but are less likely to need the IR35 and business interruption protection. 

Members are free to pick whatever level of membership they would like, regardless of how they operate as a self-employed individual. We just ask you understand the key differences between the memberships when purchasing the protection elements to ensure you are covered for the areas that are most important to you.

Members within the Umbrella membership can move to Director at any point during their membership.  

Members that have a Director membership can switch to umbrella only upon renewal.  

A new addition, Umbrella is for those who are no longer providing their service via their own limited company and instead are now being employed by either an umbrella company or by the end client directly. 

If you were previously at risk of an IR35 enquiry but are now working via an umbrella, this membership includes ‘run-off’ IR35 enquiries cover in respect of historic contracts. The tax investigation enquiry cover included in this level of membership would provide representation to a member subjected to an enquiry into their Self Assessment Income Tax Return. 

A new addition to IPSE, the Kickstart membership is specifically relevant to people within the early stages of their self-employed career or about to start their business. We aim to provide specific guidance on building a sustainable business where you’ll thrive working for yourself.  

People with a side hustle who are seriously considering becoming self-employed would also benefit from this membership as you’ll be given the guidance and resources to find balance in running your side hustle alongside employment or pursue it as a full-time business. 

As a Standard member, you are able to retain your Standard membership until renewal. A that point you will need to pick one of the new memberships as Standard has been discontinued. If you would like to move to Freelancer, Director or Umbrella before your renewal date please contact us.

You’re also welcome to let us know what new membership you’d like to be on ahead of your renewal and we’ll action accordingly.

Yes, Community members can upgrade at any point within their membership to a different level of membership. 

Yes! People with a side hustle who are seriously considering becoming self-employed would benefit from Community or Kickstart membership as you’ll be given the guidance and resources to find balance in running your side hustle alongside employment or pursue it as a full-time business.  

As your business develops and you take on more risk, you may want to then consider upgrading to Freelancer, Director, or Umbrella, depending on your way of working. 

We will be rolling out these updates throughout the summer and will keep you in the loop as we go along!