Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

CIOB Assist can help anyone who either is or has at any time been a member of the CIOB and their dependent families.

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Can any member ask for help?
CIOB Assist is accessible to all past and present CIOB Members and their dependent families.
What kind of problems can the fund provide financial help with?

CIOB Assist can help with:

  • Financial assistance for Members and their dependent families in circumstances of crisis such as illness, unemployment and financial hardship
  • Grants to help with general household costs
  • Grants to help with essential travel (to work)
  • Grants to help families in hardship to buy clothing or household items
  • Grants to help Members with children living at home and in hardship
  • Short-term, skills-based training
What does CIOB Assist not help with?

We regret that CIOB Assist does not cover:

  • Membership fees
  • Medical treatment
  • Legal costs
  • Business-related costs
  • Educational costs
  • Personal or business debts
  • Purchase of motor vehicles
How does the process of receiving financial support work?

If you are in need of financial assistance, you can download and complete the application form, which will help us to gain a better understanding of your circumstances. The completed form can be returned electronically via email to assist@ciob.org.uk.

Once submitted, the document will be reviewed and passed on to the Board of Trustees. The Board is made up of CIOB Fellows, but is run entirely independently of the Institute. Each application for financial assistance is considered individually and member privacy is respected at all times. Applications are received and administered without delay, so you’re assured of a timely response.

How quickly will I get an answer?
We aim to resolve every application as speedily as possible. Cases are usually decided in a matter of 2-3 weeks, sometimes within days.
Where does the money come from?

Our funds are provided almost entirely by the generous donations of CIOB members in the current and previous years.

The service of CIOB Assist is made possible by virtue of the generosity of members. Our Trustees have taken care to invest and to conserve resources over the years to ensure that the service continues to be available and accessible to members, their families and CIOB staff members in the future.

How has CIOB Assist supported members over the years?

Since 1992, we have offered advice and support to many thousands of members. In addition, the Trustees have provided financial assistance to members and their families, in excess of £800,000.

How we can help you

Sometimes getting on with things can get on top of you. We can provide financial support, wellbeing support and personal help to help you get back on track.

How you can support us

With your donations we can continue to play this important role in helping our members who need it most. If you can, please support us.

CIOB Assist

Every year, hundreds of members find themselves facing unexpected challenges. It can be anyone from early career starters to retirees, and as diverse as health issues to financial concerns. And without someone to turn to, their future is uncertain. Which is why we believe in the power of our community to protect our community.