Member FAQs
How can we help
Membership
Becoming a member is a quick and easy process! Simply fill in your details online and complete payment, and you’ll be all set. We’ll notify your local Institute too, so they know to expect you.
Visit our become a member page.
We’re always delighted to welcome new faces into the SWI! You can join online here but if you prefer to download the form a copy is available below.
Download New Member Joining Form.
Be part of a welcoming community of women where friendship, learning and opportunity come together. Membership includes participation in your local Institute, access to national events and competitions, free skill-share courses, exclusive discounts and practical resources and support to help you get the most from your SWI membership.
See the full list of membership benefits
Renewing your membership is easy. If you joined online and pay by Direct Debit, your membership will renew automatically each year. We’ll send you a reminder before your payment is collected.
If you joined through your local Institute or Federation, one of your local office bearers will be in touch when it’s time to renew your membership.
We’re sorry to see you go. If you decide to cancel your membership, simply contact the Central Office at any time and we’ll take care of everything for you.
Email: hello@theswi.org.uk Phone: 0131 225 1724
It’s easy! Click below to browse previous versions of the Members’ News, all from the comfort of your home.
Visit the Members’ News Archive.
Congratulations on your new role! We’ve put together an Office Bearer Handbook to support members stepping into the role for the first time, covering everything you need to get started with confidence.
Download the Office Bearer Handbook.
We welcome women aged 18 and over, wherever you’re based and whatever your background. You don’t need any previous connection to the SWI — just come along and enjoy the friendship, learning and fun.
Visit our become a member page.
Keeping your Institute or Federation office bearer details up to date is important. If there are any changes, simply contact the Central Office and we’ll update our membership database for you.
Email: hello@theswi.org.uk Phone: 0131 225 1724
Being a SWI member comes with some great savings to enjoy online, from travel and clothing to skincare and craft supplies. Codes are shared in every edition of members’ news and all discounts are only available online.
See the full list of member discounts.
The SWI Membership Fee is great value, with small increments up to 2029 so both members and SWI can budget with confidence: £33 (2026), £36 (2027), £39 (2028), £42 (2029).
Regional Federations and local Institutes may also charge a small local fee to help cover administration, meeting and refreshments costs. Your local Institute will be able to let you know if this applies.
It’s easy just search by name or postcode to find all your local institutes in your area. Don’t see one on your doorstep? Even better grab some friends and start your own Institute!
Visit our Institute finder.
Absolutely, we’d love to help you get started! Our membership team will support you every step of the way and connect you with members in your region who can lend a hand.
Email our membership team.
No worries, this is easy to sort! It’s usually down to an accidental unsubscribe or a mismatch between the email you signed up with and the one you’re currently using.
Just email the central office at hello@theswi.org.uk to get reconnected.
Yes, it’s easy, many members enjoy attending more than one Institute!
Visit our Institute finder.
We’re happy to help! For any specific membership questions, our Membership Coordinator is on hand to support you Monday to Wednesday, 9am–5pm.
Email our Membership Coordinator
Events
There’s always something happening at SWI! Whether it’s an online talk, national event or local Federation show, our events page is updated regularly, so be sure to check back often for what’s on.
Visit our what’s on page
Members’ Gathering is sure to be a highlight this year, with lots going on to enjoy! Our dedicated page has everything you need to know, and if you can’t find the answer there, just reach out to the central office.
Visit our Members’ Gathering page
Our events team is happy to help with any specific questions, please email or phone the central office and they will be able specific details around event submissions and organisation.
Email: hello@theswi.org.uk Phone: 0131 225 1724
National competitions are judged with real expertise in mind. Judges are nominated by the SWI Skills and Events Committee and chosen for their proficiency in the competition category, with SWI members prioritised wherever possible.
Are you a judge? Join our directory
Yes, recordings of all our national online events are uploaded to our YouTube channel, typically within a week of the event taking place.
Visit the SWI YouTube channel
Every member across Scotland has access to National Competitions. Speak to your Federation and tell them you want to participate and they will work with you to make it happen.
Visit our what’s on page
Great news, our online events are open to everyone! They’re completely free for SWI members, while non-members are welcome to join for a small fee.
Visit our what’s on page
Curious who took the top spots? Our dedicated competitions and results page highlights all the national competition winners from the past year.
Visit our competition results page
Paying for national events is simple, with two easy options: bank transfer, or entering your payment details online when booking directly through the SWI website. Please note the central office team can’t take payment over the phone or by email.
If you’re not sure of the SWI bank details, just get in touch with the central office team and they’ll be happy to help.
Email: hello@theswi.org.uk Phone: 0131 225 1724
It’s easy! Just visit the events page, select the event, and scroll to the bottom to add a ticket to your basket. Enter your details, complete payment if required, and you’ll receive a confirmation email once you’re booked in.
Visit our what’s on page.
We’re putting the finishing touches on the SWIFTS programme, and it’s shaping up to be a great addition with lots of exciting courses! Keep an eye on the SWI website, where full details will be shared very soon. Thanks for your patience while we get everything ready.
Visit our SWIFTS page
Governance
Missed the 2026 AGM or want to revisit it? You can catch up with everything discussed, from the full minutes to the recording of the meeting itself.
Download the 2026 AGM Minutes or watch the 2026 AGM Recording.
Everything you need to know is set out in our constitution, last updated in 2024, which you can read and download in full for the details behind our charitable purpose and structure.
Read the SWI Constitution.
Everything you need is in one place! Our members resources section holds the full list of SWI policies, there to support members and Institutes across Scotland.
Visit the members resources page
We want every Institute to feel confident and supported around safeguarding. Our central office has prepared a full policy and guidance document to help members feel comfortable in a safeguarding officer role.
Download the Safeguarding Policy & Guidance.
