The Linguist is a languages magazine for professional linguists, translators, interpreters, language professionals, language teachers, trainers, students and academics with articles on translation, interpreting, business, government, technology
Issue link: https://thelinguist.uberflip.com/i/322362
between positive feedback and suggestions for improvement. Respondents also commented on 'influence and visibility', expressing a desire for CIOL to improve its visibility and influence in a number of spheres, and to campaign for the languages professions. Master Report To read the full report on the Membership Survey, visit the Institute's website at www.iol.org.uk/MS2014.pdf We would like to thank PARN for preparing the report on behalf of the Chartered Institute of Linguists. 73% 16% 21% 13% 8% N Vol/53 No/3 2014 JUNE/JULY The Linguist 9 MEMBERSHIP SURVEY the button logo – 58% of respondents didn't even reply to this question. Asked to indicate which professional benefits they thought CIOL membership provided, 87% stated 'professional status', closely followed by 'belonging to a professional community', 'professional integrity' via the Code of Conduct, and 'improved career prospects'. Research by the Professional Associations Research Network (PARN), who carried out this survey, shows that professional status is the benefit most valued by members of professional bodies, and CIOL members are no different – 88% putting professional status first. Keeping in touch with what is going on in the world of languages is the most important personal benefit for the vast majority (81%), with 69% believing CIOL provides this (see figure 2, below left). When asked for suggestions for new membership benefits, many responses focused on improvements to current benefits. Top of the list were those relating to support, information and guidance; ideas included webinars and streaming of workshops. Values and future challenges The majority of respondents were happy that the organisation 'serves the professional interests of its members' and that it represents an 'authoritative voice promoting the learning and use of languages, and the professional status of language work'. Respondents were less convinced that CIOL advises on policy and strategy within the language sector, or that it works constructively with other stakeholders. A little more than half agreed with these statements, with a large group taking a neutral stance. Members agreed strongly that the CIOL 'sets and promotes high professional standards', but most did not believe the organisation 'has a strong presence in my field of work'. Questioned on the future challenges facing the professional language sector, five major themes emerged. Almost a third of respondents were concerned about 'competition from machine translation and internet-based technology'. Other concerns were recognition of the profession, low rates of pay, declining professional standards and lack of language learning in schools. Relationship with members Questions around the CIOL's relationship with members reveal that we have some work to do in this area. The majority believe that the Institute responds to their needs and keeps them in touch with membership benefits. Half feel membership represents good value for money, but a third took the opposite view. However, 82% of respondents are proud to be members (see figure 3, right), and a similar number would recommend membership to a friend or colleague. Communications The vast majority of respondents indicated that CIOL communicates with them at the right level, and most prefer to be contacted by email. Although CIOL has 1,500 followers on Twitter, this form of communication is not popular with the survey sample. Only 20% were aware that the Institute is on Twitter and, of those, only 39% follow the account. Reasons given for not engaging with this medium included not being a user of social media, lack of time and a general dislike of Twitter. Of those who follow the account, a little more than half rated the content as neutral in terms of how engaging it is. Satisfaction with membership When members were asked to rate their satisfaction with CIOL membership, more than half rated it positively, and around a third gave a neutral rating. Only 6% were dissatisfied. The top three reasons given for this were 'does not represent my needs', 'the organisation' and 'costs'. We received some criticism for running 'London-centric' events. Asked to provide any additional comments regarding their membership, respondents mentioned 'technology and communications', which included thoughts on Transnet, The Linguist, email and the website. Overall comments divided equally Profile: Average member Gender: Female Age: 40-59 Membership: Full member for 10+ years Profession: Translator Working hours: Full-time Country of residence: UK 4% 38% 44% 12% 1% 1% " No reply Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree Figure 3: 'I'm proud to be a CIOL member' Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree No reply T Figure 4: Divisions MEMBERSHIP SURVEY Translation E Education I Business, Professions & Government N None Interpreting B